Clamping Gap Nut With Flexible Traction Means

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing clamping gap nuts often suffer from inhomogeneous stress distribution and uneven clamping effects due to rigid structures, which can lead to inefficient clamping on counter-threaded components.

Innovation Solution

A clamping gap nut design featuring a base body in the form of an open-circumference ring with flexible traction means that bridges the gap between two adjustable gap walls, allowing for a homogeneously distributed radial tension and even stress distribution, achieved through a clamping device with adjustable peripheral sections and a tensioning mechanism that can shorten or lengthen to adjust the gap width.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If rigid structures are used in clamping gap nuts, then structural strength is improved, but stress distribution becomes inhomogeneous and clamping effect becomes uneven

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidstress distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a flexible traction means (such as a flexible membrane or thin-walled structure) that can deform elastically under load. This flexible component distributes the clamping force uniformly across the contact surface, eliminating the inhomogeneous stress distribution caused by rigid structures while maintaining sufficient structural strength through the flexibility and elasticity of the material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the clamping structure by introducing flexibility and elasticity characteristics. The traction means is designed with specific material properties (elastic modulus, Poisson's ratio) that allow it to deform and distribute stress evenly, transforming the stress distribution parameter from inhomogeneous to homogeneous while maintaining the required clamping force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If rigid structures are used in clamping gap nuts, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but clamping effectiveness becomes uneven

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidclamping effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible traction means can be manufactured as a simple thin-walled component or membrane that conforms to the contact surface, providing even clamping effect. This approach maintains manufacturing simplicity while dramatically improving clamping reliability by ensuring uniform contact pressure across the entire clamping surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If gap walls are made adjustable, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegap adjustabilityVSAvoidclamping device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements adjustable gap walls that can dynamically change their position or configuration to adapt to different clamping requirements. The adjustment mechanism allows the gap width to be modified while maintaining the overall simplicity of the device structure, achieving adaptability without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 design ensures a more even and effective clamping action, reducing the risk of inhomogeneous stresses and improving the axial fixation of large bearings and other shaft components by providing a homogeneous radial bracing on the circumference.

Implementation Method 1

The peripherally open ring is resiliently flexible in such a way that its inner diameter can be reduced by elastically deforming the ring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the clamping device has at least one flexible and/or bendable peripheral section of the base body that bridges the gap

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP2655903B1Clamping gap nut
Publication Date: 2015.03.04 AB SKF SKF PATENT DEPARTMENT
  • EP2655903B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2655903B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2655903B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to a clamping gap nut (1) comprising a main body (3) in the form of a circumferentially open ring (3a) comprising an outer shell wall (5), an inner shell wall (9) having an inner diameter (D) and two gap walls (15a, 15b) spaced apart from each other, facing each other, and bounding a gap (13) of the circumferentially open ring (3a), said walls being adjustable relative to each other by means of a clamping device (17), wherein the clamping device (17) comprises at least one traction mechanism (19) wrapped flexibly around at least one circumferential segment (U) of the main body (3) bridging the gap (13).