Multiple power absorbers with adjustable electromagnetic damping and adjustable clamping aperture
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202611459864.9
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-09-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-10-23
AI Technical Summary
[0005]本发明要解决的技术问题是提供一种具有可调电磁阻尼与可调夹持口径的多重动力吸振器,以解决现有管路动力吸振器阻尼参数固定以及夹持尺寸适应性不足的问题
[0021]1、本发明依靠磁场发生件与涡流导体件的相对运动产生电磁阻尼力,进而形成电磁阻尼;通过转动涡流导体件,能够调节磁场发生件与涡流导体件之间的有效重叠面积,以此改变电磁阻尼力的大小,实现电磁阻尼的可调;
Smart Images

Figure CN122960808A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of ship vibration and noise control, specifically to a multi-power vibration absorber with adjustable electromagnetic damping and adjustable clamping diameter. Background Technology
[0002] Ship piping systems, under the influence of pump excitation and fluid pulsation during operation, generate strong vibration characteristic spectra, which are one of the main sources of underwater radiated noise from ships. Current piping vibration control is mainly divided into two categories: active control and passive control. While active control has advantages such as strong adaptability and a wide control frequency band, it is highly dependent on external energy sources, precision sensors, and complex control algorithms, resulting in high costs and low reliability. Furthermore, the complex operating conditions of ships during long-term navigation make online maintenance difficult after drive mechanism or circuit failures, limiting its practical application.
[0003] Compared to active control, passive dynamic vibration absorbers do not require external power supply. They rely on a mass-spring resonant structure to absorb pipeline vibration energy. Due to their simple structure, low cost, and high stability, they are more widely used. However, existing passive dynamic vibration absorbers for marine pipelines generally have the following shortcomings in practical use. Firstly, the damping parameters of existing dynamic vibration absorbers are usually basically determined after design and assembly, limiting their adjustability. Dynamic vibration absorbers typically have good vibration reduction effects when their natural frequency matches the target vibration frequency of the pipeline. However, when changes in pipeline operating conditions cause a shift in the vibration spectrum, frequency mismatch easily occurs between the absorber and the target vibration, resulting in a decrease in vibration reduction effect. Properly setting the damping helps to broaden the effective vibration reduction bandwidth of the dynamic vibration absorber and reduce the sensitivity of vibration reduction performance to frequency mismatch. However, fixed damping makes it difficult to balance the vibration reduction effect near the target frequency with the effective vibration reduction bandwidth, and it is also difficult to adjust the damping magnitude according to different vibration reduction requirements. Secondly, the clamping structure of existing pipeline dynamic vibration absorbers is usually designed for specific pipe diameters, and its effective clamping size is fixed or has a limited adjustment range. When applied to pipelines of different diameters, it is often necessary to replace the clamping structure with the corresponding specifications, which increases the specifications of parts and the workload of installation and maintenance. Therefore, the universality and installation adaptability between pipelines of different diameters are limited.
[0004] In summary, existing technologies struggle to address the issues of fixed damping parameters and insufficient adaptability in clamping dimensions in pipeline dynamic vibration absorbers. They are insufficient to simultaneously meet the vibration reduction requirements under different vibration conditions and the installation needs of pipelines with varying diameters. Therefore, it is necessary to propose a multi-stage dynamic vibration absorber with adjustable electromagnetic damping and clamping pipe diameter. This would reduce the sensitivity of vibration reduction performance to frequency mismatch, improve the effective vibration reduction bandwidth, and enhance the adaptability and versatility of the dynamic vibration absorber for installation on pipelines of different diameters within a certain range. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a multi-power vibration absorber with adjustable electromagnetic damping and adjustable clamping diameter, so as to solve the problems of fixed damping parameters and insufficient adaptability of clamping size in existing pipeline power vibration absorbers.
[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a multi-stage dynamic vibration absorber with adjustable electromagnetic damping and adjustable clamping aperture, comprising:
[0007] A clamping assembly includes multiple clamping units, and the spacing between adjacent clamping units is configured to be adjustable according to the pipe diameter. Each clamping unit has a clamping surface, and a mounting portion is provided on the side of the clamping unit opposite to the clamping surface.
[0008] A connecting assembly includes a first supporting elastic element and a second supporting elastic element, the first supporting elastic element and the second supporting elastic element being assembled to the mounting portion of the clamping unit;
[0009] The moving part assembly includes a first moving part and a second moving part. The first moving part is provided with a magnetic field generating element, and the second moving part is provided with an eddy current conductor element disposed opposite to the magnetic field generating element. The first moving part and the second moving part are respectively installed on the first support elastic element and the second support elastic element to form a vibrating structure. The vibration causes relative motion between the magnetic field generating element and the eddy current conductor element, thereby forming electromagnetic damping. The eddy current conductor element can adjust its effective overlap area with the magnetic field generating element to adjust the electromagnetic damping.
[0010] In one embodiment, the first mover is provided with a first mass block, the magnetic field generator is embedded in the first mass block, and the first mass block is assembled on the first supporting elastic member.
[0011] In one embodiment, the magnetic field generator includes a plurality of magnetic field generating blocks, which are embedded in the first mass block.
[0012] In one embodiment, the first mass block has a receiving groove, and a plurality of magnetic field generating blocks are embedded in the receiving groove of the first mass block.
[0013] In one embodiment, the second mover is provided with a second mass block, the eddy current conductor is rotatably disposed on the second mass block, and the second mass block is assembled on the second support elastic member.
[0014] In one embodiment, the eddy current conductor includes a connecting portion and a plurality of conductive portions, the plurality of conductive portions being arranged circumferentially along the connecting portion.
[0015] In one embodiment, the magnetic field generator consists of four fan-shaped annular magnetic field generating blocks, each with a central angle of less than 45°; the eddy current conductor has four conductive parts, each of which is arranged opposite to one of the four fan-shaped annular magnetic field generating blocks.
[0016] In one embodiment, an elastic pad is also included, the elastic pad being disposed on the clamping surface of the clamping unit.
[0017] In one embodiment, the elastic pad is made of rubber.
[0018] In one embodiment, the mounting portion is provided with a plurality of mounting holes, through which the first support elastic member and the second support elastic member are assembled to the mounting portion.
[0019] In one embodiment, a fastener is also included, through which adjacent clamping units are connected.
[0020] The beneficial effects of this invention are:
[0021] 1. This invention relies on the relative motion between the magnetic field generator and the eddy current conductor to generate electromagnetic damping force, thereby forming electromagnetic damping; by rotating the eddy current conductor, the effective overlap area between the magnetic field generator and the eddy current conductor can be adjusted, thereby changing the magnitude of the electromagnetic damping force and realizing the adjustability of electromagnetic damping.
[0022] 2. By changing the spacing between adjacent clamping units, the present invention adjusts the position of each clamping unit relative to the center of the pipeline, thereby adjusting the clamping pipe diameter within a predetermined range, adapting to the installation of different specifications of pipelines within a certain pipe diameter range, and improving the installation adaptability and versatility of the dynamic vibration absorber. Attached Figure Description
[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the multi-power vibration absorber with adjustable electromagnetic damping and adjustable clamping diameter of the present invention.
[0024] Figure 2 In order to be in Figure 1 The structural diagram of the second mover is omitted from the original diagram.
[0025] Figure 3 In order to be in Figure 1 The structural diagram of the first mover is omitted from the original diagram.
[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the multi-dynamic vibration absorber of the present invention when adapted to a larger pipe diameter.
[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the multi-dynamic vibration absorber of the present invention when adapted to a smaller pipe diameter.
[0028] Figure 6 This is a planar schematic diagram showing the minimum effective overlap area between the eddy current conductor and the magnetic field generator of the present invention.
[0029] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure.
[0030] Figure 8 This is a planar schematic diagram showing the maximum effective overlap area between the eddy current conductor and the magnetic field generator of the present invention.
[0031] Figure 9 for Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure.
[0032] The following are the labels in the diagram: 1. Clamping unit; 11. Clamping surface; 12. Mounting part; 2. First support elastic element; 3. Second support elastic element; 4. Magnetic field generating element; 5. Eddy current conductor element; 51. Connecting part; 52. Conductive part; 6. First mass block; 7. Second mass block; 8. Elastic pad; 9. Fastener. Detailed Implementation
[0033] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, so that those skilled in the art can better understand and implement the present invention. However, the embodiments described are not intended to limit the present invention.
[0034] Reference Figures 1 to 3 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a multi-powered vibration absorber with adjustable electromagnetic damping and adjustable clamping diameter, including a clamping assembly, a connecting assembly, and a mover assembly. The clamping assembly includes multiple clamping units 1, and the spacing between adjacent clamping units 1 is configured to be adjustable according to the pipe diameter. Each clamping unit 1 has a clamping surface 11, and a mounting portion 12 is provided on the side of the clamping unit 1 facing away from the clamping surface 11. The connecting assembly includes a first supporting elastic member 2 and a second supporting elastic member 3, which are assembled to the mounting portion 12 of the clamping unit 1. The mover assembly includes a first mover and a second mover. The first mover is provided with a magnetic field generator 4, and the second mover is provided with an eddy current conductor 5 disposed opposite to the magnetic field generator 4. The first mover and the second mover are respectively installed to the first supporting elastic member 2 and the second supporting elastic member 3 to form a vibrating structure. Its vibration causes relative motion between the magnetic field generator 4 and the eddy current conductor 5, thereby forming electromagnetic damping. The eddy current conductor 5 can adjust its effective overlap area with the magnetic field generator 4 to adjust the electromagnetic damping.
[0035] In this embodiment, the multi-power vibration absorber further includes an elastic pad 8 and a fastener 9. The elastic pad 8 is disposed on the clamping surface 11 of the clamping unit 1, and adjacent clamping units 1 are connected by the fastener 9. Preferably, the elastic pad 8 is made of rubber, and the fastener 9 can be a bolt or nut.
[0036] The arc-shaped clamping surface 11 of clamping unit 1 is provided with an elastic pad 8. The elastic pad 8 abuts against the outer wall of the pipeline and undergoes elastic deformation under clamping action to achieve stable clamping of the pipeline. Adjacent clamping units 1 are then connected with bolts and nuts. By adjusting the gap between adjacent clamping units 1, pipelines of different diameters can be adapted within an adjustable range. Figure 4 To accommodate larger pipe diameters, Figure 5 To accommodate smaller pipe diameters, the gap can be adjusted according to the actual situation in practical use to fit different pipe diameters.
[0037] This invention adjusts the position of each clamping unit 1 relative to the center of the pipeline by changing the spacing between adjacent clamping units 1. This allows for adjustment of the clamping pipe diameter within a predetermined range, adapting to the installation of different specifications of pipelines within a certain pipe diameter range, and improving the installation adaptability and versatility of the dynamic vibration absorber.
[0038] In this embodiment, the mounting portion 12 of the clamping unit 1 is provided with multiple mounting holes, through which the first supporting elastic element 2 and the second supporting elastic element 3 are assembled to the mounting portion 12. In this embodiment, the connecting parts are bolt assemblies, using a bolt-on connection method to achieve a detachable connection between the first supporting elastic element 2, the second supporting elastic element 3, and the mounting portion 12 of the clamping unit 1. This assembly is simple and reliable, facilitating the disassembly and replacement of components. When it is necessary to adjust the natural frequency of the vibration absorber, supporting elastic elements with different stiffnesses can be directly replaced without modifying the main structure of the clamping unit 1.
[0039] In this embodiment, the first mover is provided with a first mass block 6, and the magnetic field generator 4 is embedded in the first mass block 6. The first mass block 6 is assembled on the first supporting elastic member 2. Preferably, the magnetic field generator 4 can be a permanent magnet plate, and the first supporting elastic member 2 can be a spring sheet. The permanent magnet plate is embedded in the first mass block 6, and the assembly is firm and reliable, and it is not easy to loosen or shift under vibration conditions. The first mass block 6 is fixed to the first supporting elastic member 2 by bolts and nuts. Thus, the first mover and the first supporting elastic member 2 constitute a cantilevered vibrator structure.
[0040] This embodiment features a compact overall structure, requiring no additional external installation space, making it suitable for installations in confined marine piping environments. The embedded limiting structure prevents the magnetic field generator 4 from shifting or falling off during vibration, ensuring a stable magnetic field position and guaranteeing the stability of the electromagnetic damping output. Furthermore, the cantilevered vibratory substructure utilizes the mass of the mass block to provide vibration inertia, which, in conjunction with the stiffness of the elastic element, achieves the set natural frequency. Simultaneously, the cantilever structure facilitates the disassembly and replacement of elastic elements with different stiffnesses and mass blocks with different masses, allowing for easy tuning of the absorber's natural frequency to suit different target vibration reduction frequencies in the piping.
[0041] In this embodiment, the second mover is provided with a second mass block 7, and the eddy current conductor 5 is rotatably mounted on the second mass block 7. The second mass block 7 is assembled to the second support elastic member 3. Preferably, the eddy current conductor 5 can be a conductive copper plate, and the second support elastic member 3 can be a spring sheet. The conductive copper plate is mounted on the second mass block 7 in a circumferentially rotatable manner, and the second mass block 7 is fixed to the second support elastic member 3 by bolts and nuts. Thus, the second mover and the second support elastic member 3 constitute a cantilevered vibrator structure.
[0042] In this embodiment, the eddy current conductor 5 is rotatably mounted. Rotation changes the effective overlap area between it and the magnetic field generator 4, enabling continuous adjustment of the electromagnetic damping and adapting to different vibration reduction requirements without replacing components. In this invention, a single pair of mutually paired first and second movers is defined as a mover pair. Within a mover pair, the first and second movers, along with their corresponding spring plates, form a cantilevered vibrating substructure. Specifically, the cantilevered vibrating substructure composed of the first mover and the first supporting elastic element 2, and the cantilevered vibrating substructure composed of the second mover and the second supporting elastic element 3, belong to two sub-vibration systems within the same mover pair and can be set to different natural frequencies. Furthermore, the natural frequencies of different mover pairs can also be configured to be different from each other, thereby achieving multiple dynamic vibration absorption effects. This embodiment sets 8 sets of cantilevered vibrating substructures, allowing for a maximum of 8 different natural frequencies to be set, simultaneously suppressing vibrations at 8 different frequencies. It should be understood that 8 sets of cantilevered vibrating substructures are only a preferred embodiment of this invention, and more cantilevered vibrating substructures can be added.
[0043] Furthermore, the magnetic field generating component 4 includes multiple magnetic field generating blocks, and a receiving groove is provided on the first mass block 6, in which the multiple magnetic field generating blocks are embedded; correspondingly, the eddy current conductor component 5 includes a connecting portion 51 and multiple conductive portions 52, which are arranged circumferentially along the connecting portion 51.
[0044] As a preferred embodiment, four magnetic field generating blocks are configured, with the magnetic field generating element 4 consisting of four fan-shaped annular magnetic field generating blocks with a central angle of 42°; the eddy current conductor element 5 employs a central ring structure with a connecting part 51 and four conductive parts 52. This symmetrical arrangement ensures that the electromagnetic damping force acts as much as possible on the central circle position of the magnetic field generating blocks and the eddy current conductor element 5, avoiding the generation of eccentric forces. Simultaneously, the central angle of the fan-shaped annular magnetic field generating blocks is set to 42°, which is less than 45° (360° / 8); under the condition of minimum damping (see...),... Figure 6 The gap between the conductive copper plate and the fan-shaped magnetic field generating block can prevent the conductive copper plate and the permanent magnet plate from accidentally overlapping under vibration disturbance, thus preventing unexpected changes in damping.
[0045] In this embodiment, the magnetic field generator 4 is divided into multiple independent magnetic field generating blocks. Compared to a monolithic magnet, this design facilitates processing, assembly, and individual replacement. If a single block fails, the entire unit does not need to be replaced, reducing maintenance costs. Furthermore, the receiving groove provides circumferential and axial restraint for each magnetic field generating block, effectively preventing slippage and loosening under continuous pipeline vibration and impact conditions, ensuring stable magnetic field distribution, and thus guaranteeing consistent electromagnetic damping output. The multiple independently arranged magnetic field generating blocks also allow for flexible configuration of the number and arrangement of magnetic blocks according to vibration reduction requirements, adapting to design requirements of different damping levels.
[0046] Optionally, the eddy current conductor 5 and the second mass block 7 can be assembled by a rotating hinge, and the second mass block 7 is provided with bolt holes for limiting and positioning the conductive part 52; to facilitate observation of the relative positional relationship between the eddy current conductor 5 and the magnetic field generator 4, Figure 6 The bolt hole used for positioning is not shown in the diagram, therefore... Figure 6 This does not constitute a limitation on the structure of the present invention.
[0047] The multi-dynamic vibration absorber with adjustable electromagnetic damping and adjustable clamping diameter provided in this embodiment has electromagnetic damping mainly formed by the combined action of a permanent magnet plate, a conductive copper plate, a spring plate, and a mass block. Specifically, the permanent magnet plate and the first mass block 6 constitute the permanent magnet side mover assembly, i.e., the first mover; the conductive copper plate and the second mass block 7 constitute the conductive copper plate side mover assembly, i.e., the second mover. The equivalent mass of the two mover assemblies can be changed by adjusting the mass of the first mass block 6 and the second mass block 7, thus creating a preset difference in their natural frequencies. Multiple sets of mover pairs together constitute this multi-dynamic vibration absorber, and the multi-vibration absorption effect is not achieved solely by a single set of mover pairs.
[0048] When the pipeline is subjected to multi-frequency vibration excitation, the two mover components within each mover pair respond to the vibration at the corresponding frequency. Due to differences in vibration amplitude and / or phase, a velocity difference is generated, leading to relative motion between the permanent magnet plate and the conductive copper plate. Spring plates support the corresponding permanent magnet plate and conductive copper plate, transmitting the pipeline vibration to each mover component, causing it to reciprocate. When the permanent magnet plate and conductive copper plate move relative to each other, eddy currents are generated within the conductive copper plate. The electromagnetic force generated by these eddy currents hinders the relative motion between them, thus generating an electromagnetic damping force. This electromagnetic damping force dissipates the vibration energy of the system, suppresses the vibration response of the mover components and the pipeline system, and ultimately achieves vibration reduction.
[0049] This embodiment provides a multi-power vibration absorber with adjustable electromagnetic damping and adjustable clamping diameter. The electromagnetic damping is adjusted by changing the effective overlap area between the permanent magnet plate and the conductive copper plate. Four fan-shaped permanent magnet plates are embedded in the first mass block 6 through reserved receiving slots. The eddy current conductor 5 adopts a central ring structure connecting part 51 with four conductive parts 52. The permanent magnet plate and the conductive copper plate are arranged opposite to each other, and the effective overlap area between them can be adjusted by rotating the conductive copper plate. When the effective overlap area is the smallest, the area of the conductive copper plate in the effective magnetic field region is small, the generated eddy current effect is weak, and the electromagnetic damping is minimal. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, with the increase of the effective overlapping area, the eddy current effect intensifies, and the electromagnetic damping increases accordingly; when the effective overlapping area reaches its maximum, the electromagnetic damping reaches its maximum state, as shown in the figure. Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown. Therefore, the relative angle between the two can be adjusted according to the actual vibration reduction requirements to achieve continuous adjustment of the electromagnetic damping.
[0050] As a preferred embodiment of the magnetic pole distribution, the magnetization direction of the magnetic field generating block (permanent magnet) is the normal direction of the effective overlapping surface of the magnetic field generating block and the eddy current conductor 5. Under the condition of the same effective overlapping area, different magnetic pole arrangements and magnetization directions of the permanent magnet will produce eddy current damping of different magnitudes. By using normal magnetization, the magnetic field lines pass perpendicularly through the conductive part 52 of the eddy current conductor 5, which can excite and generate larger eddy currents in the conductive part 52, thereby obtaining a larger electromagnetic damping force under the condition of the same overlapping area and improving the energy dissipation capability.
[0051] As a preferred embodiment of the eddy current conductor 5, the eddy current conductor 5 is preferably made of a conductive material with low resistance characteristics. The magnitude of the eddy current damping is related to the resistivity of the conductor itself. Under the same magnetic field and the same relative motion conditions, the lower the resistivity of the conductor, the easier it is to form a large eddy current and obtain greater electromagnetic damping. For example, the eddy current conductor 5 can be made of low-resistance conductive copper plates such as copper or copper alloys.
[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the moving pairs of permanent magnet plates and conductive copper plates on different clamping units can be independently tuned and set to correspond to multiple different target frequencies, so that each moving pair suppresses the corresponding line spectrum components in the pipeline vibration, thereby achieving synergistic vibration reduction of multi-frequency line spectrum vibration.
[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the damping force can be adjusted by replacing permanent magnet plates and conductive copper plates of different materials, thicknesses, and total areas, depending on the pipeline vibration intensity and actual vibration reduction requirements.
[0054] In a preferred embodiment, provided that the installation space allows, the effective length of the cantilever of the spring sheet can be adjusted to change the equivalent stiffness of the mover assembly, thereby changing the natural frequency of the mover assembly.
[0055] The above-described embodiments are merely preferred embodiments provided to fully illustrate the present invention, and the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art based on the present invention are all within the scope of protection of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the claims.
Claims
1. A multi-stage dynamic vibration absorber with adjustable electromagnetic damping and adjustable clamping diameter, characterized in that, include: A clamping assembly includes multiple clamping units, and the spacing between adjacent clamping units is configured to be adjustable according to the pipe diameter. Each clamping unit has a clamping surface, and a mounting portion is provided on the side of the clamping unit opposite to the clamping surface. A connecting assembly includes a first supporting elastic element and a second supporting elastic element, the first supporting elastic element and the second supporting elastic element being assembled to the mounting portion of the clamping unit; The moving part assembly includes a first moving part and a second moving part. The first moving part is provided with a magnetic field generating element, and the second moving part is provided with an eddy current conductor element disposed opposite to the magnetic field generating element. The first moving part and the second moving part are respectively installed on the first support elastic element and the second support elastic element to form a vibrating structure. The vibration causes relative motion between the magnetic field generating element and the eddy current conductor element, thereby forming electromagnetic damping. The eddy current conductor element can adjust its effective overlap area with the magnetic field generating element to adjust the electromagnetic damping.
2. The multi-dynamic vibration absorber as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first moving element is provided with a first mass block, the magnetic field generating element is embedded in the first mass block, and the first mass block is assembled on the first supporting elastic element.
3. The multi-dynamic vibration absorber as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The magnetic field generating device includes multiple magnetic field generating blocks, which are embedded on the first mass block.
4. The multi-dynamic vibration absorber as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The first mass block has a receiving groove, and multiple magnetic field generating blocks are embedded in the receiving groove of the first mass block.
5. The multi-dynamic vibration absorber as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second moving part is provided with a second mass block, the eddy current conductor is rotatably disposed on the second mass block, and the second mass block is assembled on the second supporting elastic member.
6. The multi-dynamic vibration absorber as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The eddy current conductor includes a connecting portion and multiple conductive portions, with the multiple conductive portions arranged circumferentially along the connecting portion.
7. The multi-dynamic vibration absorber as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The magnetic field generating device consists of four fan-shaped annular magnetic field generating blocks, each with a central angle of less than 45°; the eddy current conductor device has four conductive parts, each of which is arranged opposite to one of the four fan-shaped annular magnetic field generating blocks.
8. The multi-dynamic vibration absorber as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an elastic pad, which is disposed on the clamping surface of the clamping unit.
9. The multi-dynamic vibration absorber as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting part is provided with a plurality of mounting holes, and the first support elastic member and the second support elastic member are assembled into the mounting part through the mounting holes.
10. The multi-dynamic vibration absorber as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes fasteners, through which adjacent clamping units are connected.
