Clamping Collar Capacity Reserve for Variable Diameter Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Clamps with internal recesses delimited by flanges struggle to adapt to objects of varying sizes due to manufacturing tolerances and thermal expansion, requiring a mechanism to elongate while maintaining clamping force.
Innovation Solution
A metal belt clamp with a capacity reserve formed by portions where the flanges are interrupted, allowing elongation under tension, with cheek portions oriented towards the axis to provide bearing support and rigidity, and optionally featuring convex edges, concave edge portions, and holes for enhanced deformation and support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the clamp is designed with a fixed band length for specific dimensions, then the clamping force is optimized for the design dimensions, but the clamp cannot adapt to objects with varying dimensions due to manufacturing tolerances and thermal expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The band is segmented into three functional zones: rigid portions at the ends that maintain clamping force, a capacity reserve portion in the middle that can elongate, and connecting portions with interrupted cheeks that allow controlled deformation. This segmentation allows different parts of the band to serve different functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The band transitions from a static, fixed-length structure to a dynamic structure with a capacity reserve that can change length. The interrupted cheeks in the connecting portions enable the band to deform and elongate dynamically in response to dimensional variations, while the rigid portions maintain constant clamping pressure.
2Strength
If the band is made rigid to maintain clamping force, then the clamping action is secure, but the band cannot stretch to accommodate larger diameters or thermal expansion
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the band have different mechanical properties: the end portions are rigid to maintain clamping force, while the capacity reserve portion is designed to be more compliant and capable of elongation. The interrupted cheeks create localized flexibility zones that allow stretching without compromising overall structural integrity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If capacity reserves are formed by undulations in a flat band without internal recess, then the band can elongate, but the clamp lacks the bearing support and rigidity provided by cheeks
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges two previously separate concepts: the capacity reserve mechanism from flat bands and the bearing support function from bands with internal recesses and cheeks. By integrating interrupted cheeks into the capacity reserve portion, the design achieves both elongation capability and bearing support simultaneously.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the clamp is designed to accommodate dimensional variations, then adaptability improves, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The band is divided into distinct functional segments (rigid portions, capacity reserve portion, connecting portions with interrupted cheeks), each with a specific role. This segmentation allows the complex functionality to be achieved through simple, modular design elements that are easier to manufacture and assemble than a fully integrated complex structure.
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 clamp effectively adapts to objects of larger diameters by elongating the capacity reserve, maintaining clamping force and rigidity, while being simple to produce and ensuring continuous support on the object.
Implementation Method 1
a capacity reserve, formed by a portion of the band capable of elongating under the effect of a tightening tension of the band
Implementation Method 2
The sides of this annular bulge form bearing surfaces against which the flanges that define the recess rest when the object is clamped. This support enhances the security of the clamping action.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The clamping collar comprises a metal belt (10) configured to be tightened on an object, the belt having an internal recess (20) comprising a bottom (23) delimited by cheeks (22, 24) oriented towards the axis of the belt, the collar having a capacity reserve (30), formed by a portion of the belt capable of elongating under the effect of a tightening tension of the belt, the capacity reserve being delimited, according to the circumferential direction of the belt, by connecting portions (36) in which the cheeks (22, 24) are interrupted and having portions of cheeks (32,34) oriented towards the axis of the belt.