C-Shape Flange Clamp with Cam Tracks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices with C-shaped clamping segments for detachably connecting flanges face challenges in safe and simple actuation, particularly in mechanized or automated processes, and often result in undesirable tangential or radial-tangential frictional forces, which complicates secure and efficient flange connection, especially in pressure vessels.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a torsion-resistant retaining plate with rotationally fixed and radially displaceable C-shaped clamping segments, guided by guide bolts and an adjusting ring with cam tracks, allowing for radial movement of the clamping segments along the Z-axis of the flanges, secured by trestles and cams, and actuated by pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric motors, ensuring precise and secure flange engagement with plane-parallel contact surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If C-shaped clamping segments are used to detachably connect flanges, then the connection can be securely maintained, but the actuation becomes complex and difficult to automate
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping connection is divided into multiple C-shaped clamping segments (at least three) that can be independently actuated. Each segment has its own guide bolt and cam track arrangement, allowing distributed actuation forces and enabling automated control of individual segments for reliable and secure flange connection.
Solution Approach 2:
An adjusting ring with cam tracks serves as an intermediary mechanism between the actuation force and the C-shaped clamping segments. The cam tracks convert rotational movement of the adjusting ring into radial movement of the clamping segments, providing a simple and automated actuation method while maintaining secure connection.
2Reliability
If conventional clamping mechanisms are used, then flanges can be connected, but undesirable tangential or radial-tangential frictional forces occur
Solution Approach 1:
The C-shaped clamping segments have a curved geometry that conforms to the cylindrical shape of the flanges. This curved design allows the clamping segments to apply radial forces directly to the flange surfaces, avoiding tangential frictional forces that would occur with flat or angular clamping surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces conventional mechanical clamping mechanisms that rely on friction and sliding contact with a system using C-shaped segments that grip radially. The cam track mechanism substitutes complex multi-directional force application with simple radial movement, eliminating harmful frictional forces while maintaining secure connection.
3Productivity
If automated actuation is implemented, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting ring serves multiple functions: it guides the cam tracks, converts rotational motion to radial motion, and provides a centralized actuation point for all C-shaped clamping segments. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate actuation mechanisms needed, maintaining productivity while limiting complexity growth.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam track geometry is designed to automatically guide the guide bolts during the actuation process. As the adjusting ring rotates, the cam tracks self-guide the radial movement of the clamping segments without requiring additional control mechanisms, enabling automated operation while keeping the device structure relatively simple.
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 solution enables a technically safe, automatic, and secure detachable connection of flanges with reduced frictional forces, allowing for high tolerance in flange alignment and ensuring a pressure-tight seal, even under varying conditions, such as those found in pharmaceutical or chemical processes.
Implementation Method 1
The adjusting ring can be rotatably mounted on the retaining plate with at least two roller bearings, each with at least one support roller for absorbing vertical loads and a support roller for absorbing radial forces.
Implementation Method 2
an adjusting ring, which can be rotated about the Z-axis of the flanges, is mounted on the holding plate and has a guide plate which is parallel to the holding plate and in which cam tracks are formed. The guide bolts mounted on the holding plate are guided in the cam tracks of the guide plate.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A chemical industry pressurized vessel has three flanges joined by two V-clamp segments forming a ring around the neck of the vessel. The segments slide in a radial direction over the flange under a retaining plate (5). The clamp may be a bell-like sheath that slides axially over the C-clamp segments and flange. The c-clamps may be operated by electric motor, hydraulic or pneumatic power.