Profile Clamp Ring Element Positioning Without Separate Fasteners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing profile clamps face difficulties in precisely positioning and securely fastening the ring element relative to the clamp and flanges, making the installation process cumbersome and prone to misalignment.
Innovation Solution
The ring element is equipped with axially offset holding elements and radially extending fixing tabs that interact with the clamp band, allowing for secure positioning and anti-rotation, enabling pre-assembly on a flange without tools, and featuring elastic deformation during clamping for a force-fitting connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If deformable fastening clips are used to fix the ring element, then the ring element can be positioned radially within the clamp, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The holding element is configured as one piece with the ring element, merging the positioning function into the existing ring element structure. This eliminates the need for separate fastening clips while achieving the same radial positioning effect, thereby reducing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The holding element is designed to automatically engage with the clamp band through elastic deformation during installation. The element deforms elastically to pass through the clamp band and then springs back to secure the ring element in position, achieving self-positioning without requiring additional fastening mechanisms
2Ease of operation
If the ring element is held on the clamp band in a force-fitting manner, then tool-free introduction is possible, but rotation security is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The holding element features an asymmetric design with a free end that extends beyond the ring element's outer circumference. This asymmetric configuration creates a one-way engagement mechanism where the element can be easily introduced in the correct orientation but prevents rotation by engaging with the clamp band's inner contour in a non-reversible manner
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple fixing elements are distributed on the ring element, then positioning precision improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple holding elements are integrated into the ring element as a single piece structure, merging multiple positioning functions into one manufacturing process. This allows precise positioning to be achieved through one integrated component rather than assembling multiple separate elements, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while improving positioning precision
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 configuration ensures precise, tool-free positioning and secure fastening of the ring element, simplifying assembly, maintaining axial alignment, and enhancing the seal between pipe ends by providing a reliable anti-rotation mechanism and integrated sealing function.
Implementation Method 1
the holding elements being elastically deformed in particular during the clamping of the clamp
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a clamp having a clamping strip and an annular ring element. The clamping strip has two clamping heads which are interconnected by means of a clamping element, and the ring element is positioned radially within the clamping strip. For simple pre-positioning, the ring element has at least one holding element for supporting on an inner side of the clamping strip, which is offset in an axial direction with respect to the ring element via a fastening section and extends at least in sections outwards in a radial direction.