Clamp-On Pipeline Measuring Device Fixing Structure for Multi-Diameter Pipes
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of clamp-on type pipeline measuring devices is prone to errors due to uneven force application and misalignment, leading to incorrect measurements and potential damage, especially when dealing with pipelines of different diameters.
Innovation Solution
A fixing structure for clamp-on type pipeline measuring devices that includes a clamp and an aligning member, where the aligning member moves along the normal direction of the pipeline's outer surface to ensure correct alignment and contact with multiple equidistant points, reducing the need for screws and preventing deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If screws and nuts are used to reduce the residual of the clamp on pipelines of different outer diameters, then the clamp can be fastened to pipelines with varying diameters, but uneven or excessive force application causes the clamp to be deflected or warped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an aligning member as an intermediary component between the clamp and the pipeline. This aligning member includes a guiding structure that guides the clamp during installation, ensuring proper alignment with the pipeline axis before final fixation. The intermediary guiding structure prevents direct transmission of misalignment forces to the clamp, resolving the contradiction between adapting to different diameters and maintaining precise alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary alignment action through the aligning member's guiding structure, which establishes correct positional relationship between the clamp and pipeline before the final fixing operation. The guiding structure pre-aligns the clamp to the pipeline axis, ensuring that when fixation occurs, the force is applied correctly without causing deformation. This preliminary action prevents the need for excessive adjustment forces during final fixation.
2Productivity
If the clamp is tightened to secure the sensing element to the pipeline outer surface, then measurement can be performed, but incorrect installation generates incorrect measuring data without detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism through the aligning member that provides real-time alignment status during installation. The guiding structure of the aligning member ensures that only correctly aligned clamps can be fully tightened to the pipeline. This feedback mechanism prevents incorrect installation from generating false measurements, as misaligned clamps cannot achieve proper fixation. The system provides inherent feedback that validates measurement reliability.
3Strength
If the carrier and clamp are tightened with screws to attach the sensing surface to the pipeline, then the sensing element can contact the pipeline outer surface, but the huge lever torque of the screw causes the carrier to be deflected or warped
Solution Approach 1:
The aligning member serves as a mediator that distributes the fixing force evenly across multiple contact points with the pipeline. By introducing this intermediary structure, the patent reduces the lever torque concentration that would otherwise cause carrier deformation. The guiding structure spreads the mechanical load, allowing strong fixation without compromising carrier precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a fixing structure of a clamp-on type pipeline measuring device, which includes a clamp and an aligning member, the clamp is detachably fixed on an outer surface of a pipeline along an axis on the outer surface of the pipeline, the aligning member is disposed in the clamp, wherein a plane tangent to the outer surface of the pipeline on the axis is defined as an installation datum plane. During detaching and fixing the clamp, the aligning member moves along a normal direction of the installation datum plane; after the clamp is fixed to the outer surface of the pipeline, the aligning member contacts at least two line segments on the outer surface of the pipeline, and distances between the two line segments and the installation datum plane are the same. The clamp-on type pipeline measuring device including the fixing structure is further provided.