Pipe Attachment Clamp With Latch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamps for flanged pipes require periodic screw tightening, which can lead to over-tightening, thread wear, debris generation, and potential leaks, and lack tamper-proof sealing and ASME certification, especially in cyclic production processes.
Innovation Solution
A pipe attachment clamp with a latch mechanism that secures collars without screw tightening, featuring a hinged lever system with a latch and locking pin, eyelets, and a threaded rod for secure clamping, designed to meet stringent ASME Section VIII, Division 1 requirements, minimizing particulate generation and ensuring a consistent clamping force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a screw-secured clamp is used to attach flanged pipes, then the clamping force can be adjusted, but the screw requires periodic tightening and can generate debris that contaminates the flange surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the screw fastening mechanism from the clamp design and replaces it with a latch mechanism. This extraction eliminates the source of debris generation while maintaining the clamping function through alternative means (latch engagement and collar compression).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a latch mechanism with a locking pin that can be easily replaced if worn, rather than using durable but debris-generating screw threads. The simple latch design minimizes wear particles compared to threaded fasteners.
2Ease of operation
If a screw-secured clamp is used, then the clamping force can be adjusted, but the screw can be over-tightened or come loose over time
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism automatically maintains clamping force without requiring periodic adjustment. Once the latch is engaged and the locking pin inserted, the mechanism self-maintains the clamping force without user intervention, eliminating the need for periodic tightening.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates a pre-set clamping force through the collar compression mechanism that engages when the latch closes. This pre-engineered force distribution prevents over-tightening issues while ensuring adequate clamping pressure from the start.
3Ease of manufacture
If a screw-secured clamp is used, then the clamp can be assembled, but the threads wear over time and generate debris
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates threaded connections entirely from the clamp assembly, replacing them with a latch and locking pin mechanism. This removes the wear-prone threaded interfaces while simplifying the assembly process to latch engagement and pin insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism uses simple, low-cost components with minimal moving parts that wear. The locking pin and latch are designed for easy replacement if needed, rather than relying on long-lasting but debris-generating threaded fasteners.
4Reliability
If a tamper-proof seal is added to the clamp, then the sealing capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the tamper-evident seal into the existing latch mechanism. The seal is positioned within the latch engagement area, combining the sealing function with the clamping function rather than adding a separate, complex sealing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The tamper-evident seal uses a flexible sealing element that can be easily integrated into the clamp structure. This thin-film approach provides effective sealing without adding significant structural complexity or bulk to the device.
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 provides a tamper-proof, reliable, and consistent clamping mechanism that reduces debris generation and meets stringent safety and certification standards, preventing leaks and ensuring secure attachment of flanged pipes without the need for periodic screw tightening.
Implementation Method 1
a hinge, an armature having a proximal end and an opposing distal end that is connected to the hinge at the proximal end to rotate in the first plane via the hinge
Implementation Method 2
a latch having a proximal end for extending over the first radial abutment and engaging the latch receiving means, wherein the latch is connected in rotary engagement to the lever to secure the first and second radial abutments in a closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A flange pipe terminus is attached to a mirror image terminus by a pair of pivoting C-shaped collars. The collars are locked after installation by a lever coupled to one collar that engage a radial abutment at the non-hinged end of the other collar. The lever is terminated with a swinging loop that engages a notch in the abutment. Additional security from accidental opening is provided by a secondary lock that blocks the movement of the loop or lever.