Adjustable Clamp Coupling for Diesel Particulate Filter Reuse
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing clamp couplings used in diesel particulate filters suffer from reduced spring force due to creep when exposed to heat, making them unsuitable for reuse.
Innovation Solution
A clamp coupling design featuring adjustable clamp segments with a shim mechanism that allows for shortening of the circumferential length to maintain sufficient spring force, ensuring secure connection even after creep occurs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the clamp coupling is exposed to heat of exhaust gas through the cylindrical cases, then creep occurs in the clamp coupling, but spring force of the clamp segments is reduced making the clamp coupling inappropriate for reuse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-shortening the circumferential length of the clamp segments during manufacturing or initial installation. This pre-adjustment compensates for the expected creep deformation that will occur during heat exposure, ensuring that even after creep occurs, the clamp segments maintain sufficient spring force for reuse. The clamp segments are initially configured with a tighter fit than would normally be required, so that after thermal creep reduces their spring force, they still maintain adequate clamping capability.
2Force
If the clamp segments are made of spring steel to provide spring force, then the clamp coupling can hold flange portions, but creep occurs when exposed to heat reducing the spring force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the circumferential length parameter of the clamp segments. Instead of changing the material properties or thermal resistance, the solution changes the geometric parameter (circumferential length) to compensate for thermal effects. By reducing the circumferential length, the clamp segments generate higher initial spring force that compensates for the force loss due to creep under high temperature exposure, allowing the same spring steel material to maintain adequate holding force despite temperature exposure.
3Ease of operation
If the clamp coupling is designed to be separable for DPF cleaning, then the cylindrical case can be disassembled, but the clamp coupling may lose spring force and become inappropriate for reuse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the clamp segments with shortened circumferential length to compensate for expected spring force loss after thermal exposure during the cleaning cycle. This allows the clamp coupling to be disassembled for DPF cleaning and then reused effectively, as the pre-adjusted geometry ensures sufficient spring force is maintained even after the thermal creep that occurs during exposure to exhaust gas heat during the cleaning process.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The adjustable design ensures a consistent and secure connection by compensating for reduced spring force, allowing the clamp coupling to be reused effectively without the need for replacement.
Implementation Method 1
The clamp segments having therebetween the flange portions of the cylindrical case exert the spring force in a direction that holds the flange portions
Implementation Method 2
If the clamp coupling holding the flange portions of the cylindrical cases is exposed to heat of exhaust gas through the cylindrical cases, creep occurs in the clamp coupling, so that spring force of the clamp segments is reduced
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A clamp coupling (10) comprising: a plurality of clamp segments (11) including respective grooves (11e) each having a U or V sectional shape, the plural clamp segments (11) being connected in a ring shape with the grooves (11e) facing inward of the ring shape, the clamp segments (11) being configured to hold a plurality of objects to be connected in the grooves (11e) and connect the objects; and a connecting section (20, 30) having a first connecting section (20) and a second connecting section (30) for connecting the clamp segments (11), characterized in thatthe first connecting section (20) is configured to serve as a hinge that permits the clamp segments (11) to be opened from and closed to the ring shape, wherein the second connecting section (30) is configured to connect the plural clamp segments (11) and to permit adjustment of a circumferential length of the plural clamp segments (11) having the ring shape, wherein the second connecting section (30) includes a fastening section (31) and a contact section (32) disposed outward of the ring shape from the fastening section (31), wherein the contact section (32) connects the clamp segments (11) at one ends thereof in direct or indirect contact with each other and includes a changing means (14) to change a spaced distance between the one ends of the clamp segments (11), and wherein the fastening section (31) includes an externally threaded body (13a) inserted through the one ends and an internally threaded body (13b) screwed with the externally threaded body (13a) for holding the one ends and fastening the clamp segments (11) thereby to reduce the spaced distance between the one ends of the clamp segments (11) and connect the objects held in the grooves (11e).