Claw Collar Abutment Means for Secure Tubular Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing claw collars used to lock tubular spigots have insufficient hold due to small and limited number of radially inward cut-out tabs, which weaken the base body and fail to properly secure the claw segment, leading to inadequate locking performance.
Innovation Solution
The claw collar assembly features abutment means that extend over at least 70% of the claw segment's angular range, held in place by circumferential ends and a front wall, with a plastically deformed inner rib and reinforcement plates, enhancing the claw segment's retention and resistance to pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If small radially inward cut-out tabs are used to hold the claw segment, then the base body structure is simpler, but the hold of the claw segment is insufficient and the base body is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The base body is divided into a central part and two fixing flanges with different wall thicknesses. The fixing flanges have greater wall thickness to provide structural support and hold the claw segments, while the central part maintains the original thickness for simplicity. This segmentation allows different regions to serve different functions: the thicker fixing flanges provide reliable claw segment retention, while the overall structure remains simple to manufacture.
2Reliability
If multiple reinforcement elements are added to hold the claw segment, then the claw segment hold is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement elements (fixing flanges with increased wall thickness) are merged into the base body as an integrated structural feature rather than separate components. This combining approach provides enhanced claw segment retention through the thicker fixing flange regions while avoiding the manufacturing complexity of assembling separate reinforcement elements. The reinforcement is built-in during base body formation, simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
3Strength
If the wall thickness of fixing flanges is increased, then the resistance to pressure and tightening capability are improved, but the base body becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The base body exhibits local quality variation with different wall thicknesses in different regions. The fixing flanges have greater wall thickness to provide enhanced strength and pressure resistance where needed for securing the claw segments and tightening the collar. The central part maintains the original wall thickness, avoiding unnecessary material usage and complexity in regions where high strength is not required. This localized thickness variation optimizes strength-to-complexity ratio.
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 significantly improves the hold of the claw segments, ensuring secure locking of tubular spigots and maintaining resistance to pressure, while simplifying manufacturing and avoiding base body weakening.
Implementation Method 1
the abutment means comprise a plastically deformed part of the base body
Data Source
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AI summary
Said assembly (12, 14) for a grip collar, comprises two base bodies (16) extending over a first angular range (20) of less than 180°, four grip segments (18) extending over a second angular range (22) less than the first angular range and provided with grips (24), stop means (40) designed to limit the inclination and deformation of the grip segments (18) in flexion, the stop means being fixed to the base body. The stop means extend over a third angular range about the central axis (X-X) being at least 30% of the second angular range (20). Application in pressurised tube connections.