Offset-Groove Clamp Jig for Preventing Pipe End Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamp jigs cause deformation and potential damage to tubes when strong radial pressure is applied to prevent slipping, as the tube ends can enter the gap between holding grooves, leading to bending and damage.
Innovation Solution
The clamp jig design includes a fixed and movable holding groove configuration where one groove is offset relative to the pipe's center line, preventing tube ends from entering the gap during deformation, with the fixed groove designed for easier fitting and a U-shape configuration for improved fitting, enhancing stability and work efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the tube is strongly pressed radially inward by the tightening mechanism to prevent slipping, then the holding reliability is improved, but the tube may become bent and deformed into an elliptical shape causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning one holding groove (either fixed or movable) at an offset location relative to the pipe centerline, rather than symmetrically opposite the other groove. This asymmetric configuration ensures that when the pipe deforms into an elliptical shape under radial pressure, the offset groove captures and restrains the deforming pipe end, preventing it from entering the gap between grooves and causing damage.
2Stress or pressure
If the holding grooves are positioned symmetrically to evenly distribute pressure, then the pressure distribution is improved, but the pipe ends can enter the gap between grooves during deformation causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately introduces asymmetry in the groove positioning to solve the problem caused by symmetric positioning. By offsetting one groove from the centerline, the design accepts uneven pressure distribution as a trade-off to gain the critical function of restraining deformed pipe ends, preventing them from entering the gap between grooves during elliptical deformation.
3Area of stationary object
If the holding grooves are closed symmetrically to maximize contact area, then the contact area is improved, but the fitting difficulty increases and work efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by opening one holding groove to create an accessible opening, allowing the pipe to be inserted and positioned more easily. This segmented/open configuration reduces fitting difficulty and improves work efficiency while maintaining sufficient contact area through the remaining groove structure and the offset positioning that ensures proper pipe engagement.
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp jig includes: a fixed clamp having a fixed holding groove into which a part in a circumferential direction of a pipe is fitted; a movable clamp having a movable holding groove into which another part in the circumferential direction of the pipe is fitted to sandwich the pipe between the fixed holding groove and the movable holding groove, the movable clamp being provided so as to be movable with respect to the fixed clamp; and a tightening mechanism configured to pull the movable clamp toward the fixed clamp such that a bottom portion of the movable holding groove presses the pipe radially inward, in a state where the pipe is sandwiched between the fixed holding groove and the movable holding groove.