Two-Part Clamp With Spring Steel Insert For High-Pressure Tubes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamps for high-pressure hoses fail to evenly distribute clamping pressure over the entire circumference, leading to hose squeezing and complexity in re-tightening, especially when using multiple straps or cast-iron housing halves with toothed inserts.
Innovation Solution
A two-part clamp design featuring shell-shaped housing halves with a spring steel insert that covers over half to three-quarters of the hose's circumference, ensuring even pressure distribution, and is connected via spot welding for stability and ease of use, with tapered ends to prevent buckling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If multiple tightening straps are used to distribute pressure evenly, then pressure distribution improves, but device complexity increases and re-tightening becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into two separate housing halves that can be independently positioned and adjusted. Each housing half can be adjusted separately to achieve even pressure distribution across multiple contact points on the tube, while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that allows for re-tightening.
2Reliability
If toothed inserts are used to prevent hose escape, then connection reliability improves, but hose damage occurs due to uneven pressure distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The inner surface of the housing halves is designed with localized gripping elements (teeth or ribs) only at specific contact points where the tube needs to be secured. The majority of the inner surface remains smooth to distribute pressure evenly and prevent hose damage, combining secure connection with gentle contact.
3Strength
If cast-iron housing halves are used for high strength, then strength improves, but manufacturing complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp utilizes composite construction combining different materials: the housing halves may use aluminum or steel for sufficient strength, while the gripping elements use hardened steel or rubber for localized grip. This composite approach achieves high strength and reliable connection while simplifying manufacturing compared to solid cast-iron construction.
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
Enables high tensioning with even pressure distribution and re-tightening capability, preventing hose escape and buckling, while allowing for efficient assembly and disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
The insert is advantageously made of spring steel. Spring steel has a very high strength and hardness and therefore enables small wall thicknesses
Implementation Method 2
The free ends of the insert are therefore advantageously designed to taper off conically on the peripheral side. The insert thus forms a wedge in this area which, when braced, is pushed around the circumference between the housing halves and the hose and prevents the hose from buckling up.
Implementation Method 3
The connection of the insert to the housing halves surrounding it can take place in different ways, such as, for example, screws or rivets. However, it is particularly advantageous if the insert is connected to one half of the housing via at least one fixation. The fixation is preferably done by spot welding.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a two-piece clamp, especially for fastening high-pressure tubes to tube-type fittings or joining such tubes to each other. The inventive clamp comprises two substantially identical, shell-shaped housing halves (1, 2) as well as clamping screws (13) for drawing the two housing halves (1, 2) together. A strip-shaped insert (14) is used for bridging the gaps (15, 16) that are created between the two housing halves (1, 2) and extend in an axial direction. The insert (14) extends at least across both gaps (15, 16).