Ferrule Clamp Locking Shackle to Prevent Wing Nut Loosening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wing nut-type ferrule clamps experience wear and tear, leading to rotation and loosening due to vibrations and frequent removal for servicing, with over-tightening exacerbating the issue.
Innovation Solution
A securing device with a hollow cylindrical body and flanges that incorporates a lock shackle to prevent movement of the wing nut, featuring a labeling surface and easy removal, utilizing a cylindrical top and parallel flanges with holes for the shackle to secure the clamp.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wing nut-type ferrule clamps are used for quick installation and removal, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to rotation and loosening from vibrations and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The securing device is divided into separate functional components: a body that interfaces with the ferrule clamp, a shackle that forms a loop, and a locking mechanism. This segmentation allows the device to provide both easy installation (through the simple snap-fit design) and reliable security (through the separate shackle and lock components that prevent rotation and loosening).
Solution Approach 2:
The shackle acts as an intermediary element between the wing nut clamp and the lock. It transfers the securing function from the clamp to the lock, allowing the clamp to remain easy to install while the shackle-lock combination provides the reliability needed to prevent vibration-induced loosening and tampering.
2Ease of operation
If frequent removal for servicing is performed, then accessibility is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to increased wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
The securing device is designed with a body that can be preliminarily attached to the ferrule clamp without full engagement. This allows servicing personnel to quickly assess and remove the device for inspection without the wear associated with repeated full installation and removal cycles, thereby extending the overall durability of the clamping system.
3Reliability
If wing nuts are over-tightened to prevent loosening, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to increased difficulty in removal
Solution Approach 1:
The securing device transitions from a static over-tightened state to a dynamic locking mechanism. The shackle and lock combination provides variable security levels - the shackle can be easily opened for authorized removal, but when locked, it provides strong security against unauthorized removal or vibration-induced loosening, eliminating the need for over-tightening.
4Reliability
If securing devices are added to prevent rotation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than making the entire securing device complex, the invention applies complexity locally only where needed - the shackle and lock components are concentrated at the critical rotation-prone areas of the wing nut clamp. The rest of the device maintains a simple snap-fit design, achieving rotation prevention without overall complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A securing device for securing a wing nut type ferrule clamp installed on a ferrule, the securing device has a top and a hollow body that extends downwards from a periphery of the top. The hollow body has a front face and a rear face, the front face has an elongated hole configured to receive one end of the wing nut. A first cutout in the front face extends from the bottom of the hollow body and below the elongated hole. The first cutout has a width more than the width of the ferrule clamp. The rear face of the hollow body has a second cutout to receive an opposite end of the wing nut. Two flanges extend from opposite edges of the second cutout, wherein each of the two flanges has a hole. A shackle can pass through the two holes and limits the movement of the wing nut.