Clamping Collar Retaining Loop for Large-Tube Pre-Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping systems face challenges in ensuring reliable pre-mounting and retention of tubes with large diameters, particularly due to difficulties in achieving the right range of elastic deformation for pre-mounting lugs, which can lead to high engagement forces and instability during the clamping process.
Innovation Solution
The clamping system incorporates retaining loops outside the belt that can adopt an active retaining configuration, allowing for elastic deformation and direct engagement with the clamping surface without additional elements on the tube, enhancing the pre-mounted retention and reducing the risk of disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the elastic modulus of pre-mounting lugs is increased to ensure reliable retention during pre-mounting, then the retention reliability is improved, but the engagement pushing force becomes excessively high and difficult to achieve during final mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-mounting retention function is segmented from the clamping lugs and transferred to separate retaining loops. The retaining loops are specifically designed with appropriate elastic modulus for reliable pre-mounting retention, while the clamping lugs can be optimized independently for low engagement force during final mounting. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining loops act as intermediary elements between the collar and the tube during pre-mounting. These loops provide the necessary elastic deformation and retention force during pre-mounting, then transition to a non-interfering position during final clamping. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing retention when needed without creating excessive engagement forces.
2Reliability
If the elastic modulus of pre-mounting lugs is increased to ensure retention during pre-mounting, then the pre-mounting retention is improved, but the lugs cannot be properly deformed to press inside the belt during clamping
Solution Approach 1:
The functions of pre-mounting retention and clamping adaptation are segmented into different components. The retaining loops handle pre-mounting retention with their elastic deformation, while the clamping lugs handle the adaptation to the belt during clamping. This allows each component to have optimized material properties for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining loops are designed to be dynamically active during pre-mounting (protruding to engage the tube) and dynamically passive during clamping (deformed inward to press against the belt). This dynamic behavior allows the same component to serve different functions at different stages, resolving the contradiction between retention reliability and deformation capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pre-mounting lugs are designed for large-diameter tubes, then the retention range is extended, but the elastic deformation control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining loops serve as intermediary elements that can be designed with specific geometric parameters (length, thickness, material properties) to provide controlled elastic deformation for large-diameter tubes. By separating this function from the clamping lugs, the design can be optimized specifically for large-diameter applications without compromising the precision of the clamping mechanism.
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
This configuration ensures controlled retention of the first tube in the pre-mounted state, simplifies the pre-mounting process, and maintains stability during clamping, addressing the limitations of existing systems by providing a reliable and easy-to-manufacture solution for large-diameter tubes.
Implementation Method 1
the loop being able to adopt an active retaining configuration in which its second end protrudes towards the axis of the collar relative to the edge of the first flank, and to be deformed relative to this active configuration so that said second end is moved radially outwardly
Data Source
AI summary
A clamping system for connecting a first tube and a second tube, the clamping system including a collar which includes a belt able to be clamped around clamping surfaces of the first and second tubes, the belt has a first and a second flank between which an internal recess able to receive the clamping surfaces is delimited. The collar carries at least one retaining loop disposed outside the belt. The loop has a first end fastened to the collar and a second end which is free and which is located on the outer side of the first flank. The loop is able to adopt a position of active retaining configuration in which its second end protrudes towards the axis of the collar relative to the edge of the first flank, and to be deformed relative to this active configuration so that the second end is moved radially outwardly.