Polyurethane Hose Clamp Insert for Fracking Vibration and Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rubber inserts used in frac hose clamps wear out quickly, causing damage to the hose exterior and fail to securely retain the hose due to friction and vibrations, leading to displacement and further damage.
Innovation Solution
A molded insert assembly made of polyurethane, designed to fit the shape of both the clamp and hose, which securely retains the hose by minimizing friction and preventing displacement through a precise fit and engagement with the clamp members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional rubber inserts are used in frac hose clamps, then the hose can be retained, but the rubber inserts wear out quickly causing damage to the hose exterior and fail to securely retain the hose due to friction and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from conventional rubber to polyurethane, which has superior wear resistance and friction characteristics. This material substitution resolves the contradiction by providing both secure hose retention and extended service life under high-pressure vibration conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs polyurethane as a composite material that combines the elasticity needed for hose retention with enhanced durability and wear resistance. This composite material approach allows the insert to withstand friction and vibrations while maintaining its retention function over an extended period
2Device complexity
If conventional rubber inserts are used, then the clamp structure is simple, but the inserts wear out quickly and fail to prevent hose displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the material parameters of the insert from conventional rubber to polyurethane, maintaining the simple clamp structure while dramatically improving reliability. The polyurethane material provides enhanced friction characteristics and wear resistance, ensuring secure hose retention without complicating the overall clamp design
3Ease of manufacture
If rubber inserts wear out, then the clamp remains functional, but the hose exterior is damaged and displacement occurs leading to further damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from conventional rubber to polyurethane, which has superior wear resistance properties. This prevents the insert from wearing out quickly, thereby eliminating the harmful effects of hose exterior damage and displacement while maintaining ease of manufacture through similar molding processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful friction and wear that originally damaged the hose into a beneficial controlled friction interface. The polyurethane material provides consistent friction characteristics that secure the hose rather than damage it, even under high-pressure vibrations
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed examples relate to a molded insert assembly for a fracking hose clamp, and a method for manufacturing and assembling thereof. In at least one example, the molded insert assembly includes a pair of molded insert portions, each molded insert portion comprising: a forward end and an opposed rear end, extending along an extension axis; a pair of contact surfaces spanning along either lateral side, wherein the contact surfaces extend along a contact plane; each contact surface comprising a tab-receiving groove having an open end defined along the corresponding lateral side; a hose-receiving surface extending, along the lateral axis, between the pair of contact surfaces, and further extending between the forward and rear ends, wherein the hose-receiving surface has a cross-sectional concave profile extending from the contact plane and along a traverse axis; and one or more sloped members, extending from the rear end and contiguous with the hose-receiving surface.