Exhaust Pipe Clamp Structure for Bolt Alignment Without Welding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exhaust systems face failures in bolts or fasteners that connect exhaust components, leading to time-consuming and costly repairs, and alignment issues with potential weld separation.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigured clamp with a generally rectangular vertical portion overlaying an exhaust pipe and a horizontal portion with a bolt positioned to enter a bolt hole in the associated exhaust pipe, eliminating the need for welding and improving alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a welded bolt connection is used to connect exhaust pipes, then the connection strength is improved, but the alignment precision deteriorates and the weld may separate from the upper portion
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into distinct functional segments: a body portion for positioning and a separate bolt mechanism for fastening. This segmentation allows the body to provide precise alignment through its geometry while the bolt provides the connection force, resolving the conflict between alignment precision and connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp body acts as an intermediary between the exhaust pipe and the bolt connection. It provides a positioned interface that guides the bolt into proper alignment while maintaining the connection force, eliminating the need for direct welding and preventing weld separation issues.
2Reliability
If traditional bolt replacement is performed when fasteners fail, then the connection reliability is improved, but the repair time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp design incorporates a pre-positioned body portion that is installed on the exhaust pipe before the bolt is attached. This preliminary action establishes the alignment and positioning framework, allowing for quick bolt replacement or adjustment without needing to disturb the positioned components, thereby reducing repair time while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp system allows for dynamic adjustment and easy removal of the bolt component while the body remains positioned. This enables rapid replacement of fasteners without complete disassembly, improving repair efficiency while maintaining connection reliability through the persistent positioning framework.
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp for joining pipes has a body that is generally rectangular and a ledge that includes a fastener. The body fits over one pipe with the ledge between the pipes and the fastener passes through an aperture in the second pipe. The pipes are joined by applying a closure to the fastener.