Segmented Clamping Ring With Elastic Cams for Pipe Self-Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping rings for pipe fittings require complex manufacturing processes, are not easily adaptable, and often lack a continuous contact surface for seals, leading to reduced service life and inconsistent retention forces.
Innovation Solution
A clamping ring with multiple ring elements, including locking elements with radially inwardly directed cams that are elastically deformable, providing improved self-retention and simplifying manufacturing and installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional clamping rings with slots and retaining elements are used, then the pipe can be held and centered during insertion, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and the contact surface for seals is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping ring is divided into multiple independent ring elements that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. Each ring element can be produced using simple extrusion or injection molding processes without requiring complex slot cutting or retaining element integration, thus reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining the pipe holding and centering function
Solution Approach 2:
The ring elements are designed to perform multiple functions: they provide structural support, center the pipe during insertion, and create continuous contact surfaces for sealing. By integrating these functions into a simplified geometric design, the need for separate retaining elements and slots is eliminated
2Ease of operation
If traditional clamping rings with slots are used, then the ring can be compressed for insertion, but the contact surface for seals is interrupted reducing service life
Solution Approach 1:
The ring elements are designed with inherent elasticity and flexibility that allows them to deform during compression for insertion, then recover to form a continuous contact surface. The dynamic behavior of the material enables both compression capability and continuous seal contact without requiring slots
3Shape
If pressing systems with radial-axial pressing are used, then the fitting can be displaced axially during pressing to effect radial forming, but the overall pressing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping ring and press sleeve are pre-designed with specific geometric features and elastic properties that enable them to automatically achieve radial forming during the pressing process. The preliminary design of the elastic deformation characteristics eliminates the need for complex axial displacement mechanisms during pressing
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
The clamping ring design enhances self-retention of pipes by increasing contact pressure and static friction, while simplifying manufacturing and improving flexibility and durability.
Implementation Method 1
the cam is designed to be elastically deformable outwards in the radial direction
Implementation Method 2
increasing contact pressure and static friction
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~1e
Figure 1f~1g
AI summary
The invention relates to a clamping ring (2) for a fitting for a connection to a pipe, comprising a plurality of ring elements (4), wherein the ring elements (4) are designed to hold and/or fix a pipe to be inserted, which is characterized in that at least one ring element (4) is designed as a locking element (33) with a radially inwardly directed cam (34), that the cam (34) is designed to be elastically pivotable outwards in the radial direction and that the cam (34) has a radially inwardly directed curved surface (35). The invention also relates to a fitting and a system comprising a fitting and pipe. The clamping ring (2) leads to improved self-locking of the inserted pipe (42).