Sanitary Clamp Locking Handle for Tool-Free Tight Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water cooling system connections in server rooms require tools for assembly and disassembly, leading to inefficiencies and space constraints due to the need for tools to reach tight spaces.
Innovation Solution
A sanitary clamp device with pivoted half-ring components and a locking mechanism operated by a cylindrical handle, allowing tool-free installation and removal, adjustable force-arm length, and space-saving design for easy assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional threaded pipe connection method is used, then leakage can be prevented with anti-leak tape, but tools are required for assembly and disassembly, reducing maintenance efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp device is divided into two half-ring components that can be separately assembled and disassembled, allowing tool-free maintenance while maintaining connection reliability through the sanitary coupling design
2Reliability
If sanitary coupling with nut locking is used, then connection reliability is improved, but extended tools are required to tighten screw heads, which cannot reach in space-limited environments
Solution Approach 1:
The screw head and tightening mechanism are extracted from the traditional sanitary coupling design, replacing them with a clamp-based locking system that can be operated directly in tight spaces without requiring extended tools
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a screw mechanism that requires external tool access, the design inverts the approach by using a clamp that can be closed and locked from the accessible side, eliminating the need to reach into tight spaces for tool operation
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed-length handle is used for locking mechanism, then manufacturing is simplified, but sufficient locking torque cannot be provided in space-constrained environments
Solution Approach 1:
The handle length is made adjustable rather than fixed, allowing the user to extend the handle to gain sufficient leverage and locking torque when needed, while maintaining a compact form when retracted
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 efficient, tool-free connection and disconnection of sanitary accessories in water cooling systems, reducing space constraints and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The cylindrical handle and locking component have smaller size and operating space than the two half-ring components
Implementation Method 2
The locking component needs to provide high locking torque to lock the locked ends of the two half-ring components
Data Source
AI summary
A sanitary clamp device is disclosed and includes two half-ring components, a locking component and a cylindrical handle. The two half-ring components are connected through an adapter component and allowed to rotate around the adapter component so that locked ends of the two half-ring components engage with each other to releasably connect two sanitary fittings therebetween. The locking component is spatially corresponding to the locked ends of the two half-ring components. The locking end of the locking component is connected to the locked ends of the two half-ring components. The operating end is cooperated with a rotating locking component to lock or unlock the two half-ring components through the locking ends. The cylindrical handle runs through the operating end of the locking component. The cylindrical handle allows sliding relative to the operating end to adjust a force-arm length defined from one end of the cylindrical handle to the operating end.