Pipe Clamp Collar Washer Tabs for Axial Retention and Low Tightening Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping systems for tubes with radially projecting surfaces require complex geometries and multiple manufacturing steps due to the need for various types of tabs to maintain axial positioning and sealing, which complicates the manufacturing process and efficiency of the tightening mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A clamping system featuring a collar with a belt and a washer, where the washer has support tabs with a hook and a connecting section that includes a radially folded retaining wing, allowing for double axial retention and deformation during tightening, reducing the effort required for collar tightening and minimizing radial bulk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple types of tabs are used to maintain axial positioning and sealing of the washer, then the washer is securely retained relative to the collar, but the geometry becomes complex and manufacturing steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple tab functions into a single integrated support tab structure. The support tab includes a hook portion for axial retention, a retaining wing for bracing, and a connecting section linking to the washer, all as one piece. This merging eliminates the need for separate internal tabs, external tabs, and centering tabs, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining all necessary functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The support tab is designed as a multi-functional element that simultaneously performs axial retention (via the hook), bracing (via the retaining wing), and structural connection (via the connecting section). This single element replaces multiple specialized tabs, achieving universality that reduces device complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Strength
If the retaining wing has sufficient width to resist axial deformation, then axial retention is strong, but radial deformation during tightening is hindered and tightening force is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining wing features variable width along its length, with the base having greater width for axial strength and the free end having reduced width for easier radial deformation. This local quality variation allows the wing to provide strong axial retention where needed while deforming radially with minimal force during tightening, optimizing both strength and force efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining wing is designed to be dynamically adaptable during tightening: it maintains its rigid, wide configuration during assembly to provide strong axial retention, then deforms radially during the tightening process to minimize resistance. This dynamic behavior allows the structure to transition from a rigid retention element to a flexible deformation element.
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 efficient axial retention and bracing while minimizing the effort needed for tightening, as the retaining wing deforms easily under radial forces, optimizing the use of material and simplifying the manufacturing process by combining functions in a single support tab.
Implementation Method 1
the support bracket, particularly the retaining wing, deforms to allow the band to be effectively clamped onto the bearing surfaces... the retaining wing begins to deform with a moderate force and, once this deformation has begun, it continues as the collar tightening continues
Data Source
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AI summary
The clamping system is used to connect two tubes whose opposing ends have projecting bearing surfaces. The clamping system comprises a clampable collar (10) and a washer (20). The collar has a band (12) whose inner periphery defines a recess into which the bearing surfaces can be inserted. The washer (20) includes an annular portion (22) disposed inside the band and carrying support tabs (30) which have a hook (30A) configured to hook onto an edge (13) of the band and a connecting section (30B) extending between the annular portion (22) and the hook (30A).The connecting section carries at least one retaining wing (30D) folded radially outwards and having a retaining edge (30D'), the retaining wing (30D) having a width (130D), measured axially, which decreases towards its free end (30D"), the edge (13) of the belt being housed in the space provided between the retaining edge and the hook.