Plug-in Clamping Device for Corrosion-Resistant Belt Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping devices face issues with corrosion, wear, and complexity in manufacturing due to welding, riveting, and clinching methods, leading to reduced stability and safety, as well as the need for specialized tools.
Innovation Solution
A clamping device with a positive plug-in connection using retaining and counter-retaining means, such as projections and stop edges, allows for easy assembly and secure fastening of tensioning belts and turnbuckles without the need for tools, preventing material changes and ensuring long-term stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If welding or riveting is used to fasten the tensioning belt and turnbuckle, then the connection strength is improved, but the risk of corrosion increases and material stability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate modular components: the tensioning belt with its end portion, the turnbuckle with its allocated element, and the retaining/counter-retaining means. These segmented parts are joined through a plug-in connection rather than being permanently bonded, allowing each component to maintain its material properties without corrosion from welding or riveting while still achieving a strong mechanical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining means and counter-retaining means act as intermediary elements that mediate the connection between the tensioning belt and turnbuckle. Instead of directly joining the main load-bearing components through corrosive processes, these intermediary retaining elements facilitate a secure mechanical interlock that preserves the integrity and corrosion resistance of the primary components.
2Ease of manufacture
If clinching with stamp and die is used, then the connection is created, but the stamp is subject to wear and safety is reduced with increasing number of joints
Solution Approach 1:
The plug-in connection system is designed to be self-assembling without requiring specialized tools like stamps and dies. The retaining means and counter-retaining means are configured to automatically engage with each other when the tensioning belt and turnbuckle are brought together, eliminating the need for wear-prone forming tools and ensuring consistent connection quality regardless of the number of joints created.
3Ease of manufacture
If complex tools like stamp and die are used, then the connection can be created, but the tools are complex in manufacture and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the connection function from complex external tools (stamps and dies) and integrates it directly into the components themselves through the retaining means and counter-retaining means. This eliminates the need for separate, complex, and expensive tooling, as the connection capability is built into the tensioning belt and turnbuckle assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex mechanical tooling system (stamps and dies requiring specialized equipment) is replaced with a simple plug-in mechanical connection system. The retaining means and counter-retaining means create a secure connection through geometric interlocking rather than through complex forming operations, dramatically simplifying the manufacturing process and eliminating the need for expensive specialized tools.
4Reliability
If welding or riveting is used, then the connection is permanent, but the mounting process requires specialized equipment and pre-assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system transitions from a static, permanent bond (welding/riveting) to a dynamic, reversible plug-in connection. The retaining means and counter-retaining means allow the tensioning belt and turnbuckle to be easily assembled and disassembled while maintaining a secure connection during use, providing both permanence during operation and flexibility during installation and maintenance.
Data Source
AI summary
A clamping device (1) for bridging two elements (2a, 2b, 200a), which can be brought closer to each other, with at least one tensioning belt (6, 60) connected with an element (2a, 200a). The tensioning belt engages into an allocated turnbuckle (4) connected with the other element (2b) and is movable with it. The tensioning belt (6, 60) and the turnbuckle (4) are each mountable on the allocated element (2a, 2b, 200a) by a positive plug-in connection. The elements, which can be brought closer to each other (2a, 2b, 200a), are provided with formed retaining structure (10, 100) defined as projections emerging from their plane. The end portion of the tensioning belt (6, 60) facing away from the turnbuckle (4) and a turnbuckle belt (5) defined as a belt lug being applied on the turnbuckle (4) and in opposite direction to the tensioning belt (6, 60) are provided with counter-retaining structure (13, 130) which can be attached on the retaining means (10, 100) of the elements.