Repair Clamp Bolt Assembly for Uniform Gasket Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing repair clamps face challenges in efficiently sealing pipe ends due to the limitations of traditional lug and bolt mechanisms, which can lead to leakage and require complex spanner structures for effective gasket compression.
Innovation Solution
A novel repair clamp assembly with offset lug bolts and a handle mechanism that simplifies tightening, ensuring uniform compression of the gasket across the pipe ends, using a handle to stabilize the bolts and prevent rotation, thereby enhancing sealing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional lug and bolt mechanisms are used for tightening the band, then the clamp can seal pipe ends, but the mechanism is complex and requires spanner structures for effective gasket compression
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lug and bolt mechanisms into an integrated assembly where the lug is formed as a single piece with the bolt embedded within it. This merging eliminates the need for separate spanner structures and simplifies the overall mechanism while maintaining effective gasket compression through the integrated design of the lug body and bolt head.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple longitudinally spaced bolts are used to tighten the band, then uniform compression of the gasket is achieved, but the bolts may rotate and deform during tightening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a handle as an intermediary component that connects the bolt heads and prevents their rotation during tightening. The handle acts as a mediator that stabilizes the bolts, allowing uniform gasket compression to be achieved without bolt rotation or deformation, thereby maintaining both compression uniformity and structural stability.
3Productivity
If a handle is added to prevent bolt rotation, then sealing speed and reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is merged with the lug structure, forming an integrated assembly where the handle is positioned within the lug body. This combination allows the handle to perform its function of preventing bolt rotation and enabling quick sealing, while the overall complexity is minimized through the unified design of the lug-handle-bolt assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp comprising a band having first and second edges, a connection assembly operatively configured to tighten the band to a fluid conduit from a non-actuated position to a tightened position and the connection assembly having first and second lug elements attached proximate to the first and second band edges and first and second lug bolts extending transversely between the first and second lug elements, and a handle extending longitudinally between the first and second lug bolts.