Conical Clamping Element for Adjustable Bolt Preload
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting arrangements in heavy machinery face challenges with large-dimension connections that are difficult to clamp and release, requiring significant manufacturing effort, specialized tools, and are problematic for maintenance due to high friction, imprecision, and the need for destructive methods to disassemble.
Innovation Solution
A connecting method and arrangement that uses a bolt with a conical clamping element and locking nut to achieve adjustable radial and axial pre-clamping forces independently, allowing for non-positive engagement on all sides, which compensates for manufacturing tolerances and enables easy clamping and decoupling of components without specialized tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If positively connecting connecting elements are used, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in clamping and releasing
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is divided into a bolt portion and a sleeve portion that can be independently assembled and disassembled. The bolt can be removed from the sleeve without destroying either component, enabling easy release while maintaining connection reliability during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element is designed to be reusable rather than single-use. After disassembly, both the bolt and sleeve can be recovered and reused in subsequent connections, eliminating the need for destructive removal methods.
2Strength
If positively connecting connecting elements are used, then connection strength is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements worsen due to need for accurate bores
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism transitions from relying on precise bore dimensions to relying on the interference fit between the bolt and sleeve. The sleeve is designed with an inner diameter that is slightly smaller than the bolt diameter, creating a friction-based connection that is tolerant of bore variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve acts as an intermediary component between the bolt and the bore. It absorbs the manufacturing tolerances of the bore through its own dimensional tolerances and interference fit design, protecting the overall connection strength from bore imperfections.
3Reliability
If specialized tools are used for tightening and releasing, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity worsens due to need for unwieldy tools
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is designed to be assembled and disassembled using simple, readily available tools such as standard wrenches or even hand manipulation. The design eliminates the need for specialized hydraulic tools or torque converters, making the system self-servicing.
4Ease of operation
If conventional clamping methods are used, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing costs worsen due to high material usage and space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve is inserted over the bolt, creating a nested structure where one component fits within another. This compact arrangement reduces material usage compared to separate clamping elements and minimizes the space required for the connecting assembly.
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 solution allows for efficient clamping of components with adjustable radial and axial forces, reducing manufacturing costs and enabling easy maintenance by providing a robust and adjustable connection that compensates for geometric deviations, ensuring reliable operation and ease of assembly and disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
a conical clamping element which is arranged for radial clamping at or on the bolt between the components and the clamping nut
Implementation Method 2
the clamping element, with its end facing away from the clamping nut, at least partially extends into the area within the opening of the first component
Data Source
AI summary
A method or arrangement for clamping at least one first and one second component to each other with a connection by force on all sides is disclosed. The connecting arrangement comprises a bolt extending from a first component through a through opening in a second component, a clamping nut which is screwed on the bolt for clamping the components, and a cone pair comprising an inner cone with a split and an outer cone. One part of this cone pair is formed as a conical clamping element, which is arranged and axially moveable for radial clamping on the bolt between the components and the clamping nut. A locking nut is screwed on the conical clamping element and clampable against an abutment surface of the second component to limit moveability of the clamping element.