Flexible Pipe Clamp Structure Using Force-Transforming Mating Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clamping mechanisms for securing auxiliary equipment to flexible pipes require high-strength materials and complex strap systems, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage to the pipe, especially in extreme environments.
Innovation Solution
A clamping mechanism with inner and outer segments that utilize mating surfaces to transfer longitudinal forces into radial clamping forces, reducing the need for high-strength materials and enhancing clamping efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional clamping mechanisms use high-strength materials and complex strap systems, then clamping force is sufficient, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into two distinct segments: an inner clamp segment and an outer clamp segment. This segmentation allows each segment to perform a specific function - the inner segment provides the clamping interface with the pipe while the outer segment provides structural support and attachment points, eliminating the need for complex strap systems
Solution Approach 2:
The inner clamp segment acts as an intermediary element between the pipe surface and the outer clamp segment. It transfers longitudinal forces into radial clamping forces through its geometric shape, mediating the force transformation without requiring high-strength materials throughout the entire structure
2Force
If conventional clamping mechanisms apply high compression, then clamping effectiveness improves, but risk of pipe damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping force is concentrated at specific localized contact points between the inner clamp segment and the pipe, rather than being distributed across the entire pipe surface. This localized clamping achieves effective securing while minimizing the affected area and reducing overall compression on the pipe
Solution Approach 2:
The design changes the force application parameters by using the geometric configuration of the inner clamp segment to transform the direction and distribution of forces, applying compression only where necessary for effective clamping while avoiding excessive pressure on the pipe body
3Reliability
If high-strength materials are used, then clamping reliability improves, but material cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outer clamp segment is designed as a sacrificial or replaceable component that can be made from less expensive materials. If wear or damage occurs, only the outer segment needs replacement rather than the entire clamp assembly, reducing long-term material costs while maintaining reliability during the service life
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp system uses different materials for different segments - the inner clamp segment that contacts the pipe can be made from softer, more compliant materials for reliable gripping, while the outer clamp segment can use structurally adequate but less expensive materials, optimizing both reliability and cost
4Volume of moving object
If clamp size is reduced, then installation space requirements decrease, but clamping force capacity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The inner clamp segment uses its geometric shape and orientation to transform longitudinal forces into radial clamping forces, effectively utilizing the dimensional transformation to generate sufficient clamping force from a compact structure without requiring a large-volume clamp assembly
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 mechanism provides strong clamping forces without the need for costly materials, reduces clamp size, and improves clamping efficiency, effectively securing auxiliary equipment on flexible pipes.
Implementation Method 1
A clamping mechanism with inner and outer segments that utilize mating surfaces to transfer longitudinal forces into radial clamping forces
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus (300) for securing to an outer surface of a segment of flexible pipe body (302), comprising: an outer clamp portion (310) locatable around a region of flexible pipe body and comprising a plurality of outer body members (308) that each include an inner surface (312); and an inner clamp portion (320), locatable in an abutting relationship between the outer clamp portion and said flexible pipe body, comprising a plurality of inner body members (326) that each comprise an outer surface (330) that comprises a mating region that has a shape that mates with a shape of a corresponding mating region of the inner surface of the outer clamp portion; wherein each mating region comprises at least one clamping surface region (342) that in an imaginary plane that extends through and includes a primary axis of the flexible pipe body, is locatable oblique to the primary axis when the inner clamp portion is between the outer clamp portion and the flexible pipe body.