Radial Clamping Structure for Uniform Axial Load Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping devices face challenges in uniformly distributing axial loads among multiple layers, leading to uneven stress and wear on clamping members, particularly when handling high axial traction forces in elongated members like metal pipes or umbilicals.
Innovation Solution
A clamping device with angularly distributed clamping units that apply radial forces through laminar bodies and a modular frame with linear actuators and spherical articulations, ensuring proportional axial forces are applied via friction, and adjustable compliance to balance loads across multiple layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If clamping devices are arranged on multiple layers along the axial direction, then the clamping capacity is increased, but the load distribution among individual clamping devices becomes non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping devices are made movable along the axial direction through a mechanical linkage system connected to a common actuator. This dynamic arrangement allows the clamping devices to automatically adjust their positions and share the axial load uniformly, transforming a static non-uniform load distribution into a dynamic equilibrium where all clamping devices participate equally in bearing the load.
2Force
If the first clamping device interfaces directly with the sheath, then it bears the maximum load, but the load decreases progressively to the last clamping device
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple clamping devices are mechanically linked together through a common linkage mechanism that connects them to a single actuator. This merging of previously independent clamping devices into an integrated system ensures that the axial load is distributed uniformly across all devices, eliminating the progressive load decrease and enabling uniform maintenance intervals.
3Force
If radial loads are applied by clamping devices, then axial holding force is generated through friction, but non-uniform stress and wear occur on clamping members
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping devices are configured to move dynamically along the axial direction in response to applied loads, allowing them to automatically equilibrate the stress distribution. This dynamic adjustment ensures uniform friction-based axial holding force across all clamping devices and prevents non-uniform wear, thereby improving reliability and extending maintenance intervals.
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
This solution ensures uniform load distribution and reduced wear by using angularly distributed clamping devices with adjustable compliance, effectively managing high axial traction forces and maintaining the integrity of elongated members.
Implementation Method 1
a clamping device suitable for axially blocking axial-symmetrical bodies subjected to axial forces by applying a radial force produced by a plurality of clamping members to hold each axial-symmetrical body through friction
Data Source
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AI summary
Device (1) designed for axially blocking an axial-symmetrical body (CA) through the application of a radial force; said device (1) having a support (10) of given angular extension, provided with a plurality of laminar bodies (20) extending longitudinally in a given direction (D); wherein said device (1) comprises at least one elongated member (30) (30') housed at least partially in a seat (32) (32') of said support (10) that extends along an axis (A) (Α') parallel to said given direction (D); each said elongated member (30) (30') being housed in said respective seat (32, 32') rotatably around said axis (A)(A'); each said elongated member (30)(30') is rotoidally coupled to said support (10) with radial clearance through a respective pin (35); elastic centring means (34) being associated with each said pin (35) in order to allow each said elongated member (30) (30' ) to couple by friction in an angularly fixed manner to the corresponding said seat (32) (32') under the thrust of a radial force exceeding a minimum threshold value.