Flange Coupling Tensioning Lever Positive Fit Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe or hose couplings can spontaneously open due to loss of spring tension, potentially leading to uncontrolled destruction, especially in environments with heat or hot slag material, compromising the connection reliability.
Innovation Solution
The tensioning lever is connected to the adjacent clip segment with a positive fit and a hook-shaped design, absorbing radial forces and ensuring secure engagement, while a spring-loaded closure mechanism with an operating handle allows for easy operation and locking, preventing spontaneous opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spring is used to maintain tension in the clip segments, then the coupling can be quickly assembled without screw connections, but the spring may lose tension over time or under heat exposure, leading to spontaneous opening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a positive-fit connection mechanism between the tensioning lever and the clip segment that engages beforehand to prevent spontaneous opening. The lever features a projection that fits into a corresponding recess in the clip segment, creating a mechanical lock that compensates for potential spring tension loss before it can cause failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a bolt as an intermediary element that connects the tensioning lever to the clip segment. This bolt serves as a mediator that transfers and stabilizes the connection forces, ensuring reliable force transmission while maintaining the quick-action coupling capability without direct screw connections to the pipe.
2Reliability
If the tensioning lever is designed with a hook shape for positive fit connection, then radial forces can be absorbed and secure engagement achieved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tensioning lever function with the connection function by integrating the hook-shaped projection directly into the lever structure. This combination eliminates the need for separate connection components, achieving secure engagement while minimizing structural complexity. The hook shape serves both as a tensioning element and a positive-fit connector.
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 permanent secure connection even if the spring loses tension, preventing spontaneous opening and ensuring reliable operation in various conditions without the need for screw connections.
Implementation Method 1
a spring (5), wherein the clip segments engage over the flanges (1) of the pipe or hose ends (2) pushed together, and wherein the free ends of the first and last clip segment (3A, 3D) can be locked by means of tensioning lever (4) and spring (5)
Implementation Method 2
the tensioning lever (4) is designed in hook form in the area of its jointed connection with the clip segment (3A), such that it can be hooked to corresponding projections of the free end of the adjacent clip segment (3D). Due to the hook-shaped design of the tensioning lever and the positive-fit connection with the projections of the other clip segment, any radial forces which may arise are absorbed
Data Source
AI summary
A device for the connection of free pipe or hose ends provided with flanges, with first, second, third, and fourth clip segments connected to one another in jointed manner, with an essentially U-shaped cross-section, a tensioning lever arranged at one free end of the first clip segment, and at least one spring, wherein the clip segments engage from the outside over the flanges of the pipe or hose ends pushed together, and wherein the free ends of the first and fourth clip segments can be locked by means of the tensioning lever and spring(s). In order to exclude spontaneous opening of the closed device under any circumstances, provision is made for the tensioning lever to be capable of engaging in the tensioned position in positive fit with the free end of the adjacent fourth clip segment with the tensioning lever capable of being connected.