Compression Ring Puzzle-Like Interlocking Ends

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing compression rings face instability issues due to expansive forces that can open the ring, particularly in closed tubular sections requiring processing for each ring diameter and in restricted spaces where conventional clamping rings are not suitable.

Innovation Solution

A compression ring design featuring a clamping band with puzzle-like engaging ends, where one end has a tongue with transversely extending arms, and the other end is shaped complementarily, with convex and concave parts on the transverse edges to enhance stability, allowing for increased resistance to expansion forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional straight transverse edges are used on the arms, then the structure is simple to manufacture, but the resistance to expansion forces is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to expansion forcesVSAvoidcomplexity of transverse edge shaping

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transverse edges of the arms are shaped with convex and concave curved portions instead of straight edges. The convex portion on one arm engages with the concave portion on the complementary arm, creating a puzzle-like interlocking connection that significantly increases resistance to expansion forces while maintaining manufacturability through standard forming processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Strength

If larger portions of band width are allocated to improve compressibility, then compression performance is enhanced, but the resistance to expansion forces decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to expansion forcesVSAvoidcompressibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between band ends is segmented into multiple interlocking arms with convex and concave portions rather than relying on the overall band width. This segmentation allows the compression function to be maintained through the clamping action while the interlocking segments provide enhanced resistance to expansion forces independently of the band width allocation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the band ends are made to engage in puzzle-like fashion with multiple arms, then the anchoring effect is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of connection between band endsVSAvoidprecision of transverse edge geometry

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The transverse edges feature asymmetric convex and concave portions that complement each other in the engagement. One arm has a convex portion while its complementary arm has a corresponding concave portion, creating a stable interlocking connection that is tolerant to manufacturing variations while maintaining high reliability of the connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS10267344B2Compression ring

Publication Date: 2019.04.23 OETIKER SCHWEIZ AG

AI summary

A compression ring made of an initially open clamping band has ends which mutually engage in puzzle-like fashion for closing the compression ring. One band end carries a tongue which projects in the longitudinal direction of the band and has arms extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the band, and the other end of the band is formed complementarily thereto. The transverse edges of the arms, which extend transversely to the longitudinal direction of the band and face the free end of the tongue, each have a convex part at the outer end and a concave part at the inner end.