Profiled Clamp Hinge Structure for High Axial Flange Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing profiled clamps face limitations in applying high axial forces due to restrictive articulated connections, which also complicate production and positioning, and are prone to material damage from repeated bending.
Innovation Solution
A profiled clamp with an articulated connection formed by a flat strip portion that merges into the clamp halves, allowing for flexible deformation without damage and simplified production from a single component, along with a pre-tensioned design for easier mounting and enhanced positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a ring-like connecting element is used to create an articulated connection between clamp halves, then the clamp halves can be connected and moved open and closed, but the positioning of clamp halves is poor and the transmission of high flange forces is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The flat strip portion is merged with the clamp halves to form an integrated articulated connection. The strip portion is formed as an extension of the clamp half material, creating a unified structure that eliminates separate connecting elements and improves both force transmission and positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The flat strip portion is pre-formed during the punching and bending operations to create the articulated connection geometry before final assembly. This preliminary formation ensures proper positioning and structural integrity from the outset.
2Ease of operation
If connecting elements are bent back and forth multiple times to enable articulated movement, then the clamp can be opened and closed, but damage rapidly occurs to the material of the articulated connections
Solution Approach 1:
The geometry and material properties of the flat strip portion are optimized to accommodate repeated bending cycles. The strip is designed with appropriate thickness and curvature radius to distribute stress and prevent fatigue damage during articulated movement.
3Ease of operation
If multiple individual parts are used to produce the profiled clamp including separate connecting elements, then the articulated connection can be formed, but the production complexity increases and more joining steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The flat strip portion is integrated with the clamp halves as a single continuous material element. This merging eliminates the need for separate connecting elements and reduces the number of joining steps required during production.
Solution Approach 2:
The flat strip portion serves multiple functions: it forms the articulated connection, provides structural linkage between clamp halves, and enables the hinge mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the overall part count and simplifies production.
4Strength
If the articulated connection is made rigid to transmit high forces, then flange forces can be transmitted effectively, but the clamp halves cannot be easily moved open and closed
Solution Approach 1:
The flat strip portion has varying local properties: it is designed with specific thickness and geometry at different locations to provide flexibility where movement is needed while maintaining strength where force transmission is critical. The local geometry optimizes both movement ease and force transmission.
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 the application of high axial forces while reducing production complexity and improving positioning, with the flat strip portion allowing for easy bending and preventing material damage, and the pre-tensioned design facilitating easier assembly and secure tightening.
Implementation Method 1
The flat strip portion, in this case, merges in one part and in a uniform manner into the material of the clamp halves such that both clamp halves are connected together in one part. As a result of the flat realization of the articulated connection as a flat strip portion, there is reduced bending rigidity such that it is possible, without any greater plastic deformation, to bend the clamp halves open and closed with respect to one another
Implementation Method 2
The flat strip portion can be pre-tensioned such that the clamp halves are substantially closed to one another such that the two tightening heads are located opposite one another
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 each other while applying an axial force, wherein a first tightening head is formed at an end of the first clamp half and a second tightening head is formed at an end of the second clamp half in order to form a tightening device. The ends of the clamp halves opposite the tightening heads are connected to each other by means of an articulated connection. The articulated connection is formed by means of a flat strip section.