Pipe Clamp Collar and Washer Lugs for Axial Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping systems for pipes with protruding bearing surfaces require complex geometries and multiple manufacturing steps due to the need for various types of lugs to maintain axial positioning and sealing, which complicates the manufacturing process.
Innovation Solution
A clamping system with a collar and washer where the washer has support lugs with a hook and a radially bent retaining wing that can deform during clamping, allowing for dual axial retention and spacer functions while minimizing the radial space requirement, thus simplifying the manufacturing process and optimizing the clamping force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple types of lugs are used to maintain axial positioning and sealing, then the washer can perform dual axial retention and spacer functions, but the geometry and manufacturing process become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The support lug is designed as a multi-functional element that combines both axial retention and spacer functions in a single component. The lug includes a hook portion for retaining the washer axially and a retaining wing that extends radially outward to maintain the annular space, eliminating the need for separate lugs for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the previously separate inner lugs (for axial retention) and spacer lugs (for maintaining annular space) into a single integrated support lug structure. This unified design reduces the number of parts and simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining all necessary functions.
2Strength
If the retaining wing has sufficient width to withstand axial deformations, then it can perform double axial retention, but it consumes significant clamping force during collar clamping
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining wing is designed with non-uniform thickness, being thicker at the base where it connects to the link section and thinner toward the free end. This gradient in local quality allows the base to withstand axial deformations and retain the washer, while the thinner free end deforms easily during collar clamping without consuming significant clamping force.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining wing's cross-sectional dimensions are varied along its length, with the thickness parameter changing from the base to the free end. This parameter variation enables the wing to provide sufficient strength for axial retention while allowing controlled deformation during the clamping process to minimize force consumption.
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 system achieves effective clamping with reduced manufacturing complexity by using a single type of support lug that can deform under radial forces, maintaining axial retention and spacer functions without consuming significant clamping force, and is adaptable for various pipe shapes.
Implementation Method 1
During the clamping of the collar, the support lug, for example the retaining wing, may deform to allow the effective clamping of the belt on the bearing surfaces. In the clamped state of the collar on the pipes, the radial space requirement of the support lug and, for example of the retaining wing, may be minimized. This deformation of the retaining wing decreases its radial height
Data Source
AI summary
The clamping system is used for connecting two pipes whose facing ends have protruding bearing surfaces. The clamping system comprises a collar that can be clamped and a washer. The collar includes a belt whose internal periphery delimits a recess into which the bearing surfaces can be inserted. The washer comprises an annular part disposed inside the belt and carrying support lugs which have a hook configured to hook on an edge of the belt and a link section which extends between the annular part and the hook. The link section carries at least one retaining wing bent radially outwardly and having a retaining edge, the retaining wing having a width, measured axially, which decreases towards its free end, the edge of the belt being housed in the space formed between the retaining edge and the hook.