Rapid Assembly Flange Joint Using Constricting Collar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joint devices for connecting cylindrical elements with round flanges face issues such as uneven pressure distribution, deformation, and increased joint dimensions due to secondary fixing members, making them inconvenient and less reliable for rapid assembly and disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A rapid assembly flange joint utilizing a constricting collar with retention pins and grooves on the flanges, where the annular recess curvature matches the flange radius, allowing for direct engagement of retention pins with grooves without additional fixing elements, ensuring axial and transverse reinforcement for a secure connection without increasing joint dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a collar with elastic crosspieces is used to connect pipes with various diameters, then adaptability is improved, but uniform pressure distribution deteriorates leading to deformation and clearance formation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state of the collar material from rigid to elastomeric, allowing the collar to deform elastically and adapt to different pipe diameters while maintaining uniform pressure distribution through its viscoelastic properties
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates different local properties within the collar structure: the body is made of elastomeric material for adaptability, while the crosspieces have specific geometric configurations (different lengths and positions) to control the deformation pattern and ensure uniform pressure distribution across the flange contact surfaces
2Reliability
If additional fastening elements are added to a clamp, then connection reliability is improved, but joint dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the fastening function into the collar structure itself by integrating crosspieces that act as both structural supports and locking elements, eliminating the need for separate bolts, nuts, or other secondary fastening components
Solution Approach 2:
The collar structure performs self-fastening through the elastic deformation of crosspieces that engage with corresponding features on the pipes, creating a self-locking mechanism that does not require additional fastening elements or tools for assembly
3Adaptability or versatility
If a hinged device with multiple segments is used, then adaptability to different pipe diameters is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen due to multiple hooks and loops
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the collar into multiple segments separated by crosspieces, where each segment can independently deform and adapt to the pipe circumference, providing adaptability to different diameters while maintaining a simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The crosspieces serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as hinges connecting collar segments, provide elastic deformation capability for adaptability, and function as locking elements that engage with pipe features, eliminating the need for separate hooks and loops
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 quick and secure connection of cylindrical elements with reduced joint dimensions, eliminating the need for secondary fixing members and facilitating easy assembly and disassembly without the requirement for precise settings or tools, while maintaining reliability and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a constricting collar, which collar consisting at least from two parts with a shaped annular recess on concave surfaces, which annular recess is matched to enveloped two closed flanges of connected elements
Implementation Method 2
retention pins, which are accomplished in the form of the transverse face walls with height equals to depth of a recess on the ends of components of the connecting device, and retaining parts are provided in the form of grooves
Data Source
AI summary
The rapid assembly flange joint consists of a connecting device in the form of a constricting collar made up of at least two parts with a shaped groove on the concave face, the groove corresponding to the cross-section of the two coupled flanges of the members that are being connected, and clamping elements in the form of retaining sections on the flanges. The connecting device is provided with fasteners in the form of walls; the retaining sections are in the form of grooves, the width of which is not less than the thickness of the one or two fasteners that engage therewith. The number of grooves is not less than the number of component parts of the connecting device. The rapid assembly flange joint provides for a reliable connection between flanged cylindrical members without the need for additional fastening and clamping elements and without increasing the sizes of the connection point.