Segmented Tube Holder Clamping for Variable Tube Diameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tube holders require complex assembly and lack the ability to securely hold tubes of different diameters due to the need for additional fastening components and uneven clamping forces.
Innovation Solution
A tube holder design featuring a clamping body with multiple clamping segments and webs that form a deformable, stable structure, secured by locking elements, allowing for easy assembly and adaptable clamping of tubes of varying diameters, with a conical inner cross-section for tube insertion and adjustable clamping force via a spring element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sleeve-shaped clamping body is used to clamp the tube, then the tube can be held securely, but a special retaining body is required to secure the clamping sleeve which increases assembly complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping body is divided into multiple clamping segments distributed around the circumference, which can deform independently to adapt to the tube outer wall. This segmentation eliminates the need for additional retaining bodies while maintaining secure clamping capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping segments and webs are combined into a single integrated clamping body structure that is directly inserted into the tube holder. This merging eliminates the need for separate retaining bodies and simplifies the assembly process while ensuring reliable tube holding.
2Device complexity
If a clamping sleeve is used without retained structure, then assembly is simpler, but the upper end is not retained and merely rests against a stop surface reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping segments are designed to be deformable rather than rigid, allowing them to dynamically adapt to the tube outer wall shape and size. This dynamic adaptation ensures reliable clamping without requiring complex retention structures, as the segments themselves provide the securing mechanism through their deformation capability.
3Reliability
If the clamping body is made rigid to hold tubes securely, then clamping force is sufficient, but it cannot adapt to tubes of different diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping body is segmented into multiple independent clamping segments that can deform radially to adapt to different tube diameters while maintaining sufficient clamping force. The segmentation allows each segment to flex independently, providing both adaptability and secure holding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping segments are designed with variable rigidity parameters, being more rigid in the axial direction for sufficient clamping force but more flexible in the radial direction for adaptation to different tube diameters. This parameter optimization allows the clamping body to maintain strong clamping while adapting to various tube sizes.
4Reliability
If a completely circumferential annular chamber is used for clamping body insertion, then the clamping body is fully retained, but frictional forces in axial direction require additional locking elements
Solution Approach 1:
The locking elements are designed as simple radial protrusions on the clamping segments that engage with corresponding features in the tube holder, extracting the retention function from a complex axial locking mechanism. This simplifies the overall structure while ensuring reliable clamping body retention against frictional forces.
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 design facilitates easy assembly and secure holding of tubes of different diameters, ensuring reliable clamping without the need for additional fastening components, while allowing for adjustable clamping force to accommodate various tube sizes.
Implementation Method 1
When the tube is axially inserted into the tube receptacle and into the clamping body, the clamping body is deformed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tube receptacle, and in response, the clamping body exerts a clamping force directed radially inward toward the longitudinal axis of the tube receptacle on the tube wall
Implementation Method 2
a spring element (17), by means of which a radially inwardly directed spring force can be applied to the clamping body (16)
Implementation Method 3
the inner diameter of which widens conically in the upper region, forming an insertion bevel (13)
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
A tube holder (10) for a tube filling machine has a base body (11) with an upwardly open, shaft-like tube receptacle (12) into which a tube (T) can be inserted with one axial end region. A sleeve-shaped clamping element (16) is arranged in the tube receptacle (12). This clamping element can be brought into contact with the outer wall of the tube (T) and a radially directed clamping force can be applied to the outer wall of the tube by means of the clamping element. The clamping element (16) has several clamping segments (22) distributed around its circumference. A gap (24) is formed between each pair of immediately adjacent clamping segments (22). At least one web (23) is arranged in each gap (24), bridging the gap (24) and connecting the clamping segments (16) adjacent to the gap.The webs (23) which are arranged in immediately adjacent spaces (24) in the circumferential direction of the clamping body (16) are arranged offset from each other in the axial direction.