Plastic Clamping Tie for Contamination-Free Pipe Docking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting pipes or flanges, such as tri-clamp connections, are complex, expensive, and often not suitable for contamination-free connections between different material combinations like plastic and metal, with a need for cost-effective and user-friendly solutions that can handle various materials and applications.
Innovation Solution
A 360° clamping tie made entirely of plastic, designed for single-use, which can be easily opened and closed, and used with ergonomic cable tie pliers for secure clamping of pipes or flanges, allowing for a wide range of applications and automated contamination-free connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional tri-clamp connections are used to connect pipes or flanges, then a secure connection is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into two functional halves: a rigid semi-circular clamp body that provides structural support, and a flexible binding agent that provides the clamping force. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while reducing overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The binding agent is designed as a single-use disposable component that is replaced after each connection cycle. This eliminates the need for complex adjustment mechanisms and maintenance, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable connections
2Stress or pressure
If traditional clamps with multiple adjusting elements are used, then uniform contact pressure is achieved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible binding agent automatically distributes the clamping force uniformly around the pipe circumference through its elastic deformation, eliminating the need for manual adjustment mechanisms. The material self-adjusts to achieve optimal contact pressure distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The binding agent's flexibility and elastic properties enable it to adapt to different pipe diameters and shapes, automatically adjusting the clamping parameters to achieve uniform contact pressure without requiring manual intervention
3Reliability
If complex docking methods are used for contamination-free connections, then sealing performance is improved, but the ease of manufacture and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The binding agent is manufactured as a simple disposable plastic component using injection molding, eliminating the need for complex sealing mechanisms. The single-use nature ensures contamination-free connections while keeping manufacturing simple and costs low
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible binding agent acts as a thin film that conforms to the pipe surface, providing effective sealing through its elasticity rather than through complex mechanical sealing structures, thereby simplifying manufacturing
4Adaptability or versatility
If reusable clamps with adjustment mechanisms are used, then adaptability to different materials is improved, but the ease of operation and safety decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp design with a rigid semi-circular body and flexible binding agent provides universal applicability to different pipe materials (plastic, metal, composite) and diameters. The flexibility of the binding agent allows it to adapt to various material combinations while maintaining simple operation through the lever mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The manual adjustment mechanisms of traditional clamps are replaced with a simple lever-operated binding agent system. The elastic properties of the binding agent substitute for complex mechanical adjustment devices, improving ease of operation while maintaining adaptability
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 solution provides a cost-effective, easy-to-use, and resilient clamping mechanism that ensures secure and contamination-free connections between pipes or containers, suitable for various material combinations, with the ability to be automated and safe.
Implementation Method 1
The binding element 10 can be closed around an axis A, preferably in a stepped, locking manner, similar to a cable tie. During a closing process, one closing side 12 of the binding element 10 is extended from the stretched position into the closed position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a clamping-action tie (1), in particular for docking two lines (2, 3) or flanges (4), which consists of at least one flexible tie (10) with a closure end (20) and a free end (30), which should be connected to the closure end (20), which tie (10) can be closed in a stepped manner, with latching action, or stepless manner around an axis (A), wherein at least one closing side (12) of the tie (10) is intended to interact mechanically with the closure end (20) during a closing operation, wherein the closing side (12) and/or a further side of the tie (10), in the form of a clamping side (16), has at an axial (A) spacing apart from one another over the length of the tie (10), at at least two circumferential locations, at least two roughly radially inwardly directed elevations (32, 34) directed towards a tied article which runs radially inwards in the direction of the axis (A), wherein a clamping region (30) is made between each interacting arrangement of elevations.