Profile Clamp Band With Integral Lugs for Shape Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional profile clamps lose shape and form under load, leading to non-uniform contact and increased manufacturing costs, and are less adaptable to thermal expansion stresses.
Innovation Solution
The clamp apparatus features an annular band with integrally formed protruding lugs, maintaining shape and form, allowing uniform contact distribution and improved load retention, and is more resistant to thermal changes through roll forming, which enhances strength and adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional metal pressing process is used to form profile clamps, then manufacturing is simpler, but the clamping band loses its shape and form towards the lugs under load
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into two main components: a V-shaped profiled band and separate lugs. The V-shaped band maintains its profile independently while the lugs are positioned separately, preventing the profile distortion that occurs when lugs are integrally formed with the band in conventional pressing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the V-shaped profiled band with lugs to create a unified clamping structure. The lugs are positioned at the ends of the V-shaped band and work together to provide both the profiled contact surface and the mounting points for tensioning devices, achieving both shape retention and functional integration.
2Manufacturing precision
If additional features are welded or formed onto the ends of V-shaped profile to prevent shape loss, then shape retention improves, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the clamp into a V-shaped band and separate lugs, the patent eliminates the need for additional welding or forming operations to prevent profile loss. The V-shaped band maintains its integrity independently, and the lugs are simply positioned at the ends, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The V-shaped profiled band inherently maintains its shape through its geometric design and material properties, without requiring additional protective features or complex manufacturing processes. The structure serves itself by maintaining integrity through its fundamental design rather than through added complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional clamps are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but they are less able to adapt to thermal expansion stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The V-shaped profiled band acts as a flexible element that can deform elastically to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction stresses. The profiled design allows the band to flex while maintaining contact with the clamped object, providing thermal adaptability without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the elastic properties of the V-shaped band to allow dynamic adjustment of clamping force in response to temperature changes. As temperature varies, the band's elastic deformation absorbs thermal expansion stresses, automatically adjusting the clamping parameters to maintain secure fastening.
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp apparatus including band means which is annular or substantially annular in form. The band means has two opposing ends and protruding means are provided to protrude outwardly of the band means at each of the opposing ends. At least one of said protruding means is integrally formed with the band means.