Tubular Hub Clamp With Fastlock Segments for Bolt-Free Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Connecting two hubs of tubular members using conventional clamps involves safety risks and requires significant manual effort due to the need for handling and tightening bolts at elevated heights, which is time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A clamp system with an annular body and offset clamping segments that actuate between retracted and extended positions to secure hubs, exerting radial and axial forces for efficient coupling, reducing the need for manual bolt tightening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional clamps with bolts are used to connect two hubs, then the hubs can be securely connected, but the operation becomes time-consuming and requires significant manual effort due to bolt tightening at elevated heights
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into multiple C-shaped members (typically two) that can be independently positioned and secured. Each C-shaped member can be handled and secured separately, eliminating the need to manipulate entire assemblies with multiple bolts simultaneously. This segmentation makes the connection process faster and easier, especially at elevated heights.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using bolts to pull C-shaped members together (conventional approach), the invention uses the protrusions extending from the C-shaped members to directly engage and secure the hubs. The protrusions are designed to fit into corresponding recesses or engage with the hub surfaces, reversing the traditional bolt-pulling mechanism into a direct mechanical engagement system that requires no tightening operation.
2Strength
If bolts are tightened to secure the hubs, then the connection is strong, but the process involves handling components 10 meters above the deck which creates safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp system is segmented into multiple independent C-shaped members that can be positioned and secured separately. This allows workers to handle lighter individual components rather than heavy bolted assemblies at elevated heights, reducing safety risks while maintaining connection strength through the combined action of multiple secured members.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the bolt-tightening mechanism with a direct engagement system where protrusions from C-shaped members fit into corresponding features on the hubs. This eliminates the need for workers to handle and tighten bolts at elevated heights, removing the safety hazard while maintaining secure connection through the mechanical interlocking of protrusions and hub surfaces.
3Reliability
If multiple bolts are used to secure the C-shaped members, then the connection is reliable, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is segmented into multiple C-shaped members, each of which can be independently secured to the hubs. This segmentation allows each member to be positioned and fixed separately, simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining reliable connection through the cumulative effect of multiple secured members. The protrusions on each C-shaped member provide simple engagement features that reduce assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using multiple bolts to secure C-shaped members together, the invention uses protrusions extending from each C-shaped member to directly engage with the hubs. This inversion of the conventional approach eliminates the need for multiple bolts and complex fastening operations, reducing device complexity while maintaining connection reliability through direct mechanical engagement.
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp for coupling two tubular members together includes an annular body. The clamp also includes a plurality of fixed segments that are configured to be secured at least partially within a recess formed in an inner surface of the body. The fixed segments are circumferentially offset from one another with respect to a central longitudinal axis through the body. The fixed segments are configured to exert a downward force on a first hub of a first tubular member. The clamp also includes a plurality of clamping segments that extend radially through the body. The clamping segments are circumferentially offset from one another. The clamping segments are axially offset from the fixed segments. The clamping segments are configured to actuate between a retracted position and an extended position. The clamping segments in the extended position are configured to exert an upward force on a second hub of a second tubular.