Conical Clamp Assembly for Secure and Releasable Cylindrical Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamp devices for cylindrical members lack a reliable and efficient mechanism for secure attachment and detachment, often requiring complex assembly and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A clamp device with an inner member having an outward-facing conical surface and an outer member with an inward-facing conical surface, generating a wedge effect when assembled, and featuring sealing means and fluid ports for secure attachment and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional clamp devices are used for cylindrical members, then basic holding function is achieved, but secure attachment and detachment reliability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp device is divided into two separate members: an inner member that contacts the cylindrical element and an outer member that provides the clamping force. This segmentation allows each member to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner member is nested within the outer member, with the inner member having an outward-facing conical surface and the outer member having an inward-facing conical surface. This nested configuration with complementary conical surfaces creates a wedge effect that enhances attachment reliability through mechanical interlocking.
2Productivity
If conventional clamp devices are used, then basic clamping function is achieved, but assembly and detachment efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The inner member is pre-configured with an outward-facing conical surface and the outer member with an inward-facing conical surface before assembly. This preliminary configuration of complementary conical surfaces enables the wedge effect to automatically engage during assembly, improving both efficiency and ease of operation without requiring complex assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The conventional complex mechanical fastening system is replaced with a wedge effect mechanism generated by the complementary conical surfaces. This substitution simplifies the assembly process by utilizing geometric shapes that naturally generate clamping force through relative movement, improving assembly efficiency and ease of operation.
3Reliability
If conventional clamp devices are used, then basic holding function is achieved, but secure fit and easy removal are not simultaneously achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp device utilizes dynamic interaction between the complementary conical surfaces, where the wedge effect can be engaged or disengaged through relative axial movement of the inner and outer members. This dynamic mechanism allows the same geometric configuration to provide both secure fit during operation and easy removal when needed, resolving the contradiction between fit security and detachment ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The conventional approach of requiring complex mechanisms for both secure attachment and easy removal is inverted by using a simple wedge effect mechanism that provides secure fit through engagement and easy removal through disengagement. The same conical surfaces that create strong clamping force during assembly also enable simple detachment by reversing the axial movement, achieving both security and ease of operation.
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 device provides a secure, efficient, and easy-to-use mechanism for attaching and detaching from cylindrical elements, utilizing the wedge effect and fluid pressure to ensure a tight fit and easy removal.
Implementation Method 1
whereby when the outer member is assembled onto the inner member, a wedge effect is generated when the outer member is moved in the longitudinal direction
Implementation Method 2
injecting a fluid into the sealed cavity via the fluid port, at a fluid pressure sufficient to cause temporary elastic deformation in at least the outer member
Implementation Method 3
at a fluid pressure sufficient to cause temporary elastic deformation in at least the outer member
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp device includes an inner member for assembly onto a cylindrical element, and the inner member includes an inner surface for releasable contact with a portion of the cylindrical element outer surface. The inner member includes an outer surface with an outward-facing conical shape. The clamp device also includes an outer member having an inner surface defining an inward-facing conical shape; wherein the inward-facing conical shape is complementary with the outward-facing conical shape, whereby when the outer member is assembled onto the inner member, a wedge effect is generated when the outer member is moved in the longitudinal direction. Either the inner member or the outer member includes sealing means that define an area on the respective member, whereby the area defines a sealed cavity between the inner and outer members. At least one of the outer member or the inner member includes a fluid port.