Tensioning Clamp Insert Depressions for Uniform Sealing Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamps with tensioning bands and inserts suffer from uneven distribution of contact forces, leading to sealing issues and potential damage to the material being clamped due to force concentration in specific areas.
Innovation Solution
A clamp design featuring a tensioning band with loops, tensioning elements, and an insert with a W-profile and depressions that redistributes contact forces more evenly by reducing pressure in certain areas, using a spring-elastic material to maintain tightness across a wide temperature range, and incorporating projections for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the tensioning elements rest directly on the insert without depressions, then the clamping force is concentrated in narrow areas below the tensioning elements, but this leads to insufficient contact forces in other areas causing sealing problems and potential damage to the liner
Solution Approach 1:
The insert features depressions in specific circumferential regions where tensioning elements are located, creating local variations in the contact surface. This allows different areas of the insert to have different functions: areas with depressions reduce contact force concentration to prevent liner damage, while areas without depressions maintain sufficient contact force for sealing, thus resolving the contradiction between force distribution and sealing reliability
2Device complexity
If the insert has a flat contact surface, then the structure is simple, but the contact force is unevenly distributed causing force concentration in specific areas
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than making the entire insert complex, depressions are introduced only in specific circumferential regions where tensioning elements are positioned. This localized modification achieves improved contact force distribution while keeping the overall insert structure relatively simple, balancing structural complexity with force distribution requirements
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 ensures a more uniform distribution of contact forces, preventing sealing problems and material damage while maintaining high tightness and secure positioning, as demonstrated by controlled force redistribution and the use of a W-profile with depressions and projections.
Implementation Method 1
The insert can be formed in particular from a spring-elastic flat material, for example sheet steel. The spring action of the W-profile ensures high tightness over a very wide temperature range.
Implementation Method 2
The spring action of the W-profile ensures high tightness over a very wide temperature range.
Implementation Method 3
In the area of the depression, the contact force of the clamping band is at least reduced compared to inserts without depressions, and depending on the depth, it is also eliminated altogether, at least up to a predefined clamping force.
Data Source
AI summary
A tensioning clamp (10) with a tensioning band (12), two tensioning elements (14a, 14b), a pulling element (16) and an insert (18). The tensioning band (12) comprises two ends folded over to form a loop. Each of the loops (20a, 20b) receives a tensioning element and has openings (24, 26). The pulling element (16) connects the tensioning elements (14a, 14b) through the openings (24, 26) and transmits a pulling force applied to tension the tensioning clamp (10). The insert (18) is arranged in a circumferential region of the loops (20a, 20b) between the tensioning band (12) and a binding material, and has two radially inwardly projecting ribs (30a, 30b) extending in the circumferential direction of the tensioning band (10) and a trough (32) formed between the ribs (30a, 30b). A rear side of the insert (18) facing the tensioning belt (12) in the region of the trough (32) forms a support surface (34) The support surface (34) has at least one recess (40a, 40b) in a circumferential region lying below the tensioning elements (14a, 14b).