Clamping Collar Hook Geometry Against Plastic Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping collars are prone to plastic deformation under significant tensile forces, especially in environments with temperature variations, leading to irreversible modifications in the hook's geometry and reduced clamping effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A clamping collar design featuring a hook with a radially protruding gripping surface and lateral borders that extend axially, providing a mechanical counteraction to deformation, ensuring the hook's integrity and maintaining effective clamping without significant deformation risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the collar is designed with a traditional rear fold for gripping, then the clamping tool can effectively clamp the collar, but the rear fold is prone to plastic deformation under significant tensile forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a gripping surface with specific geometric characteristics (radially outward protrusion with controlled inclination) at the precise location where clamping force is applied. This localized geometric optimization allows the gripping surface to withstand tensile forces without plastic deformation, while maintaining the necessary grip for clamping tools. The gripping surface's specific angle range (5°-60°) provides the optimal balance between tool engagement and deformation resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a traditional fold structure (one-dimensional bending) to a three-dimensional gripping surface with radial protrusion and controlled inclination. This dimensional change creates a more robust structure that resists plastic deformation under tensile loads while still providing effective gripping capability for clamping tools.
2Ease of manufacture
If the hook is designed with a simple fold structure, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the hook deforms plastically under significant tensile forces causing unwinding and increased collar diameter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a locally optimized gripping surface with specific geometric parameters (radial protrusion, inclination angle between 5°-60°) at the critical stress location. This localized geometric enhancement provides resistance against plastic deformation and unwinding under tensile forces, while the rest of the hook structure can remain relatively simple for easy manufacturing. The controlled inclination angle ensures both manufacturability and dimensional stability.
3Ease of operation
If the gripping surface is made prominent for effective tool engagement, then the clamping tool can effectively clamp the collar, but the gripping surface becomes prone to deformation without proper support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs the counterweight principle by using the lateral borders as supporting structures that counteract the deforming forces applied to the gripping surface. The lateral borders, extending axially on either side of the gripping surface, provide structural support that balances the stresses during clamping operations, preventing plastic deformation while maintaining effective tool engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping surface is optimized with specific geometric characteristics (radial protrusion, controlled inclination angle of 5°-60°) that concentrate the tool engagement forces in a controlled manner. This localized geometric optimization ensures effective tool gripping while distributing stresses to prevent deformation, combining operational effectiveness with structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
The clamping collar comprises a metal belt carrying a protruding lug in the vicinity of a first end and a hook in the vicinity of a second end. The hook has a front wall and a common part. The wall is intended to be retained behind the lug while the hook is hooked on the lug to keep the collar in the clamped state. The common part links the front wall to the belt and has a gripping surface protruding radially outwardly and two lateral borders which extend axially on either side of the gripping surface by being radially set back from the gripping surface.