Polymeric Ratchet Clamping Device for Flanges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping devices for securing rims or flanges, such as those on vacuum pipes and sanitary fittings, often fail to provide uniform compression around the circumference and are difficult to operate with one hand due to non-uniform design and mechanical complexities like threaded connectors or interlocking teeth.
Innovation Solution
A unitary strip clamping device with multiple short clamping segments and ratchet-shaped latching elements that can be easily operated with one hand, ensuring uniform compression by adjusting the engagement of ratchet teeth and incorporating safety features like a clip to prevent accidental release, made from tough polymeric materials like engineering plastics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a threaded connector is used to join the two semicircular parts, then the clamping device can be securely fastened, but it becomes difficult to operate with one hand and requires two hands for tightening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the threaded connector system with a ratchet and latch mechanism. The ratchet teeth engage with the latch element to provide secure fastening without requiring threading operations, enabling one-hand operation while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the engagement mechanism from threaded connection to ratchet-based discrete positioning. The ratchet teeth provide multiple engagement positions along the circumference, allowing secure fastening at various points without requiring precise threading, thus simplifying operation.
2Reliability
If the clamping device uses a hinge and threaded connector design, then it can secure the rims together, but the compression force is not uniform around the entire circumference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the clamping force application into multiple discrete ratchet teeth distributed around the circumference. Each ratchet tooth engages independently to apply compression force at multiple points, creating more uniform distribution of stress around the entire circumference compared to a single hinge connection.
3Reliability
If the latching element uses teeth that engage with corresponding teeth, then it can provide secure connection, but it does not provide uniform compression force around the circumference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the ratchet teeth and latch element with specific geometric characteristics where the teeth are arranged and sized to distribute the engagement force more evenly around the circumference. The local geometry of each tooth engagement point is optimized to contribute to overall uniform compression, rather than concentrating force at a single location.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~7
AI summary
A clamping device (10) suitable for securing a pair of flanges (12) together, consists of a unitary strip of a polymeric material that defines a multiplicity of clamping segments (14, 15) linked by flexible strip portions (16). The ends of the unitary strip define latching elements (22, 24) shaped to interconnect when the ends are brought together. Along one face of the unitary strip the clamping segments (14, 15) define teeth (18, 20) that project at opposite sides of the unitary strip, and these teeth define faces that are adapted in use to contact outer faces of the pair of flanges. Each clamping segment (14, 15) may define two opposing teeth (18, 20). The clamping device can be operated with a single hand, being bent around the outside of the pair of flanges so that the clamping segments (14, 15) engage opposite faces of the pair of flanges (12) and hold them together, and the latching elements (22, 24) are interconnected.