Adjustable Pipe Clamp Tabs for Even Force Distribution

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pipe clamps face issues with inconsistent tightening force distribution, leading to potential leaks due to varying pipe diameters, and require increased assembly effort for secure fixation, especially with temperature changes.

Innovation Solution

The pipe clamp features adjustable tabs along the circumference of the saddle body, with eccentric or centric designs, allowing for even tension and compensation of varying diameters through adjustable lugs and screws, ensuring complete enclosure of the pipe without free spaces to prevent material stress and axial displacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If pipe clamps are screwed on on both sides with multiple screws, then the guarantee of tightness is improved, but the assembly time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetightness guaranteeVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple screw connections into a single articulated closing element that applies distributed clamping force through multiple contact points. The closing element integrates the function of multiple screws while maintaining even force distribution around the pipe circumference, thereby reducing assembly time without compromising tightness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The closing element is designed to be displaceable parallel to the central axis, allowing dynamic adjustment of the clamping force. This dynamic mechanism enables the clamp to adapt to varying pipe diameters and maintain optimal sealing pressure without requiring multiple fixed screw connections, thus reducing assembly complexity and time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If pipe clamps are designed as hinges with single-side tightening, then the assembly effort is reduced, but the tightening force distribution becomes inconsistent leading to leaks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly effortVSAvoidtightness consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from single-side hinge tightening to multi-point circumferential clamping by displacing the closing element parallel to the central axis. This dimensional change allows the clamping force to be distributed evenly around the entire pipe circumference, ensuring consistent sealing pressure and preventing leaks while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the pipe clamp must accommodate varying pipe diameters, then the adaptability is improved, but the tightening force distribution becomes uneven causing seal failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediameter compensationVSAvoidseal tightness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The articulated closing element with multiple contact points can dynamically adapt to varying pipe diameters while maintaining even force distribution. The displaceable design allows the clamp to conform to different pipe sizes and shapes, ensuring consistent sealing pressure regardless of diameter variations or thermal expansion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2947366B1Clamping bracket for pipes
Publication Date: 2017.05.10 GEORG FISCHER ROHRLEITUNGSSYSTEME AG
  • EP2947366B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2947366B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2947366B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Clamping pipe clamp (1) which can be mounted around a plastic pipe, comprising a top part (3) and a bottom part (2), wherein the top part (3) has a saddle body (8), tabs (4) and a connecting spigot (5) for connecting the outgoing pipes, wherein the bottom part (2) and the tabs (4) have locking elements (19), wherein the locking elements (19) can be connected to each other for enclosing the pipe, wherein the tabs (4) are arranged to be displaceable or adjustable along the saddle body (8), preferably along the circumference of the saddle body.