Adjustable Collar Radial Clamping for Pipe Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe adapters are limited to standard diameters, requiring tools for tightening and often result in eccentric pipe positioning, which is detrimental for gas flow.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable collar with radially movable sizing clamps and a control ring featuring a spiral guide track and cooperative guide followers, allowing pipes of various diameters to be securely positioned and clamped without tools, ensuring concentric alignment for optimal flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-diameter adapter is used, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but it can only accommodate predetermined standard pipe diameters and lacks adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter incorporates radially movable sizing clamps that can adjust their position dynamically to accommodate different pipe diameters. The clamps are guided by clamp guides that define an allowed movement range, enabling the adapter to adapt to various pipe sizes while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is designed with multiple sizing clamps that can be positioned at different radial locations, allowing a single adapter structure to serve multiple pipe diameter requirements. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple fixed-diameter adapters.
2Ease of operation
If traditional tightening methods are used, then the connection is secure, but tools are required and the operation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sizing clamps are designed to be manually movable by the user without requiring additional tools. The clamps can be directly adjusted and positioned on the pipe by hand, simplifying the operation while maintaining secure connection through the radial clamping force.
3Reliability
If pipes are inserted into fixed adapters, then the installation is simple, but the pipes become eccentric with respect to the inlet, which is detrimental for gas flow
Solution Approach 1:
The radially movable sizing clamps can be adjusted to maintain concentric alignment between the pipe and the adapter inlet. By dynamically positioning the clamps at appropriate radial locations, the system ensures that pipes of various diameters remain centered, optimizing gas flow efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable collar for inserting a pipe therein, in particular for positioning and securing a pipe to an apparatus. The adjustable collar accepts pipes of any diameter within a pre-determined range instead of only accepting pipes of certain standard diameters. Furthermore, pipes can be secured into the adjustable collar according to the invention without the need for hand tools, adapters, or other accessories.