Self-Adjusting Band Buckle for Corrosion-Resistant Clamp Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current band types used to attach external devices to pressure vessels, such as static and spring-loaded bands, are limited by material degradation in marine environments and fail to maintain tension over varying vessel diameters, especially under hydrostatic pressure.
Innovation Solution
A self-adjusting band design incorporating high-load, low-deflection compression springs and bushings to prevent galvanic interactions, allowing radial force adjustment and material selection for specific applications, enabling use in diverse marine environments and space-constrained locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spring-loaded bands are used to maintain tension on pressure vessels, then the band can compensate for diameter changes, but the spring materials degrade due to corrosion and galvanic corrosion in marine environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the buckle assembly with compression spring and linkages) that mediates between the band and the pressure vessel. This intermediary allows the use of corrosion-resistant materials for the band itself while the spring mechanism provides the tension compensation function, isolating the band material from direct exposure to corrosive marine environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the banding system by using a compression spring mechanism that can adjust the band tension dynamically. The spring allows the band to maintain optimal tension as the pressure vessel diameter changes during depth variation, while the buckle assembly provides a mechanical means to reset and adjust the spring preload.
2Device complexity
If static bands with pre-load are used to attach external devices, then the band can be simple in design, but the band fails to maintain tension as the pressure vessel diameter decreases under hydrostatic pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static band design into a dynamic system by incorporating a compression spring that can automatically adjust its length and force output. This dynamic element allows the band to maintain constant tension on the pressure vessel despite changes in vessel diameter, converting a static pre-loaded system into an actively adapting one.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action through the pre-compression of the spring during assembly. The spring is pre-loaded to the desired tension level before the band is installed on the pressure vessel, ensuring that the correct clamping force is immediately applied and maintained as the vessel undergoes pressure-induced diameter changes.
3Force
If bands are tensioned by mechanical means such as bolts and screws, then the band can maintain high clamp load, but the device becomes complex and requires multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated buckle assembly. The buckle combines the spring mechanism, the adjustment linkage, and the attachment points for the band into one compact unit. This consolidation maintains the high clamp load capability while significantly reducing the number of separate components compared to traditional bolt-and-screw tensioning systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through the automatic adjustment capability of the spring mechanism. The spring automatically compensates for diameter changes without requiring external intervention, and the buckle assembly allows for easy manual resetting and adjustment of the tension, eliminating the need for complex multi-component fastening systems.
4Reliability
If spring-loaded bands are used to compensate for diameter changes, then the band can maintain tension, but the spring requires a large physical footprint external to the pressure vessel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by placing the compression spring inside the buckle assembly, which itself is attached to the pressure vessel. The spring is nested within the compact buckle structure, and the entire assembly is integrated onto the vessel surface, minimizing the external footprint while maintaining the tension compensation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the spring mechanism from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional compact structure. The compression spring utilizes the depth dimension by compressing axially within the buckle assembly, allowing the tension compensation function to be achieved in a compact volume rather than requiring a large planar footprint on the pressure vessel surface.
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 self-adjusting band maintains consistent clamp load across varying vessel diameters and depths, resisting corrosion and material degradation, thus ensuring reliable attachment of external devices in marine environments.
Implementation Method 1
The buckle assembly includes a compression spring that is compressed between the rotary joint base and a preload screw
Implementation Method 2
bushings to prevent galvanic interactions
Data Source
AI summary
A self-adjusting band that includes one or more banding segments, one or more buckling assemblies, a pair of one pin and two links for each buckle assembly, a rotary joint base for each pair of one pin and two links, and a high-load, low-deflection compression spring for each section of the buckle assembly.