Reusable Clamp with Latch Release Arm for Conduit Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clamps for connecting conduit sections and sanitary fittings are difficult to handle, prone to over-compression, and designed for single use, leading to gasket extrusion and failure of sterility, with limited reusability and inadequate 360-degree sealing.
Innovation Solution
A reusable clamp with gland members, handles, and a latch release mechanism that allows for easy opening and closing, providing 360-degree sealing and allowing for reusability without damaging the clamp or conduit sections, using integrally formed resilient plastic materials for secure pivoting and locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional clamps are designed as single-use clamps, then they can be simple in structure, but they cannot be reused without destroying or damaging the clamping mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp transitions from a static single-use design to a dynamic reusable design by incorporating a latch mechanism with movable components. The latch finger can pivot between locked and unlocked positions, and the latch release arm enables controlled movement of the gland members, allowing the clamp to be opened and closed multiple times without damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is divided into distinct functional segments: gland members for clamping, a latch mechanism for locking, and a release arm for operation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling reuse while maintaining structural integrity throughout multiple cycles.
2Reliability
If conventional clamps apply high compression force, then they can secure the connection firmly, but they may cause the gasket to extrude out of the fittings
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp design modifies the compression parameter by incorporating a latch mechanism that secures the gland members at an optimal compression level. The locking detents maintain consistent pressure on the gasket without allowing over-compression, preventing gasket extrusion while ensuring reliable sealing through controlled force application.
3Reliability
If conventional clamps provide adequate sealing pressure, then they can prevent fluid leakage, but they may fail to provide 360-degree coverage around the periphery of the flanges
Solution Approach 1:
The gland members are designed with curved inner surfaces that conform to the circular flanges, providing 360-degree coverage around the periphery. This curved geometry ensures uniform sealing pressure distribution across the entire sealing surface, preventing gasket extrusion while maintaining effective sealing around the entire circumference of the connection.
4Ease of operation
If conventional clamps are difficult to handle, then they may be simpler in design, but they require difficult operation and may not be easily opened and closed
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed to be self-operating through the latch release arm, which automatically pivots the latch finger between locked and unlocked positions. This self-service design eliminates the need for complex tools or multiple steps, allowing easy manual operation while maintaining secure locking through the automatic engagement of locking detents.
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
The clamp ensures reliable, reusable connection of conduit sections with equal sealing pressure around the entire circumference, preventing gasket extrusion and allowing for easy disassembly and reassembly without tools, maintaining sterility and extending the life of the clamp.
Implementation Method 1
a latch release arm that is operably coupled to the latch finger at the distal end and extends to a free end that is located between the first and second handles. The latch release arm is configured to be depressed towards the first handle to force the latch finger to pivot away from the retention section
Implementation Method 2
using integrally formed resilient plastic materials for secure pivoting and locking
Data Source
AI summary
A reusable clamp for retaining conduit sections or sanitary fittings having circular flanges together includes two gland members movable between open and closed positions. The gland members include two handles projecting outwardly from the gland members and two sets of locking detents formed on a latch finger connected to one gland member and the outer periphery of the other gland member. The locking detents engage to prevent movement of the gland members away from the closed position until a latch release arm coupled to the latch finger is depressed towards one of the handles, which causes the locking detents to disengage from one another and enables re-opening of the clamp when desired. The latch release arm and one or more of the handles also include tie-receiving loops to prevent accidental opening of the clamp unless desired by the end user.