Drum Connector Assembly with Segmented Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing industrial packaging solutions for connecting drums during stacking and transportation are prone to accidents due to instability, and existing methods are bulky, corrosive, breakable, costly, and lack sufficient tensile strength and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly featuring U-shaped clamping means connected via coupling elements, a screw-rod fitting, surface corrugations, and cut-outs to provide stability, flexibility, and enhanced load-bearing capacity, while allowing for water seepage and easy screw-rod fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressure-exerting members or straps are used to hold drums together, then the drums can be connected, but the connection is unreliable as the pressure-exerting member may fail to continuously exert pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into multiple clamping means (first, second, third, and fourth clamping means) positioned at different locations. Each clamping means independently clamps the drum, distributing the connection function across multiple segments rather than relying on a single pressure-exerting member, thereby improving connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the unreliable pressure-exerting member (strap, band, or cable) with a rigid connector structure that provides stable mechanical support. The connector with its multiple clamping means creates a fixed geometric arrangement that maintains drum positions without requiring continuous active pressure application.
2Reliability
If traditional connecting devices are used, then drums can be connected, but they are bulky and have high weight
Solution Approach 1:
The connector uses multiple lightweight clamping means positioned at strategic locations rather than a single heavy structural component. This segmented approach allows each clamping means to be optimized for minimal weight while collectively providing robust connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector employs thin-walled tubular structures for the clamping means that provide sufficient mechanical strength for drum connection while minimizing material usage and weight. The tubular geometry offers high strength-to-weight ratio compared to solid structural components.
3Strength
If existing connecting methods are used, then drums can be secured, but they are susceptible to cracks and have low tensile strength
Solution Approach 1:
The connector distributes mechanical stresses across multiple clamping means and coupling elements rather than concentrating loads at single stress concentration points. This segmentation reduces the likelihood of crack initiation and propagation, improving resistance to harmful factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is constructed from high-strength materials that provide superior tensile strength and crack resistance compared to traditional connecting devices. The material selection prioritizes both strength and durability to eliminate the weaknesses of existing solutions.
4Stability of the object's composition
If rigid connecting structures are used, then drums can be firmly connected, but the device lacks flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates dynamic elements including the coupling means that can accommodate relative movements between drums while maintaining connection. The clamping means are positioned to allow for thermal expansion, settlement, and minor misalignments, providing adaptability without compromising overall stack stability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a connector assembly. The connector assembly includes a connector (101) enabling connection amongst plurality of drums (501), wherein the connector 101 includes a plurality of clamping means (104) at multiple edges of the connector (101), connected to the connector (101) via a plurality of coupling elements (105, 201). A first portion (104a) of each clamping means (104) is coupled with one of the coupling elements (105, 201). The second portion (104b) of each clamping means (104) is adapted to fit within an outer reinforcing ring (504) of a drum to provide a fixed constraint to the plurality of drums (501) placed on a pallet (502). Further, the connector assembly includes a screw-rod fitting (103) having a screw rod (301) extending from the connector (101) and fastened at the pallet (502) positioned below the drums (501) to lock the connector (101) with the pallet (502).