Clamp Ring Flange Structure to Prevent Axial Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clamp systems experience failures due to displacement or separation of the connecting ring from the coupling clamp, leading to unstable attachments and potential failures in connected components or systems.
Innovation Solution
The connecting ring is designed with a flange portion that biases against a protrusion on one of the connecting members to limit axial movement, and includes a sloped wall and a planar wall configuration to ensure secure attachment by transitioning between clamped and unclamped positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the connecting ring is designed without axial movement limitation features, then the clamp system has simpler structure and easier manufacture, but the connecting ring becomes displaced or separated from the coupling clamp during installation or use
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting ring is segmented into functional zones: a ring portion for receiving the coupling clamp and connecting members, and a flange portion for limiting axial movement. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently, improving reliability without significantly increasing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution addresses axial displacement (one-dimensional problem) by adding a flange portion that extends in the axial dimension. The inclined wall and flange create a geometric constraint in the axial direction, preventing displacement while maintaining the basic two-component clamp structure.
2Reliability
If the connecting ring is designed with a flange portion and inclined wall to limit axial movement, then the connection stability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined wall is designed with a predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis, creating a geometric parameter that converts axial displacement into radial movement. This parameter-based solution provides predictable mechanical behavior and allows for standard manufacturing tolerances while ensuring the connecting ring cannot displace axially beyond the flange portion's limit.
3Reliability
If the clamp system uses a rigid connection between connecting ring and coupling clamp, then the connection stability is improved, but the system loses the ability to transition between clamped and unclamped positions
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the connecting ring and coupling clamp is designed to be dynamic rather than rigid. The inclined wall allows the connecting ring to move radially as the clamp transitions between closed and open positions, while the flange portion maintains axial constraint. This dynamic design enables position transitions while preserving attachment security during the clamped state.
Data Source
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AI summary
A clamp system (10) is provided for providing secure attachment of at least two connecting members (12, 14), and includes a connecting ring (16) having a flange portion (38) extending in an axial direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the connecting ring (16). The flange portion (38) is configured to limit axial movement of the connecting ring (16). Also included in the clamp system (10) is a coupling clamp (18) configured to create a force for the clamp system (10) when the coupling clamp (18) is fastened with the connecting ring (16) such that the at least two connecting members (12, 14) are securely attached by the fastened coupling clamp (18).