Tubular Clamping Collar Insert for Weld-Free Diameter Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping collar assemblies for tubular articles require welding, lack flexibility for different diameters, and have complex installation processes, leading to increased time and tool requirements.
Innovation Solution
A deformable insert with a radial projection and a metal casing body that allows for injection molding without complex accessories, enabling a robust, weld-free clamping solution with easy preassembly and adjustment capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If welding is used to attach the clamping body and mounting element assembly, then the connection strength is improved, but the installation time and tool requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the welding process with a mechanical insertion system. The mounting element assembly is inserted through a guide opening into the clamping body, where positioning protrusions engage with positioning recesses to create a secure mechanical connection without thermal processing. This substitution eliminates welding equipment requirements and significantly reduces installation time while maintaining connection integrity.
2Ease of manufacture
If a fixed-size clamping body is used, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the adaptability to different tube diameters deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping body is designed with a deformable structure that allows it to adapt to different tube diameters. The body can be expanded or contracted radially to accommodate various tube sizes while maintaining effective clamping. This dynamic capability enables a single clamping body design to serve multiple tube diameter specifications without requiring multiple fixed-size components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs adjustable geometric parameters in the clamping body design, including variable wall thicknesses, adjustable positioning element locations, and flexible material properties. These parameter changes allow the same basic clamping body structure to be configured for different tube diameters, providing versatility while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through standardized production processes.
3Ease of manufacture
If the clamping body and mounting element are made as separate parts, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the device complexity increases due to welding requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the assembly into two separate components: the clamping body and the mounting element assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using optimized processes for its specific function, then assembled through simple insertion without welding. The separate manufacturing improves production flexibility and quality control while the simplified assembly process offsets the increased component count.
4Reliability
If additional fixing elements such as screws or rivets are used, then the reliability of the clamping is improved, but the device complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting element assembly incorporates self-positioning protrusions that automatically engage with corresponding recesses in the clamping body during insertion. This self-aligning mechanism ensures reliable positioning and secure attachment without requiring additional fixing elements like screws or rivets. The system is self-sufficient, achieving both reliability and simplicity through its inherent geometric interlocking features.
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 solution provides a robust, easy-to-produce, and efficient clamping mechanism that eliminates the need for welding and simplifies the manufacturing process, allowing for quick and flexible installation without additional tools.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable insert made from an elastomer material... the insert is elastically deformable between an open undeformed position and a closed deformed position
Implementation Method 2
a protruding clipping edge configured to hold the insert inside the metal casing body
Data Source
AI summary
A cylindrical cavity for receiving the tubular article and a metal casing body delimiting a seat substantially inside which the insert is wrapped around the article, the insert having an external projection which extends radially towards the exterior of the insert and is configured to cooperate with a corresponding orifice formed in the seat of the metal body so as to position the insert inside the body, the projection comprising a base attached to the insert and a head provided at the periphery of the head with a protruding clipping edge configured to hold the insert inside the metal casing body. The insert has, at the base of the projection, a through hole extending in line with the clipping edge.