Hinged Clamping Ring Structure for Continuous Pipe Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The production of clamping rings for fittings is complex, requiring specific designs for each fitting and integration of retaining and fixing elements, which can lead to a non-continuous contact surface and reduced service life.
Innovation Solution
A clamping ring with pivotable ring elements and hinge elements, allowing for a flat strip shape that can be easily assembled and folded into a ring, providing a continuous sealing contact surface and uniform force distribution during pressing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional clamping rings with integrated retaining and fixing elements are used, then the fitting function is complete, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and the contact surface becomes non-continuous
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping ring is divided into multiple independent ring elements that are connected by hinge elements. Each ring element can be manufactured separately and then assembled, simplifying the manufacturing process while ensuring continuous contact along the entire circumference when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining and fixing elements are integrated into the ring elements themselves rather than being separate components. This merging reduces the total number of parts and manufacturing steps while maintaining all necessary functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If specific designs are created for each fitting, then the fitting requirements are met, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized ring elements with universal connection interfaces can be used across different fitting types and sizes. By varying the number of ring elements or their dimensions rather than creating entirely different designs, the same basic structure serves multiple applications.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple retaining and fixing elements are integrated, then the fitting function is complete, but the production complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the clamping ring into standardized ring elements, each element can be manufactured using the same production process and then assembled. This modular approach increases production efficiency compared to manufacturing each complete fitting as a unique complex part.
4Ease of operation
If traditional clamping rings are used, then the fitting is functional, but the service life is reduced due to non-continuous contact surface
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented ring elements, when assembled with proper overlapping or joining, create a continuous contact surface along the entire circumference. This continuous contact distributes loads evenly and prevents stress concentration, thereby extending the service life of the fitting.
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
Simplifies the manufacturing process, ensures a continuous sealing contact surface, and improves the durability and ease of installation, reducing the risk of damage to the pipe and seal.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of hinge elements for pivotable connection of two ring elements in each case
Implementation Method 2
a press section of a fitting is formed radially inwards by means of a press jaw when the pipe section is inserted
Implementation Method 3
a permanent and tight, possibly even non-detachable connection is created
Implementation Method 4
The fittings can be provided with a sealant, for example an O-ring, which ensures the tightness of the connection, or can also be formed by means of direct contact between the materials of the pipe section and the fitting
Data Source
AI summary
A clamping ring for a fitting for a pipe which is to be sealed off from the exterior, including a plurality of ring elements and a plurality of hinge elements for pivotally connecting two respective ring elements. The ring elements are designed to hold and/or fix a pipe to be plugged in, the ring elements are strip-shaped by virtue of the hinge elements, and the ring elements can assume a flat shape or a laterally open annular shape. The clamping ring solves the techni-cal problem of providing a clamping ring with which the production of the clamping ring is simplified and which is designed to have a more flexible use. The invention also relates to a fitting including a clamping ring.