Flexible Inner Ring Clamping Device for Environmental Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting devices for flexible containers to flanges or connection rings are complex and require multiple elements, making them costly and difficult to assemble, while also needing multiple sealing elements for an environmentally tight connection.
Innovation Solution
A connecting device comprising an outer ring with a receiving groove and an inner ring that snaps into place, using a single, flexible inner ring to clamp and seal the container, eliminating the need for additional elements and ensuring a secure, environmentally tight connection with minimal components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple elements are used to connect the flexible container to the flange or connection ring, then the connection can be securely held and sealed, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (clamping, sealing, and connection) into a single integrated connecting device that comprises a clamping element and a sealing element as one piece. This merging eliminates the need for separate clamping rings and sealing elements, reducing the total number of components while maintaining secure connection and environmental tightness.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting device is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs clamping of the container end section, sealing against the flange or connection ring, and providing the connection structure itself. This universal design allows one element to replace multiple specialized components.
2Reliability
If multiple sealing elements are inserted into the device, then an environmentally tight connection is achieved, but the manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is integrated directly into the clamping element as a single component, eliminating the need for separate sealing rings or gaskets. This reduces the number of parts to be manufactured, stored, and assembled, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while ensuring environmental tightness through the integrated seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting device uses a uniform material structure for both the clamping and sealing functions, allowing the entire component to be manufactured from a single material type through processes like injection molding. This homogeneity simplifies manufacturing compared to assembling multiple different materials.
3Reliability
If complex assembly procedures are used to combine multiple elements, then the connection can be securely formed, but the assembly time and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the clamping and sealing functions into one piece, the assembly process is simplified from installing multiple separate components to installing a single connecting device. This reduces assembly steps, minimizes the risk of incorrect assembly, and decreases assembly time while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping element is designed to automatically clamp the container end section and position the sealing element during the turning-inside-out process, without requiring additional tools or complex assembly procedures. The device performs its own clamping and sealing functions through its inherent elastic deformation capability.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid clamping structure is used to hold the container securely, then the connection is stable, but the sealing capability against the flexible container is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping element is designed with elastic properties that allow it to deform and adapt to the flexible container surface. This parameter change from rigid to elastic enables the same component to provide both stable connection through its structural integrity and effective sealing through its ability to conform to the container shape.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping element incorporates flexible, elastic material that can deform to match the contour of the flexible container end section. This flexibility allows the clamping element to maintain stable connection while simultaneously achieving reliable sealing contact with the container surface.
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 simplifies assembly, reduces costs by using fewer components, and achieves a secure, environmentally tight seal with ease of disassembly and no risk of incorrect assembly, utilizing a standard part and avoiding sharp edges for safety.
Implementation Method 1
The inner ring consists of a single material which is so flexible that the inner ring can snap into the receiving groove to reach the connection position
Implementation Method 2
The flexible material ensures adequate clamping of the inner ring in the outer ring
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a connecting device for connecting a flexible container (1) to a flange or a connecting ring (3), comprising an outer ring (10), which has an inner surface radially inside and a connection side (18) facing the flange or the connecting ring (3), and an inner ring (20), which has an outer surface radially outside and over which an end section (2) of the container (1) can be turned. The outer surface and the inner surface are at least partially congruent with each other so that the end section (2) can be clamped between the outer ring (10) and the inner ring (20). The inner ring can be inserted into the outer ring from the connection side. According to the invention, the outer ring (20) has an accommodating groove (15) radially inside. Said accommodating groove extends completely around the outer ring, is open radially inwardly, and has a round cross-section. The inner ring (20) is one-piece and has a round cross-section in an area of the outer surface and is made of a single flexible material.