Spring-Bridge Flange Clamp for High-Force Pipe Joining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamps for joining tubular tubing with annular flanges face challenges in providing high axial clamping force, resistance to high operating temperatures, and accommodating geometric deviations while maintaining rigidity and reducing weight, often requiring multiple components and complex manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A clamp design featuring at least two clamping segments connected by a springy bridge, with equal arc lengths and angular spacing, and manufactured through high-temperature die-forging to ensure high axial strength, temperature resistance, and resilience, allowing for flexible fit to flanges with dimensional inaccuracies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If coupling segments are fixed to the clamp by weld or spot weld, then high axial force and resistance to high operating temperatures are achieved, but the risk of tearing off individual coupling segments increases and the rigidity of the tubing flange connection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the coupling segments and the clamp into a single integrated component formed by one piece of metal strap. This eliminates the welding connection entirely, removing the risk of tearing off coupling segments while maintaining high axial force and temperature resistance through the continuous metal structure.
2Strength
If coupling segments are fixed to the clamp by weld or spot weld, then high axial force and resistance to high operating temperatures are achieved, but the rigidity of the tubing flange connection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated one-piece construction eliminates weak points at weld joints, thereby maintaining or improving the rigidity of the tubing flange connection while still providing the necessary axial force and temperature resistance.
3Strength
If a clamp-based design with coupling segments is used, then high axial force and temperature resistance are achieved, but more components are required which affects the final weight of the clamp
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple components (clamp body and coupling segments) into a single integrated component, reducing the total number of parts and eliminating the need for separate coupling segments. This weight reduction is achieved while maintaining the necessary strength through the continuous metal strap structure.
4Force
If traditional clamp design with multiple components is used, then high axial force is achieved, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the clamp body and coupling segments into a single integrated component formed from one piece of metal strap. This simplification reduces the number of components and assembly steps while maintaining the high axial clamping force through the continuous structural design.
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 achieves a high axial clamping force, uniform pressure distribution, and reduced weight, while accommodating geometric deviations, with a simplified manufacturing process that minimizes waste and energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
at least two clamping segments (4) connected in series by a springy bridge (6)
Implementation Method 2
manufactured through high-temperature die-forging
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5G
AI summary
The subject of the invention is a clamp for connecting pipe lines equipped with annular flanges, being a band structure adapted to encircle the pipe lines to be connected, containing a first end (1) and a second end (2) equipped with fixing brackets (3) and at least two clamping segments (4) covering a recess (5) receiving the annular flange of the pipe line, the at least two clamping segments (4) being connected in series by a resilient bridge (6). The subject of the invention also includes a method of manufacturing a clamp.