Profiled Clamp Hinge Structure for High-Force Flange Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing profiled clamps face challenges in applying high axial forces between flange parts while maintaining a simple design for easier production and assembly, often requiring multiple components and complex joining steps.
Innovation Solution
A profiled clamp design featuring two or three clamp sections connected via articulated connections formed by mechanically machined or formed flat strip sections, which increase flexibility and allow for a single-piece construction, enabling high axial force application with simplified production and easy mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are used for the clamp sections and connecting elements, then the clamp can be assembled, but the design complexity and number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components (clamp sections and connecting elements) into a single integrally formed profiled clamp structure. The connecting elements are formed as continuous portions of the clamp sections themselves, eliminating the need for separate connecting parts and simplifying the overall design to reduce the number of individual parts while maintaining assembly capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The profiled clamp is segmented into multiple clamp sections that can be independently formed and then assembled together. Each clamp section contains integrated connecting elements at its ends, allowing the segmented structure to be manufactured separately and then joined, reducing complexity while enabling modular assembly.
2Ease of operation
If traditional rigid connecting elements are used between clamp halves, then structural strength is maintained, but flexibility during mounting is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting elements are designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing them to flex and articulate during mounting operations. The continuous forming process creates connecting portions that can bend and adapt to mounting requirements while maintaining structural integrity, enabling the clamp to transition from a rigid to a flexible state during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting elements undergo parameter changes in their geometric configuration during the forming process, creating varying thicknesses and cross-sections that provide both flexibility for mounting and strength for structural support. The continuous forming allows optimization of local parameters to balance flexibility and strength requirements.
3Productivity
If complex joining processes are used to connect clamp sections, then connection strength is ensured, but manufacturing complexity and production time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting elements are designed to be self-forming during the clamp manufacturing process. The continuous forming process automatically creates the connecting portions with appropriate geometry and strength characteristics, eliminating the need for separate joining operations. The structure serves its own joining function through its inherent design.
Solution Approach 2:
The joining function is extracted from the overall manufacturing process by integrating it into the primary forming operation. Instead of adding separate joining steps, the connecting elements are formed simultaneously with the clamp sections in a single continuous process, removing complexity from the manufacturing sequence.
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
The design enables the application of high axial forces between flange parts with improved flexibility and reduced material complexity, facilitating easier assembly and increased durability, while maintaining precise clamping force control.
Implementation Method 1
The flat strip section 15 is of flexible design, enabling the two clamp halves 10, 11 to be moved toward and away from one another without damaging the flat strip section 15 or requiring excessive forces
Data Source
AI summary
A profiled clamp having a first profiled clamp half and a second profiled clamp half, by means of which two flange parts can be connected to one another with the application of an axial force. A first tightening head is formed at one end of the first clamp half and a second tightening head is formed at one end of the second clamp half in order to form a tightening device. The ends of the clamp halves which are located opposite the tightening heads are connected to one another by means of an articulated connection. The articulated connection is formed from a mechanically machined or formed flat strip section. As a result, the flat strip section has an increased flexibility and/or a defined flexibility adapted to the intended application and can thus be mounted more easily.