Conduit Clamp With Wedge Spacer for Reduced Torque Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamp technologies for joining tubular members, such as exhaust pipes, often fail to provide a reliable fluid-tight seal and sufficient mechanical strength while being easy to disassemble, requiring high torque that can lead to material failure and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A clamp design featuring a ring sector, radially projecting channel sector, wedge-shaped spacer, and compression members with strategically positioned apertures and splines, allowing for efficient compression and reduced torque requirements through the use of a bolt and nut system, which enhances sealing and mechanical strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high torque is applied to achieve a secure seal and mechanical strength, then the sealing reliability and mechanical strength are improved, but the risk of material failure increases and the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into multiple functional segments: a ring sector for general compression, radially projecting channel sectors with compression members for localized sealing pressure, and wedge-shaped spacers for force distribution. This segmentation allows different regions to perform specialized functions, achieving reliable sealing without requiring excessive overall torque that could cause material failure.
Solution Approach 2:
Compression members are positioned at specific locations within the radially projecting channel sectors to concentrate compressive force precisely where sealing is needed at the joint interface. This localized compression enhances sealing effectiveness at critical areas without applying uniform high torque across the entire clamp, thereby reducing the risk of material failure in non-critical regions.
2Strength
If high torque is applied to achieve a secure seal and mechanical strength, then the sealing reliability and mechanical strength are improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp structure is segmented into standardized components (ring sector, channel sectors, compression members, wedge spacers) that can be manufactured independently using conventional processes. This modular segmentation enables cost-effective production while achieving the required mechanical strength through optimized force distribution across multiple components rather than requiring a single high-strength component.
Solution Approach 2:
Wedge-shaped spacers act as intermediaries between the compression members and the conduits, distributing compressive forces evenly and preventing stress concentration that could lead to material failure. This intermediary element allows the use of less expensive materials while maintaining high mechanical strength through optimized force distribution.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple clamp structure is used to reduce cost, then the manufacturing cost decreases, but the sealing effectiveness and mechanical strength are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is segmented into specialized components with distinct functions: ring sector for structural support, channel sectors for force application, compression members for sealing pressure, and wedge spacers for force distribution. This segmentation achieves effective sealing without requiring a single complex high-cost component, as each simple segment performs a specific function efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring sector serves multiple functions: providing the overall circular structure, supporting the radially projecting channel sectors, and applying general compression around the joint. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, lowering manufacturing cost while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
4Reliability
If a complex clamp structure with multiple components is used to improve sealing and strength, then the sealing effectiveness and mechanical strength are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into repeatable modular units (channel sectors with compression members and wedge spacers) that can be manufactured and assembled using standardized procedures. This modular segmentation improves sealing effectiveness through optimized force distribution while keeping device complexity manageable through standardization and modularity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional elements are merged into integrated assemblies: compression members are positioned within radially projecting channel sectors, and wedge-shaped spacers are incorporated between the compression members and conduits. This merging creates compact multi-functional units that improve sealing effectiveness without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
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 clamp achieves a secure, fluid-tight seal with reduced torque requirements, lowering the risk of material failure and enabling the use of less expensive materials, while maintaining easy disassembly and improved mechanical strength.
Implementation Method 1
The wedge shaped spacer can be positioned between the first and second straps. The first and second compression members can be positioned adjacent to and opposite the first and second straps from the wedge shaped spacer
Implementation Method 2
When the nut is tightened on the bolt with the ring sector around the outer conduit over junction of the two conduits, the first and second compression members will urge the pinch points toward each other thereby drawing the ring sector around the junction in compression
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp for use in joining conduit segments comprising a ring sector and a radially projecting channel sector having first and second straps, first and second compression members, a central compression member, and a fastener wherein upon tightening the fastener, axial forces along the fastener are transferred into clamping forces around the clamp in order to seal the conduit segments.