Pipe Clamp Seal Fastening for Uniform Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping devices for sealing and connecting pipes with outwardly directed beads or projections face issues with uneven force distribution during tightening, leading to local leaks and increased complexity in production due to deformed fastening means, which can reduce the sealing effect and complicate installation.
Innovation Solution
The clamping device features recesses in the clip where fastening means are slidably disposed, allowing for even force distribution and preventing deformation, with fastening means that snap into place to secure the seal without twisting or bending, ensuring uniform loading and improved sealing efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fastening means are fixed to the seal to secure it to the clamp, then the seal is positioned relative to the clamp, but the fastening means deform when the clamp is tightened, causing unequal forces on the seal and local leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into two independent halves that can be assembled separately. The seal with its fastening means is first fixed to one clamp half, then the other half is attached. This segmentation prevents the fastening means from deforming during clamp closure, as the seal is already positioned before the clamp is tightened.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal is preliminarily positioned and fixed to the clamp half before the clamp is closed. The fastening means are attached to the seal in advance, and the seal is secured to the open clamp half before the tightening process begins, preventing deformation during closure.
2Reliability
If fastening means are used to fix the seal to the clamp, then the seal is secured, but the spatial shape of fastening means becomes very complex, requiring additional manufacturing steps and more material
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is segmented into two halves, allowing the fastening means to be simple planar elements attached to the seal and one clamp half, rather than complex three-dimensional structures. This segmentation reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining secure fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening means are designed as simple planar copies or projections that can be easily manufactured, rather than complex spatial structures. The fastening elements are flat tabs or protrusions that can be stamped or formed from sheet material, significantly simplifying production.
3Force
If the clamp is tightened to fix the pipe ends, then the sealing force is applied, but the fastening means deform and exert unequal forces on the seal, potentially causing leaks
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the clamp into two halves and fixing the seal to one half before assembly, the fastening means are removed from the force path during tightening. The clamp halves apply uniform compressive force to the pipe ends without deforming the fastening means, ensuring even force distribution across the seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening means are extracted from the tightening process. Instead of being deformed during clamp closure, the fastening means remain static and undeformed, while the clamp halves are brought together to apply sealing force. This separation of functions ensures uniform force distribution.
4Reliability
If the seal is fixed to the clamp using known fastening elements, then the seal is secured, but the installation process is complicated by the need to position and deform fastening means
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is segmented into two halves, allowing the seal to be pre-assembled with simple planar fastening means on one half. This pre-assembly simplifies the installation process, as the seal and one clamp half can be prepared separately and then quickly joined with the other clamp half, reducing on-site complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal and fastening means are preliminarily assembled with one clamp half before installation. This pre-positioning eliminates the need to deform or adjust complex fastening elements during installation, making the overall process simpler and faster.
Data Source
Figure 1~2d
Figure 3~4d
Figure 5a~5b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a clamping device (1) for sealing and connecting two pipes at adjacently arranged ends, wherein said ends of both pipes each are provided with an outwardly directed circumferential bead or a plurality of outwardly directed projections, comprising a clamp (2) having a U- or V-shaped cross-section that encloses said beads or projections, and a seal (4) affixed to said clamp (2) by fastening means (6). In order to further develop a known device by simplifying the construction thereof and improving a sealing effect, the clamp (2) is provided with recesses (8), which extend in a plane substantially vertically to a center axis (M), and the seal (4) is fastened to the recesses (8) of the clamp (2) by nose-shaped fastening means (6) provided on the seal (4).