Multilayer Annular Clamp Axial Force Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe couplings face challenges in withstanding axial forces due to fluid flow and sealing pressures, particularly for varying pipe diameters and materials.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer annular clamp design featuring radially spaced sealing rings with L-shaped or double-L-shaped cross-sections, connected by male and female components, and made from different materials and thicknesses, which applies a radially inward clamping force using a fastener to securely grip pipes of different diameters and materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single seal is used for pipe coupling, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to withstand axial forces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is divided into multiple sealing rings (first sealing ring, second sealing ring, third sealing ring) arranged axially in sequence. Each sealing ring independently contacts the pipe outer surface at different positions, distributing the axial forces across multiple contact points rather than concentrating them on a single seal, thereby enhancing the overall load-bearing capacity and reliability of the coupling system.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing structure transitions from a single-plane seal to a multi-axial arrangement where sealing rings are distributed along the axial dimension. This dimensional expansion allows the seal to engage the pipe at multiple axial positions simultaneously, creating a more robust sealing system that can withstand higher axial forces while maintaining structural feasibility.
2Reliability
If multiple sealing rings are used to increase axial force resistance, then the ability to withstand axial forces is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing rings are arranged in a nested configuration where the first, second, and third sealing rings are positioned concentrically and axially stacked against the pipe outer surface. This nested arrangement allows multiple sealing elements to occupy a compact space without requiring complex support structures, achieving enhanced axial force resistance while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If the clamp is designed for specific pipe diameters, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp incorporates adjustable clamping members that can be positioned at different radial distances from the pipe center. This dynamic adjustability allows the clamp to adapt to various pipe diameters while maintaining precise contact between the sealing rings and the pipe outer surface, thereby achieving both manufacturing precision and versatility across different pipe sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device is designed with universal adaptability through the combination of multiple adjustable clamping members and axially distributed sealing rings. This configuration enables the same clamp structure to effectively seal and secure pipes of different diameters and materials (metal, plastic, etc.), making the device multi-functional without sacrificing the precision of the sealing contact.
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
Enhances the seal's ability to withstand axial forces and accommodate various pipe diameters and materials, providing a secure and adaptable connection.
Implementation Method 1
a fastener, including a shank, operative to fasten the clamp members towards each other in a direction along the shank so as to apply a radially-inward clamping force on the innermost sealing ring that contacts the pipe
Implementation Method 2
at least two of the sealing rings including L-shaped axial-plane cross-sections nested in one another
Data Source
AI summary
A multilayer annular clamp including a plurality of sealing rings radially spaced from one another, at least two of the sealing rings including L-shaped axial-plane cross-sections nested in one another, an innermost one of the sealing rings being operative to contact an outer contour of the pipe, two clamp members disposed around a portion of the sealing rings, and a fastener, including a shank, operative to fasten the clamp members towards each other in a direction along the shank so as to apply a radially-inward clamping force on the innermost sealing ring that contacts the pipe so that the multilayer annular clamp clamps the pipe.