Socket Pipe Clamping Ring for Axial Fixing With Thermal Expansion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing socket pipe connections lack a secure axial fixation mechanism that allows for thermal expansion compensation while ensuring easy assembly and manufacture, and existing solutions are either inadequate or cumbersome.

Innovation Solution

A clamping device comprising two identical half-rings with complementary locking elements and a deformation element that provides adhesive compression to secure the socket pipe connection axially, allowing for easy assembly and manufacture, and minimizing flow resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a permanent fixing mechanism is added to secure the socket pipe connection axially, then axial security is improved, but thermal expansion compensation capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial securityVSAvoidthermal expansion compensation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping device employs a deformation element that can dynamically adjust its clamping force. In the assembled state, the deformation element is compressed between the half-rings, creating an adhesive compression force that secures the pipe axially. However, this clamping force is not rigid but rather a controlled adhesive force that allows for limited thermal expansion while maintaining axial security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a complex multi-part clamping device is used to secure the socket pipe connection, then axial security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial securityVSAvoidclamping device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges multiple functions into a single integrated clamping device. The two half-rings with complementary locking elements form a complete clamping structure that simultaneously provides axial securing, radial clamping, and positioning functions. The deformation element is integrated within the clamping groove, combining the clamping and securing functions in one compact device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping device is segmented into two identical half-rings that can be easily assembled and disassembled. Each half-ring has locking elements at its ends that interlock with the complementary half-ring, allowing for simple assembly while maintaining structural integrity. This segmentation reduces assembly complexity compared to a single complex piece.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If a deformation element is used to provide adhesive compression, then axial security is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial securityVSAvoiddeformation element positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The deformation element's physical state is changed from a free form to a compressed state within the clamping groove. By controlling the compression between the half-rings, the deformation element generates adhesive compression force without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances. The parameter change from uncompressed to compressed state creates the necessary securing force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 clamping device ensures secure axial fixation of socket pipe connections with minimal assembly complexity and flow resistance, while accommodating thermal expansion and varying pipe diameters.

Implementation Method 1

an adhesive compression caused by the deformation element, in particular its deformation in the assembled state of the half-rings of the clamping device, enables a securing of an outer surface of a pipeline

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive compression: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP4382793B1Clamping device for axially securing a socket pipe connection and socket pipe connection together with a corresponding clamping device
Publication Date: 2025.11.19 INNODO
  • EP4382793B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP4382793B1 patent drawingFigure 1c~1d
  • EP4382793B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c

AI summary

The invention relates to a clamping device (14) for axially securing a socket pipe connection (20) of two pipelines (21, 22), in particular exhaust pipes, comprising two half-rings (01) which have mutually complementary locking elements (08) at their respective ends (07) in the circumferential direction (U) and which have on an inner side in the axial direction (A) a socket groove (03) extending in the circumferential direction (U) for gripping a socket section (23) of a pipe socket and a clamping groove (04) also extending in the circumferential direction (U) at one end, wherein a deformation element (05) is partially received in the clamping device in such a way that, in the unassembled state, it projects radially inwards beyond the groove walls (06, 13) that laterally limit the clamping groove (04) in the axial direction.