Pipe Clamp Gripping Assembly for Uniform Axial Load Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamps used in pipeline construction face issues with high axial stresses, leading to pipe deterioration and non-uniform load distribution, particularly due to large dimensions and friction coefficient limitations.
Innovation Solution
A gripping device with radially arranged gripping members featuring toothed sliding blocks, hinged coupling means, and antifriction materials, which distribute axial loads uniformly and maximize friction coefficient, reducing clamp dimensions and pipe sheath deterioration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional gripping devices are used with high axial stresses, then the clamp can hold the pipe, but the pipe sheath deteriorates and clamp dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping device is divided into multiple independent gripping members arranged circumferentially, each with its own sliding block. This segmentation allows the axial load to be distributed across multiple contact points, reducing the stress concentration on any single point of the pipe sheath and minimizing deterioration while maintaining overall holding capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding blocks are designed to be movable along the radial direction, allowing them to dynamically adjust their position and the distribution of axial forces. This dynamic capability enables the gripping members to self-adjust to the pipe surface, optimizing contact distribution and reducing localized stress that would cause sheath deterioration.
2Force
If traditional gripping devices are used with high axial stresses, then the clamp can hold the pipe, but the clamp dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the friction parameter by using sliding blocks with surfaces treated to have high friction coefficient against the pipe sheath. This parameter change allows the gripping device to generate sufficient axial holding force with smaller contact areas, thereby reducing the longitudinal dimensions of the clamp while maintaining the required force capacity.
3Force
If gripping members apply radial loads to maximize friction, then axial holding force increases, but load distribution becomes non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding blocks are designed with asymmetric geometry relative to the pipe axis, with different contact surface areas and orientations on opposite sides. This asymmetric design compensates for the non-uniform radial load distribution by creating balancing moments, ensuring that the overall load distribution around the pipe circumference remains uniform while still maximizing friction-based axial holding force.
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 solution effectively minimizes pipe sheath deterioration and reduces clamp dimensions by uniformly distributing axial loads and maximizing friction, enhancing the clamp's ability to handle high axial stresses without interfering with adjacent clamps.
Implementation Method 1
The axial force resulting from these radial actions (forces) is proportional to the friction coefficient that is generated in use between the sliding blocks of the gripping device and the sheath that externally covers the pipe
Implementation Method 2
each said holding unit comprising at least one toothed sliding block carried in a freely rotatable and axially fixed way with respect to said direction; each said holding unit comprising hinged coupling means axially distributed along said direction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A clamp (1000) designed to axially block an ax1symmetric body (CA) by applying radial actions (forces) and provided with a plurality of gripping devices (1) distributed concentrically around an axis (AX) and developed along a given direction (D) to apply radial actions (forces) centered on said central axis (AX); each device (1) comprising a support assembly (10) and a gripping assembly (20) coupled by means of a plate (22) that supports at least one holding unit (200) at the front; each holding unit (200) comprising at least one toothed sliding block (202) carried in a freely rotatable and axially fixed way and axial-hinge coupling members (30) arranged between the plate (22) and each sliding block (202) and distributed along the direction (D).