Pipe Repair Clamp With Frictional Strapping Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamps for repairing pipe ruptures, such as those used in maritime vessels and industrial pipelines, often require multiple tools and personnel, pose laceration risks from cut steel strapping, and lack efficient size adjustment mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A clamp with a wrapping assembly and tensioning device that includes a frictional adjustment mechanism, allowing for coarse and fine adjustments of the strapping length, and a locking mechanism to secure tension without the need for cutting, featuring a lever mechanism with an over-center design and a clasp for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional hose clamps or two piece clamps of fixed diameter are used, then the clamp structure is simple, but the adaptability to different pipe sizes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp incorporates an adjustable strapping length mechanism with a adjustment device that allows the effective length of the strapping to be modified. The strapping can slide through the adjustment device to frictionally engage at different positions, enabling the clamp to adapt to various pipe diameters dynamically rather than being fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is divided into separate functional components: a wrapping assembly with strapping, an adjustment device for length control, and a tensioning device. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and combined in different configurations for different pipe sizes.
2Ease of operation
If steel strapping is cut from a reel to form a loop, then the strapping length can be customized, but the cut end causes laceration risks
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful cut ends are extracted or removed from the system. Instead of cutting the strapping to create a loop, the design uses a continuous strapping that passes through the adjustment device, eliminating the need for cut ends that could cause lacerations.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the strapping ends. Rather than directly connecting cut ends, the strapping passes through this intermediate device which provides both length adjustment and safe containment of the strapping ends.
3Reliability
If a tensioning tool is used to tension the steel strapping and crimp the buckle, then the required tension is achieved, but multiple tools and personnel are required
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment device and tensioning device are merged into a single integrated assembly. The strapping passes through both functions in sequence: first through the adjustment device for length control, then through the tensioning device for tension application. This combination eliminates the need for separate tools and reduces personnel requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is designed to be self-tensioning through the integrated devices. The strapping tensions itself as it passes through the frictional engagement at the adjustment device and the tensioning device, eliminating the need for external tensioning tools.
4Reliability
If the strapping is tensioned and the buckle is crimped closed, then the strapping tension is maintained, but the process is time-consuming and requires precise operations
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional mechanical crimping operation is replaced with a friction-based retention system. The strapping maintains tension through frictional engagement at the adjustment device and passes through the tensioning device, eliminating the time-consuming crimping process while maintaining reliable tension.
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
Enables quick and efficient installation on various pipe sizes with reduced risk of laceration, requiring minimal tools and personnel, and providing a reliable seal with adjustable tension for emergency repairs.
Implementation Method 1
the adjustment device can frictionally engage the strapping at any desired point to selectively set the effective length of the strapping
Implementation Method 2
a lever mechanism with an over-center design
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a clamp that can be used for repairing a rupture in a pipe. The clamp includes a wrapping assembly comprising strapping that at least partially extends about the pipe, an adjustment device that is suitably in form of a claps for adjusting the effective length of the strapping about the pipe and a tensioning device that is suitably in the form an over centre lever mechanism that is operable to place the wrapping assembly under different tensions.