Adjustable Pipe Clamp for Closely Spaced Boiler Tube Welding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping tools for welding boiler tubes are not adaptable to varying sizes and are not suitable for closely spaced boiler wall tubes, lacking versatility in accommodating different dimensions.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable clamp with four clamp corners, transverse and parallel bolts, threaded inserts, and spacers that can be adjusted to fit pipes of varying dimensions, allowing secure alignment and welding of pipes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-size clamping tools are used, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to varying pipe sizes is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into four separate corner components that can be independently positioned and secured to the pipe. Each corner can be adjusted to different locations along the pipe circumference, allowing the same clamp design to accommodate various pipe diameters by simply repositioning the corners rather than redesigning the entire clamp structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp corners are designed with universal mounting features including transverse apertures and parallel apertures that accept both transverse bolts and parallel bolts. This multi-functional design allows the same corner component to be used on pipes of different sizes by switching between different bolt configurations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized clamp designs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed-size clamps are used for different pipe sizes, then each clamp is simple, but the quantity of tools required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp corners incorporate multiple types of apertures (transverse and parallel) that can accommodate different bolt configurations. This allows a single set of corner components to function across multiple pipe size applications, replacing the need for multiple dedicated clamp toolsets for different pipe dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp system transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable system where corners can be moved, repositioned, and resecured at different locations along the pipe. This dynamic adaptability enables one set of clamps to handle varying pipe sizes that would otherwise require multiple fixed-size clamp tools.
3Reliability
If closely spaced boiler wall tubes are clamped, then the alignment is achieved, but the tool must accommodate limited space
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the clamp into four separate corner components rather than a single rigid structure, the system can navigate closely spaced tubes more easily. Each corner can be independently positioned and secured in the limited space available, maintaining alignment security while being easier to operate in confined geometries.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable clamp for welding together pipes, the adjustable clamp having a first axis perpendicular to the pipes and a second axis parallel to the pipes. The adjustable clamp includes four clamp corners, four transverse bolts, two parallel bolts, two threaded inserts, and four spaces. Each clamp corner includes a first transverse aperture, a second transverse aperture, and a third parallel aperture. The first and second apertures are transverse relative to the first axis and the third aperture is parallel relative to the first axis. Each transverse bolt is securable within the first and second transverse apertures of the four clamp corners. Each parallel bolt is securable within the third apertures of the four clamp corners. Each threaded insert is placeable within the third apertures of the four clamp corners and each threaded insert is mated with a respective parallel bolt. Each spacer surrounds a portion of each transverse bolt.