Clamping Device Lug Reinforcement for Deformation Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tightening devices with screw and nut mechanisms often face issues such as inadequate screw guidance and lug deformation, leading to reduced effectiveness and potential damage during clamping, especially when applied to demanding applications like sealing smooth tubes.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a collar with lugs that have a connection portion straightened relative to the belt part and a tightening wall, featuring a space between the connection and clamping walls, along with curved connection portions and reinforcing spacers to distribute clamping forces effectively and prevent deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If the lugs are positioned close to the slot edges to maximize clamping effectiveness, then the clamping force is applied closer to the object, but the screw guidance is inadequate and the ears are prone to bending under clamping forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping force effectivenessVSAvoidscrew guidance and ear stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lug is divided into distinct functional zones: a connection portion for structural attachment, a space zone for force transmission, and a clamping wall for actual clamping action. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with others, resolving the contradiction between force effectiveness and structural stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The space between the connection portion and clamping wall acts as an intermediary zone that transmits clamping forces directly to the clamping wall while being distant from the connection portion. This intermediary space prevents force concentration at the connection point, eliminating ear bending while maintaining effective clamping.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the tightening forces are applied close to the belt part, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the circularity of the belt section is modified and the clamping effectiveness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebelt structural integrityVSAvoidclamping effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping force application point is moved from the radial dimension (close to belt) to the axial dimension (distant from belt via the space). This dimensional shift allows effective clamping force application while preserving belt circularity and structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of manufacture

If the connection portion is straightened to simplify manufacturing, then the production process is easier, but the screw guidance is inadequate and the lug is prone to deformation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelug fabrication simplicityVSAvoidscrew guidance and deformation resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the lug have different geometric properties optimized for their specific functions: the connection portion is straightened for manufacturing ease, while the clamping wall and space region are configured for optimal force transmission and screw guidance. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and functional reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP1875115B1Clamping device with reinforced clamping lugs
Publication Date: 2013.03.20 ESTAB CAILLAU SARL
  • EP1875115B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1875115B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP1875115B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7B

AI summary

The invention concerns a clamping device comprising a collar (10) having a pair of projecting lugs (20, 22), and clamping means (28, 29) co-operating with said lugs. The lugs of one pair are each equipped with reinforcing means (30, 32) adapted to counter a deformation of the lugs under the action of the clamping means. Each lug comprises a portion (20A, 22A) for connection with a band (10A) of the collar which is straightened out relative to said part and a clamping wall (20B, 22B) with which the clamping means are urged to be engaged and which is folded back towards the ring. A gap (21, 23) is provided between the connecting portion and the clamping wall.