Interlocking Pipe Clamp for Different-Diameter Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions fail to effectively prevent pipes of different diameters from loosening or separating, often requiring numerous bolts and not fitting well together, leading to connection failures in applications like the oil drilling industry.
Innovation Solution
A four-piece clamping device comprising semicircular pieces that interlock with projections and depressions, requiring only four bolts to create a strong, secure bond between pipes, ensuring they do not loosen or separate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional clamps are used to prevent pipe loosening or separation, then connection strength is improved, but the number of bolts required increases to twelve or more
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into two semicircular pieces that can be assembled around the pipe connection. This segmentation allows the clamp to wrap around pipes of different diameters effectively while reducing the number of fastening points needed compared to traditional circular clamps
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp pieces are designed with asymmetric features including protrusions on one end and corresponding depressions on the other end. This asymmetry creates an interlocking mechanism that prevents the semicircular pieces from rotating or detaching, providing secure fastening with fewer bolts
2Adaptability or versatility
If clamps are designed to fit pipes of different diameters, then adaptability is improved, but connection reliability deteriorates due to poor fit
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp design allows for adjustment in accommodating different pipe diameters while maintaining secure connection. The semicircular configuration with interlocking ends provides dynamic adaptability to various sizes without compromising the reliability of the connection through proper friction and mechanical interlocking
3Strength
If more bolts are used to secure pipe connections, then connection strength is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the clamp into two pieces that join with minimal fasteners, the design reduces assembly complexity while maintaining strength through the interlocking geometry of the protrusion-depression interface
Solution Approach 2:
The functional roles of multiple traditional clamp components are merged into a single semicircular clamp design with integrated interlocking features, simplifying the assembly process while maintaining connection strength
Data Source
AI summary
A device for keeping connected pipe ends from loosening or separating, especially if they are of different diameters, wherein there is a four-piece clamp consisting of four identical semicircular pieces that when joined together creates a set of circular pieces. The set of circular pieces interlock at the ends of a pipe creating a four-piece clamp.