Quick Clamping Hoop Assembly With Plug Connection and Sealing Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing quick connection clamping hoops face inefficiencies in assembly and pipe connection due to bolt-based connections, sealing ring deformation, and integration with retaining rings leading to sealing failures.

Innovation Solution

The design includes semi-annular upper and lower clamping hoop bodies with plug connecting ends and a plug connecting mechanism, adjustable sealing ring grooves, and a non-integral retaining ring to facilitate quick assembly and ensure effective sealing by allowing for the sealing ring's free contraction and preventing deformation-induced sealing failures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If bolt connections are used to connect upper and lower clamping hoop bodies, then the connection is reliable, but assembly efficiency and connection speed are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping hoop is divided into upper and lower semi-annular bodies that can be assembled separately and then connected. This segmentation allows for pre-assembly of components and faster on-site connection compared to traditional one-piece designs with multiple bolts

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The upper and lower clamping hoop bodies are merged into a single integrated structure after assembly, eliminating the need for multiple separate connection points. The end-to-end connection merges the two halves into a complete circular clamp that maintains reliable holding force

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of manufacture

If uniform groove depth is used from middle to end parts, then manufacturing is simplified, but sealing ring deformation causes protrusion and sealing failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegroove manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidsealing reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The groove depth is varied locally along the clamping hoop - deeper in the middle section and shallower at the end parts. This local variation in groove depth allows the sealing ring to deform uniformly under compression without protruding at the ends, maintaining sealing reliability while accommodating the non-uniform pressure distribution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Strength

If retaining ring is firmly connected to sealing ring body, then structural integrity is improved, but sealing ring contraction is hindered causing corrugation and sealing failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidsealing reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the retaining ring and sealing ring body is made flexible rather than rigid. This dynamic connection allows the sealing ring to contract and deform as needed during operation while the retaining ring maintains its structural integrity and prevents the sealing ring from collapsing or forming harmful corrugations

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 enhances assembly efficiency, improves pipe connection speed, and maintains a sealing effect by allowing the sealing ring to deform without protruding and preventing bonding with the retaining ring, ensuring full contact and preventing sealing failures.

Implementation Method 1

when the clamping hoop is sleeved on the pipe for fastening, the sealing ring is deformed under pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the hook of the connecting arm is capable of being hooked on the connecting post after the connecting arm is inserted into the inserting hole

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical interlocking: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP3896323B1Quick connection clamping hoop
Publication Date: 2023.03.08 SHANDONG LEDE MASCH CO LTD
  • EP3896323B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3896323B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3896323B1 patent drawingFigure 6~10

AI summary

A quick connection clamping hoop, including an upper clamping hoop body (1) and a lower clamping hoop body (2) that are both in a semi-annular shape, upper convex ribs (3) and an upper sealing ring groove (4) being disposed on an inner annular face of the upper clamping hoop body (1); and lower convex ribs (5) and a lower sealing ring groove (6) being disposed on an inner annular face of the lower clamping hoop body (2); where the upper clamping hoop body (1) and the lower clamping hoop body (2) each have one end as an inserting end and the other end as a connecting end; connecting ends of the upper clamping hoop body (1) and the lower clamping hoop body (2) each are provided with a lug (7), and the connecting ends of the two are connected together via a bolt passing through lugs (7); plug connecting ends of the upper clamping hoop body (1) and the lower clamping hoop body (2) are connected together via a plug connecting mechanism disposed at the plug connecting ends of the two; and after end-to-end connections, the upper clamping hoop body (1) and the lower clamping hoop body (2) are capable of enclosing central space for receiving a pipe, and a sealing ring installed in the upper sealing ring groove (4) and the lower sealing ring groove (6) is disposed in the central space. A clamping hoop in this structure is assembled and connected to a pipe quickly, and is convenient for use, which can greatly improve production efficiency of the clamping hoop and efficiency of pipe connection.