Elastic Clamping Collar with Nested Expander for Automatic Tightening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping systems are difficult to place correctly around articles to be clamped and require manual effort to transition from an expanded configuration to a rest configuration for clamping.
Innovation Solution
A clamping system comprising a support ring and an expander that holds the ring in an expanded configuration for easy placement and automatically contracts to tighten the collar around the article, using axial movement to transition between stable positions and generate clamping force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the collar is held in expanded configuration by manual tools (pliers or staple), then the collar can be positioned around the article, but it requires manual effort and tool removal to initiate tightening
Solution Approach 1:
The support ring is nested within the expander device, allowing the collar to be placed around the ring while the expander holds it in expanded configuration. The entire assembly (expander + ring + collar) can be handled as one unit during placement, then the expander is removed or repositioned to allow automatic tightening.
Solution Approach 2:
The support ring acts as an intermediary between the expander and the collar. The expander cooperates with the ring to hold the collar in expanded configuration during placement, then enables contraction by changing relative positions, eliminating the need for manual tools.
2Extent of automation
If the collar transitions directly from expanded to rest configuration, then tightening occurs, but manual effort is required to initiate the transition
Solution Approach 1:
The expander is positioned in advance to hold the support ring (and thus the collar) in expanded configuration. This preliminary action of expanding and holding the collar in place eliminates the need for manual effort during the tightening transition, as the system automatically contracts when the expander and ring are repositioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic relative movement between the expander and support ring. The expander can be axially moved relative to the ring to transition between a first position (holding expanded configuration) and a second position (enabling contraction), allowing automatic tightening through mechanical motion rather than manual force.
3Manufacturing precision
If the collar encircles the article directly, then clamping force is applied, but precise positioning and control during placement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The support ring serves as an intermediary carrier that the collar encircles during placement. The ring provides a stable, defined geometry that facilitates precise positioning of the collar around the article. The expander cooperates with the ring to maintain controlled expanded configuration during the entire placement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The expander, support ring, and collar are handled as a combined assembly during placement. This merging of components simplifies the placement operation, as the entire system can be positioned together as one unit, ensuring proper alignment and precision without difficulty.
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
Facilitates easier placement and automatic tightening of the clamping collar, reducing manual effort and ensuring secure clamping without direct contact with the article.
Implementation Method 1
the belt to go from its expanded configuration to its rest configuration by elastic deformation
Implementation Method 2
said axial movement preferably being effected in the direction in which the expander penetrates into the ring
Data Source
AI summary
The system comprises a clamping collar (10) suitable for being brought resiliently from its rest configuration in which its diameter is small to an expanded configuration. The system further comprises a support ring (20) suitable for being encircled by the collar, and an expander (40) suitable for co-operating with the ring firstly to hold the ring in an expanded configuration in which the collar (10) encircling the ring is also in its expanded configuration when the expander and the ring are in a first relative position, and secondly to enable the ring to contract and the clamping system to tighten under the resilient return force exerted by the collar encircling the ring when the expander and the ring are in a second relative position.