Clamping Collar Hook Front Wall Centering Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing neck clamps exert clamping forces only on the lateral portions of the hook and lug, leading to inadequate distribution of forces and potential weakening of the material due to notches and angular conformations, which affects the tightening and centering of the hook relative to the ear.
Innovation Solution
The front wall of the hook features a central portion that projects forward and recessed lateral portions, eliminating the need for a notch and allowing for better distribution of clamping forces across a larger contact surface, with optional concave or convex shapes to facilitate tool engagement and centering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a notch is made in the front wall of the hook to allow centering of the hook on the ear, then the hook can be centered relative to the ear, but the mechanical strength of the front wall is weakened due to stress concentration in the notch zone
Solution Approach 1:
The front wall of the hook is segmented into a central portion and two lateral portions, with the central portion projecting forward and the lateral portions recessed. This segmentation eliminates the need for a notch while enabling centering through the geometric configuration of the segmented structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating a notch (removing material in the same plane), the solution moves to another dimension by projecting the central portion forward along the longitudinal axis of the belt. This dimensional change allows centering functionality without compromising the integrity of the front wall.
2Device complexity
If clamping forces are exerted only on the lateral portions of the hook and lug, then the structure is simpler, but the distribution of clamping forces is inadequate and tightening quality is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The front wall is divided into central and lateral portions that both participate in clamping. The central portion projects forward to engage with the rear part of the ear, while the lateral portions engage with the rear part of the lug, creating multiple contact zones for improved force distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the front wall have different functions: the central portion provides centering and additional clamping engagement with the ear, while the lateral portions provide clamping engagement with the lug. This local differentiation optimizes the clamping force distribution across the structure.
Data Source
Figure 1~1A
Figure 2A~4
Figure 5~8
AI summary
The clamping collar includes a metal band (10) which, in the vicinity of the respective ends (10A, 10B) thereof, has a projecting lug (18) and a hook (14). The rear portion of the lug opposite the hook has a centering projection (18A). The front wall (15) of the hook intended to be retained behind the lug has a center portion (15A) which moves forward towards the front of the head (15') of the hook, towards the protruding edge (15") of said center portion and two side portions (15B), which are set back in relation to said center portion. The front wall of the hook is advantageously formed by drawing.