Tool-Free Pipe Clamp Using Cam Roller Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe-jointing clamps require tools for operation, are prone to breakage or leakage due to manual fastening, and occupy a wide space for operation, posing safety and space efficiency issues.
Innovation Solution
A pipe-connecting clamp with first and second clamping members, a connection member, and a roller support member, where the roller is used to press and fix flanges by rotating and moving it between a convex slope and concave portion, eliminating the need for tools and reducing operational space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional clamp with butterfly nut and threaded rod is used, then the flanges can be securely fastened, but the operation requires tools and takes considerable time
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the threaded rod and butterfly nut from the clamp structure, replacing them with a cam mechanism. This removal of unnecessary components directly addresses the contradiction by simplifying the operation (removing tool requirements) while maintaining the fastening function through the cam's mechanical advantage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention substitutes the traditional threaded rod and butterfly nut mechanical system with a cam mechanism. The cam's geometric shape and rotational motion provide mechanical advantage to achieve secure fastening, replacing the multi-component threaded system with a simpler rotational operation that requires no tools.
2Reliability
If manual fastening with butterfly nut is used, then the clamp can be adjusted, but it is prone to breakage or deformation due to excessive fastening or leakage due to deficient fastening
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism replaces the manual butterfly nut system, providing more precise and controlled fastening. The cam's geometric design ensures consistent force application and prevents both over-tightening and under-tightening, thereby improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation through simple rotational motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fastening parameter from manual torque control (butterfly nut) to geometric constraint control (cam profile). The cam's shape determines the exact point of contact and force application, providing reliable and consistent fastening without requiring manual judgment or precision.
3Area of stationary object
If a traditional clamp with long handle is used, then the fastening mechanism can be operated, but it occupies wide space and poses safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the long handle from the clamp structure, replacing it with a compact cam mechanism that operates in a minimal space. This elimination of the protruding handle directly reduces the operational space required while maintaining the fastening function through the cam's rotational action.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of extending the handle length to provide leverage, the invention inverts the approach by using a compact cam mechanism where the rotational motion itself provides the mechanical advantage. This eliminates the need for a long handle while maintaining operational effectiveness.
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 clamp can be easily attached and detached by rolling the roller, reducing operation time and space requirements, while preventing unintended operation due to its compact design.
Implementation Method 1
the roller is used to press and fix flanges by rotating and moving it between a convex slope and concave portion
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe-connecting clamp which is compact, and which can apply a given clamping force through simple operations without using tools. In a clamp (1) for connecting pipes (19) each having a flange (20) at an end thereof, the clamp has first and second clamping members (4, 5) including respective grooves (2) into which a pair of flanges are fitted, a connection member (6) that connects the first and second clamping members in an openable/closable fashion, a roller support member (7) rotatably disposed on the second clamping member, and a roller (8) rotatably supported by the roller support member, wherein the first clamping member (4) has a concave portion (13), and the flanges are pressed and fixed by the first and second clamping members by rotating the roller support member and moving the roller to the concave portion.