Locking Tubing Clamp Assembly for Adjustable Fluid Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a clamp assembly that effectively controls fluid flow through flexible tubing, particularly in systems like Corning's HYPERStack™, where valves and clamps are used to manage fluid flow during filling and emptying.
Innovation Solution
A clamp assembly with a base member and a locking lever that includes sidewalls, clamp latching features, and a de-pinching feature, allowing for adjustable clamping and fluid flow control through flexible tubing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a clamp assembly is used to control fluid flow through tubing, then fluid flow control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly is divided into distinct functional components: a base member with sidewalls and a bottom, clamp latching features on the sidewalls, and a separate locking lever with a lever catch feature. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while contributing to the overall fluid flow control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking lever is positioned within the space between the sidewalls of the base member, and the lever catch feature nests with the clamp latching feature. This nested arrangement allows the locking mechanism to be integrated into the clamp structure without significantly increasing the external dimensions or overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the clamp, then the clamping reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking lever is designed to pivot relative to the base member, transitioning between locked and unlocked positions. This dynamic element allows the clamp to be easily opened and closed by simply moving the lever, while still providing a secure locked position when engaged with the clamp latching feature.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever catch feature automatically engages with the clamp latching feature when the locking lever is positioned in the locked position. This self-latching mechanism ensures reliable clamping without requiring additional fastening steps or complex locking procedures, maintaining ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable clamping is implemented, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking lever can be positioned at different angles relative to the base member, allowing the clamp to accommodate various tubing diameters and configurations. This angular adjustability provides versatility in clamping different tubing sizes while maintaining a simple mechanical structure without additional adjustment mechanisms.
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
The clamp assembly provides adjustable clamping and fluid flow control, enabling users to select flow rates and reopen the tubing after clamping, while accommodating various tubing materials and hardware.
Implementation Method 1
A locking lever is located between the sidewalls and is pivotally connected to the sidewalls at a pivot location such that the locking lever pivots relative to the base member
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp assembly for clamping flexible tubing includes a base member including a pair of sidewalls and a bottom that extends between the sidewalls. At least one of the sidewalls includes a clamp latching feature that extends inward from an inner surface of the at least one of the sidewalls. A locking lever is located between the sidewalls and is pivotally connected to the sidewalls at a pivot location such that the locking lever pivots relative to the base member. The locking lever includes a lever catch feature configured to cooperatively mate with the clamp latching feature.