Profiled Clamp Pre-Positioner for Fast Assembly in Tight Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of profiled clamps is challenging, especially in cramped spaces where spatial conditions restrict the ability to press connecting flanges together and position the clamp, often requiring time-consuming and expensive axial movement of the pin into a guide groove.
Innovation Solution
A pre-positioner design featuring a stirrup-shaped first element with a foot portion and a radially offset holding portion, and a second element with a pin that can move in the circumferential direction, allowing for easy engagement and pre-positioning of the profiled clamp without obstructing radial displacement during tightening, utilizing a groove and pivoting mechanism for securement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pre-positioner uses a pin inserted into a guide groove in the axial direction, then the profiled clamp can be pre-positioned, but the assembly becomes time-consuming and expensive due to the difficulty of axial movement in cramped spaces
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of inserting the pin axially into a guide groove as in conventional designs, the patent inverts the approach by having the pin extend radially from the profiled clamp and engage with a recess in the stirrup-shaped element. This radial insertion direction is much easier to access in cramped spaces and eliminates the time-consuming axial movement required by conventional designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the dimension of insertion from axial (conventional) to radial (innovative). The pin extends radially outward from the profiled clamp and engages with a recess that is accessible from the side, transforming the assembly operation from a difficult axial insertion to an easier radial engagement that can be performed in confined spaces.
2Manufacturing precision
If the pre-positioner restricts axial freedom of movement to secure positioning, then the clamp position is fixed, but radial displacement during tightening is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic design where the pin can move radially within the recess during tightening operations. The recess is dimensioned to allow the pin to shift radially as the profiled clamp exerts radial forces during tightening, while still maintaining axial position accuracy. This dynamic capability enables both precise positioning and accommodation of tightening forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state or parameters of the connection by allowing radial movement of the pin within the recess. The recess is designed with specific dimensional parameters that permit radial displacement while constraining axial movement, thereby adapting the connection behavior to different operational phases (positioning vs. tightening).
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 simple and efficient assembly of profiled clamps by allowing relative movement in the circumferential direction, reducing assembly time and effort, while securing the position of the clamp during tightening without obstructing the radial displacement.
Implementation Method 1
A movement in the radial direction, which occurs when the profiled clamp is tightened, is made possible, in this case, by means of the material elasticity of the tab.
Data Source
AI summary
A pre-positioner for a profiled clamp being formed in two parts with a first element and a second element, wherein the first element can be fastened to a line end and the second element can be fastened to the profiled clamp. The disclosure further relates to a connecting arrangement having such a pre-positioner. To allow a simple mounting of the pre-positioner, the first element is designed to be stirrup-shaped with a foot portion which can be secured to the line end and with a holding portion which is offset radially outwards with respect to the foot portion. The holding portion has a cutout, wherein the second element has a pin which extends in the radial direction and which can be inserted into the cutout.