Clamping Tool for Underwater Protective Shield Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underwater protective systems face mechanical weakness due to external welds, which can fail under water pressure and marine impacts, necessitating a device to securely fasten protective covers without relying on wax coatings that can be easily removed.
Innovation Solution
A clamping tool with a clamp, jaw attachment, and locking bolts, where the clamp comprises a first and second claw connected via a pivot, transforming rotational torque into clamping pressure, and the jaw attachment features tubes with aligned holes for locking bolts, allowing secure attachment of protective covers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If plastic covers are joined by external welding, then the covers can be assembled, but the external weld creates mechanical weakness that can fail under water pressure and marine impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical welding system with a clamping system that uses mechanical pressure and friction to secure the protective cover. The clamp applies radial force through jaws to hold the cover in place, eliminating the weak external weld while maintaining assembly capability.
2Reliability
If wax coatings are used to protect marine supports, then the supports are protected from corrosion, but the wax coating can be easily removed by impacts in aggressive marine environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a rigid protective cover beforehand that cushions and absorbs impacts before they reach the wax coating on the marine support. This pre-protective layer prevents direct impact damage to the vulnerable wax coating, maintaining both corrosion protection and impact resistance.
3Reliability
If a clamping tool is used to secure protective covers, then the covers remain secure under water pressure, but the installation process requires additional equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is designed to be self-adjusting and self-securing. Once positioned around the protective cover, the clamp automatically applies and maintains the necessary clamping force through its mechanical advantage system, requiring minimal operator intervention and no additional complex equipment during installation.
4Strength
If heavy duty equipment and extensive workforce are used for infrastructure construction, then large structures can be built over water, but the construction process becomes more complex and resource-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the protective cover system into modular components that can be independently installed and secured. The clamp serves as a standardized, reusable component that simplifies the assembly process for each segment, reducing the need for heavy equipment and extensive workforce while maintaining structural integrity.
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 tool enables secure temporary attachment of protective covers during installation, maintaining user mobility and preventing water damage, while ensuring the cover remains in place under varying water conditions without relying on weak welds or wax coatings.
Implementation Method 1
the pivot being configured to transform a rotational torque applied by a user into a clamping pressure of the jaw attachment
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
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AI summary
A clamping tool (1) is disclosed suitable for securing underwater protective shields, jackets and covers. A system is also described comprising the clamping tool and a protective shield, jacket or cover. The clamping tool (1) comprises a clamp (2), a jaw attachment (12) and a plurality of locking bolts (46). The clamp (2) comprises a first claw (20), a second claw (22), and a pivot (3). The jaw attachment (12) comprises a first tube (40) connected to the first claw (20) and a second tube (42) connected to the second claw (22). The first tube (40) and the second tube (42) comprise a plurality of holes (44) for receiving the plurality of locking bolts (46) and the pivot (3) is configured to transform a rotational torque applied by a user into a clamping pressure of the jaw attachment (12).