Resilient Retainer Clip for Remote Pipe Clamp Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe repair clamps require manual intervention for assembly and positioning, leading to increased excavation size and cost during maintenance, as they necessitate disengagement and re-engagement of fasteners for operation.
Innovation Solution
A retainer clip made from resiliently deformable material that retains a bolt and nut assembly on a lug, allowing reversible movement and providing rotational resistance, enabling remote installation and operation without manual disengagement of fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional bolt and nut assemblies are used in hinged clamps, then the clamp can be assembled and secured to the pipe, but manual disengagement and re-engagement of fasteners is required for positioning and securing the clamp
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener system is segmented into a retainer clip component and a bolt-nut assembly. The retainer clip is separable from the bolt-nut assembly, allowing the bolt-nut to remain engaged with the lug while the retainer clip can be independently manipulated for remote operation. This segmentation enables the clamp to be opened and closed without complete disassembly of fasteners.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer clip is designed with resiliently deformable material and elastic deformation capability, making it a dynamic component rather than a rigid fixed fastener. The clip can elastically deform to allow bolt movement during remote operation, then return to its original shape to secure the bolt-nut assembly in the final positioned state, enabling reversible movement without manual disengagement.
2Reliability
If manual intervention is required for clamp assembly and positioning, then fasteners can be properly engaged and tightened, but excavation size must be increased to permit operator access
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener assembly is designed to be self-positioning and self-securing through remote operation. The resilient retainer clip automatically returns to its original shape after elastic deformation, securing the bolt-nut assembly without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by using the elastic properties of the retainer clip to maintain secure fastening throughout the operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer clip acts as an intermediary between the bolt-nut assembly and the lug. It mediates the connection by providing a mechanism that can be remotely actuated to position and secure the fastener, eliminating the need for direct manual handling while ensuring reliable engagement.
3Extent of automation
If the retainer clip allows reversible movement of the bolt and nut assembly, then remote operation is enabled, but the bolt and nut assembly must be retained securely on the lug
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer clip utilizes changes in its physical state through elastic deformation. During remote operation, the clip deforms elastically to allow movement of the bolt-nut assembly. When the operation is complete, the clip returns to its original shape, using the elastic recovery to secure and retain the fastener assembly on the lug, thus achieving both remote operation and secure retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The resiliently deformable material of the retainer clip provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing and accommodating the movement forces during remote operation. The elastic properties prepare the clip to handle the dynamic loads and movements, ensuring that the bolt-nut assembly remains securely retained even during reversible movement.
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 remote assembly and secure positioning of pipe repair clamps without manual intervention, reducing excavation size and maintenance costs by allowing the use of tools like extended socket spanners for tightening, while maintaining secure fastening.
Implementation Method 1
the retainer clip being formed from a resiliently deformable material, and comprising locating means for locating on a lug, a clamping surface dimensionally proportioned for clamping a bolt head or a nut assembled to a bolt against an opposing surface
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
The invention provides a retainer clip (3,4,5,6) for retaining a bolt (7,8) and nut (9) assembly in position in a lug (2a) whilst allowing some reversible movement of the bolt (7,8) and nut (9) assembly with respect to the lug (2a), the retainer clip (3,4,5,6) being formed from a resiliently deformable material, and comprising locating means for locating on a lug, a clamping surface (3) dimensionally proportioned for clamping a bolt head or a nut (9) assembled to a bolt (7, 8) against an opposing surface, a bridge (5) extending substantially normally from the clamping surface (3) and terminating in a bolt shank engaging portion (4) configured to engage with the bolt shank (7) at a point axially distant from the lug to maintain the bolt shank (7) in a substantially stable axial position when not under load.