Gasket Package With Retained Clamp Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing packaging designs for gaskets and clamps in sewage systems often result in misplaced or lost clamps during transportation and installation, leading to aggravation, expense, and liability risks due to the need for matching clamps at the job site, especially when the gasket end is embedded in a cast member.
Innovation Solution
A gasket assembly with a one-piece design featuring a mounting end, a pipe engaging end, and an intermediate section, where a clamping member is looped to assume an annular configuration, and a retaining member, such as a tie or fastener, is used to secure the clamp assembly to the gasket in a transport position, eliminating the need for a separate expansion band.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the gasket and clamp are shipped loose or in separate packaging, then the packaging is simpler and more flexible, but the clamp may be misplaced or lost during transportation and installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the gasket and clamp into a single integrated packaging unit. The clamp is positioned within the gasket's central opening, and the packaging structure includes a bottom wall with a discharge opening that allows the clamp to be dispensed with the gasket. This merging ensures the clamp cannot be lost during transportation while maintaining packaging efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is nested within the gasket's central opening, creating a compact integrated unit. The packaging structure further nests both components within a single container that has a discharge opening. This nested arrangement ensures the clamp remains secured to the gasket during transport while allowing easy dispensing at the installation site.
2Reliability
If the clamp is integrated with the gasket in a single packaging unit, then the clamp cannot be misplaced or lost, but the packaging structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging structure is segmented into distinct functional portions: a bottom wall with a discharge opening, a gasket receiving portion, and a clamp positioning area. This segmentation allows the complex function of retaining and dispensing both components to be achieved through modular, manageable structural elements rather than a monolithic complex design.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it contains and protects both the gasket and clamp during storage, positions the clamp within the gasket's opening, and provides a discharge opening for controlled dispensing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate packaging components, thereby reducing overall complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If the clamp is positioned within the gasket's central opening in the packaged configuration, then the clamp is securely retained during transport, but the clamp must be removed or repositioned during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is pre-positioned within the gasket's central opening during packaging, securing it for transport. The packaging structure is designed with a discharge opening that allows the clamp to be easily dispensed and repositioned during installation. This preliminary positioning ensures retention during transport while facilitating easy removal and repositioning at the installation site through the designed discharge mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A gasket assembly includes a one-piece gasket that has a mounting end, for mounting to an associated enclosure body, and a pipe engaging end, for receiving an associated pipe. An intermediate section is located between the mounting end and the pipe engaging end. A mounting element is of one piece with one of the mounting end, the pipe engaging end and the intermediate section. A clamping member is used with the gasket. The clamping member is looped to assume an annular configuration. A retaining member extends through an aperture located in the mounting element and through the clamping member for retaining the clamping member to the gasket in a transport position of the gasket assembly.