Joint Restraint Assembly Wedge Clamping Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional joint restraints for tubular members often lack sufficient clamping force and depth control, leading to inconsistent connections and potential damage to the tubular surfaces.
Innovation Solution
The proposed joint restraint apparatus includes a gland with pockets and bolts, wedges with teeth, a C-shaped clip for interlocking the wedge and bolt, and a spacer for depth control, allowing for enhanced clamping force and precise alignment of teeth onto the tubular surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional joint restraints are used to couple tubular members, then a mechanical connection is established, but the clamping force is insufficient and depth control is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge is designed to move dynamically between a retracted position and an extended position, transforming the clamping force application from static to dynamic. This allows the system to adapt and apply optimal clamping force during the connection process, resolving the insufficiency of conventional static clamping mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the depth parameter of tooth penetration into the tubular member surface by controlling wedge extension. This provides depth control that prevents excessive penetration while ensuring sufficient mechanical interlocking, thereby improving connection consistency and reliability
2Force
If bolts are rotated to extend pads radially inward to create clamping force, then teeth contact the tubular member surface, but depth penetration is uncontrolled
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge acts as an intermediary between the bolt and the tubular member. It translates the linear motion from bolt rotation into controlled radial extension, mediating the force transmission and providing precise depth control through its geometric design and interaction with the gland structure
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge is pre-positioned within the gland in a retracted state before bolt rotation begins. This preliminary positioning allows the system to establish controlled depth parameters in advance, ensuring that as the bolt rotates and extends the wedge, the penetration depth remains within precise limits
3Strength
If teeth are designed to penetrate or bite into the tubular member surface, then mechanical connection is established, but damage to tubular surfaces may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system controls the depth parameter of tooth penetration into the tubular member surface. By limiting penetration depth through the wedge's controlled extension, the system achieves sufficient mechanical interlocking strength while preventing excessive damage to the tubular surface
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
This configuration provides a robust and cost-effective solution for securely joining tubular members with improved clamping force and controlled depth penetration, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the mechanical connection.
Implementation Method 1
Each pad has an associated bolt that, when rotated, urges the pad radially inward from a retracted position to an extended position. During extension, the teeth projecting out of the pad contact an outer surface of a first tubular member. The gland becomes substantially fixed onto the first tubular member as bolt rotation generates a clamping force that causes the teeth to penetrate or bite into the first tubular member.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for restraining a member includes a gland, a plurality of bolts disposed in the gland, a plurality of wedges disposed in the gland, a “C” shaped clip, and a spacer. The gland has pockets and a face having an access opening providing lateral access to each pocket. Each gland pocket includes a wedge having teeth and a cavity. Each cavity includes a slot formed transverse to the bore. The clip is sized to slide through the access opening of the gland and shaped to be closely received in the slot of the wedge. The spacer attaches to the bold and has flexible prongs.