Flange Clamping Device Wedge Bracing Tensile Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flange connections face challenges such as complex assembly, material stress due to bending forces, and potential loosening of connections, especially when used in turbomachine housing components.
Innovation Solution
A clamping device that surrounds and braces adjacent flange webs using a frame and a bracing device with a wedge screw and nut, applying tensile loads without generating bending moments, ensuring a stable connection by maintaining the flange webs in a perpendicular orientation and using a wedge bolt for easy assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sleeve is integrated into one of the components to overlap the adjacent flange, then the connection can be achieved, but the sleeve is subject to high bending forces which stress the material and can loosen the connection
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping device is divided into a frame structure and a separate bracing device. The frame provides the overlapping structure while the bracing device (with wedge element and tension screw) provides the clamping force, separating the functions and reducing bending moments on the frame.
Solution Approach 2:
A wedge element is introduced as an intermediary between the tension screw and the flange. The wedge converts the tensile force from the screw into a clamping force on the flange, allowing the frame to experience primarily tensile loads rather than bending moments.
2Reliability
If conventional flange connections with screws and nuts are used, then the connection can be made, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping and bracing functions are merged into a single integrated device. The frame provides both the overlapping structure and the mounting points for the bracing device, eliminating the need for separate alignment and fastening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is pre-formed with the appropriate geometry to overlap the adjacent flange. The bracing device is pre-assembled with the wedge element and tension screw, allowing for quick installation without complex alignment procedures during assembly.
3Force
If wedge-shaped clamping elements are drawn into a sleeve with tension screws, then the clamping force is applied, but the positioning and assembly can be complex depending on the components
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping force is applied in a direction perpendicular to the flange surface through the wedge element, while the tension screw operates in a different dimension (axial direction). This dimensional separation simplifies the positioning requirements compared to conventional radial clamping arrangements.
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
The solution provides a stable, low-loss power transmission and secure connection that withstands external loads, preventing material stress and ensuring a permanently stable connection between turbomachine housing components.
Implementation Method 1
A bracing device (12, 22) that is set up to brace the two flange webs (110, 210) that rest against one another in the frame (11, 21)... the bracing device comprises a wedge (13, 23) and a tension screw (12, 22)
Implementation Method 2
A bracing device (12, 22) that is set up to brace the two flange webs (110, 210) that rest against one another in the frame (11, 21)... applying tensile loads without generating bending moments
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a clamping device (10, 10a, 10b, 20, 30) for connecting two adjacent flange webs (110, 210, 310) of components (100, 200, 300). The clamping device forms a frame (11, 21, 31) which is configured to be penetrated by the two adjacent flange webs. The clamping device further comprises a clamping device (12, 13, 22, 23, 32, 33) which is configured to clamp the two adjacent flange webs in the frame. The invention further relates to a flange connection of two components using such a clamping device.