Clamp Ring Closure Flap Structure for Higher Load Capacity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe clamps suffer from a significant weakening of material in the closure area, leading to reduced resilience due to the need for a sufficiently large passage opening to accommodate the locking pin, which compromises their ability to securely hold elongated and heavy objects.
Innovation Solution
The closure flap is designed to pivot about a pivot axis in the longitudinal direction of the bending line, with a bead on the component carrying the closure flap and indentations on the closure flap to secure it against slipping, allowing for a smaller push-through opening and enhanced load capacity without compromising pivotability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sufficiently large passage opening is provided to accommodate the locking pin and closure flap, then the closure mechanism can function properly, but the material strength and load-bearing capacity of the closure area are significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The closure flap is divided into functionally distinct zones: a catch area with U-shaped contour for engaging the pin head, a feed-through area for passing through the opening, and a rear area for structural support. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function while minimizing overall material removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure flap features locally differentiated geometry with a U-shaped catch area that concentrates material around the pin head engagement zone, while the feed-through area provides the necessary opening. This local quality optimization ensures strength where needed while maintaining functionality where required.
2Ease of operation
If the closure flap is made pivotable to enable easy closure, then the ease of operation is improved, but the structural integrity and stability of the closure area are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The closure flap is pre-positioned in an initial state where it engages the pin head in the catch area, preparing the structure for subsequent loading. This preliminary engagement ensures that when the clamp is subjected to loads, the closure flap is already in a stable configured state that maintains structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure flap is designed as a dynamic element that can pivot during operation but maintains stable engagement positions. The pivotability allows for easy closure and opening operations, while the engaged position provides structural stability during use, effectively combining dynamic operation with static strength.
3Strength
If a threaded screw is used as the closure pin for secure fastening, then the strength of the connection is improved, but the complexity of assembly and operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded screw is designed to be held by the tab and pushed through the closure flap's feed-through area, where it automatically threads into the tab. The closure flap's geometry guides the screw into proper alignment and engagement, allowing the screw to self-assemble without additional fastening operations or complex alignment procedures.
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
This design enhances the load capacity and resilience of the closure area, enabling secure holding of longer and heavier pipe sections with improved ease of assembly and reduced material weakening, while maintaining simplicity in manufacturing and operation.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic rubber ring which exerts a restoring force on the closure flap and pushes it back into its original position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) with at least two components (2, 3), of which a first component (2) is designed as an upper part and a second component (3) as a lower part, on which at least one tab (5, 6) protrudes at an angle in the area of a bend, forming at least one closure (4) of the device (1), and of which one tab (5) has a through-hole (7) through which a locking pin (8) held by the associated other tab (6) with a pin head (9) provided at the free end of the pin can be inserted such that the locking pin (8) with its pin head (9) pivots a closure flap (10) from an initial position abutting the adjacent tab (5) against the restoring force of a spring element (11) into an open position.The device (1) according to the invention is characterized in that the closure flap (10) is pivotable about a pivot axis arranged in the longitudinal direction (PF1) of the bend line (13) of the fold, that at least the component (3) has at least one groove (14) in the area of the fold, that the closure flap (10) has a first indentation or projection (15) and with this first indentation or projection (15) bears against the at least one groove (14) in such a way that the closure flap (10) is secured against slipping in the longitudinal direction (Pf1) of the bend line (13), and that the spring element (11) is held securely on at least one longitudinal side of the closure flap (10) by at least one second projection or indentation (16, 17) of the closure flap (10) (see Figure 1).