Pivoting Flange Clamps for Bolt-Free Pipe Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flange assemblies require precise alignment of through-holes for bolt insertion, which can be cumbersome and risky, especially when dealing with large or heavy pipes, and do not efficiently adjust clamping force without additional mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A disk-shaped flange assembly with pivotable clamps and guide members that allow face-to-face contact without through-hole alignment, featuring adjustable clamps with a latching mechanism and insulating pads for cryogenic applications, and detachable guide members for modular configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If through-holes are aligned for bolt insertion to secure flanges, then flanges can be connected, but alignment is cumbersome and risky especially with large or heavy pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the through-holes and bolts from the flange connection system entirely. Instead, clamp members with clamping surfaces engage the outer surfaces of opposing flanges to create the connection, eliminating the alignment complexity associated with through-hole positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than inserting bolts through aligned holes from one side to the other, the patent applies clamping force from the outer surfaces of the flanges. This inverts the traditional connection approach, allowing engagement without precise hole alignment.
2Strength
If clamping force is increased to secure flanges, then connection strength improves, but adjustment becomes difficult without additional mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp members are designed with pivotable connections to the flange, allowing them to move between a retracted position during assembly and a clamping position during operation. This dynamic capability enables both secure clamping and ease of adjustment without additional mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp members are positioned in a retracted state before flange engagement, allowing the flanges to be aligned and engaged first. After engagement, the clamp members are moved to the clamping position, ensuring proper alignment is achieved before applying clamping force.
3Strength
If clamp body is positioned to clamp flange, then clamping force is applied, but clamp body obscures contact face during location of opposing flange
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp body is pivotably connected to the flange, enabling it to dynamically change position. During flange location, the clamp body is in a retracted position that does not obscure the contact face. After location, it pivots to a clamping position where it applies the necessary clamping force.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp body is held in a retracted position during the flange location and engagement phase, ensuring the contact face remains unobscured. Only after proper engagement is achieved does the clamp body move to its clamping position.
4Ease of operation
If clamp body is made movable to allow adjustment, then ease of operation improves, but reliability decreases due to potential inadvertent movement
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp member includes a threading mechanism where rotation of the clamp member automatically adjusts the position of the clamping surface relative to the flange contact face. This self-adjusting mechanism eliminates the need for additional locking or latching components, maintaining both ease of operation and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A flange assembly includes a flange for connection to a hose or pipe, the flange defining a contact face for engagement with a contact face of an opposed flange. The flange assembly also includes at least three clamps spaced circumferentially around the contact face. Each clamp includes a clamp body pivotably secured to the flange and a clamp member mounted on the clamp body, which is movable between a first, retracted position and a second, clamping position. A clamp face of the clamp member faces the contact face of the flange. The clamp member is movable relative to the clamp body to adjust the position of the clamp face relative to the contact face of the flange and adjust a clamping force created between the clamp face and the contact face of the flange to retain an opposing flange in face-to-face engagement with the contact face of the flange.