Profile Clamp Hinge Structure for Higher Flange Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing profile clamps face challenges in applying high axial forces between flange parts due to limited transmission of flange forces and complex assembly processes, with existing connecting elements often leading to material damage and difficulty in positioning clamp halves.
Innovation Solution
A profile clamp design featuring a flat strip section with an angular or oval hole for articulated connection, allowing for increased flexibility and simplified production by merging clamp halves and clamping heads from a single component, with pressure lugs and self-locking nuts for enhanced clamping force and reduced material deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a ring-like connecting element is used to connect clamp halves, then the articulated connection is formed, but the flange force transmission is limited and positioning is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The flat strip section merges the connecting function and positioning function into a single integrated component. The flat strip section connects the two clamp halves while its flat geometry provides inherent positioning stability, eliminating the need for separate positioning mechanisms and allowing higher force transmission compared to ring-like elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element is changed from a ring-like shape to a flat strip section. This parameter change in geometry fundamentally improves both force transmission capability and positioning ease, as the flat strip can better resist bending moments and provides stable geometric alignment between clamp halves.
2Adaptability or versatility
If connecting elements are repeatedly bent to form articulated connections, then the clamp halves can be moved open and closed, but material damage occurs quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The flat strip section acts as a flexible connecting element that can be repeatedly bent to open and close the clamp halves. Its flat geometry and material properties allow for repeated articulation without the damage that occurs with traditional connecting elements, providing both movement capability and durability.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple individual parts are used to produce the profile clamp, then the clamping device can be assembled, but the production process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The flat strip section integrates multiple functions (connection, articulation, positioning) into a single component, reducing the total number of parts. The clamp halves and flat strip section can be produced as separate components that are then joined, simplifying production compared to multi-part assemblies while maintaining functional complexity.
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
Enables higher axial force transmission and simplified assembly with reduced material damage, improved positioning, and increased clamping force, facilitating easier assembly and use in applications like turbochargers.
Implementation Method 1
The flat design of the articulated connection as a flat strip section results in reduced flexural rigidity, so that the clamp halves can be bent open and closed relative to one another without major plastic deformation by deforming the flat strip section
Implementation Method 2
The two clamping heads are connected to one another with a screw element, so that the profile clamp is tensioned by tightening the screw element
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a profiled clamp (1), having a first profiled clamp half (10) and a second profiled clamp half (11), by means of which two flange parts can be connected to each other while applying an axial force, wherein a first tightening head (12) is formed at an end of the first clamp half (10) and a second tightening head (13) is formed at an end of the second clamp half (11) in order to form a tightening device. The ends of the clamp halves (10, 11) opposite the tightening heads (12, 13) are connected to each other by means of an articulated connection (14). According to the invention, the articulated connection (14) is formed by means of a flat strip section (15).