Threaded Connection Clamp for High-Force Tube Flange Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connection devices, such as Tri-Clamp connections, require manual strength or additional tools to achieve sufficient compression force between line portions, complicating and slowing down the installation process.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating axial thread means on the line portion and ring segments, allowing for interlocking threads to generate additional axial force when the connection clamp is rotated, reducing the manual torque required for a tight connection without the need for tools or nuts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If manual strength is used to press the free ends of ring segments against each other, then the clamp can be closed, but the compression force between line portions is insufficient and depends on operator strength
Solution Approach 1:
The connection clamp is designed with pivotable ring segments that transition from an open state to a closed state through rotation. This dynamic mechanism allows the clamp to generate increasing compression force automatically as the ring segments are closed, eliminating the need for operators to manually apply high compression force while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Threaded engagement elements are introduced as intermediary components between the ring segments and the abutment flanges. These threaded elements act as mediators that convert rotational motion into axial compression force, amplifying the operator's input torque into sufficient compression force without requiring direct manual pressing on the ring segment ends.
2Force
If additional tools or screw nuts are used to increase compression force, then sufficient compression can be achieved, but the installation process becomes complicated and slowed down
Solution Approach 1:
The connection clamp is designed to be self-servicing, where the act of closing the clamp itself generates the necessary compression force through its mechanical design. The pivotable ring segments and threaded engagement elements work together to automatically amplify the closing force, eliminating the need for additional tools, screw nuts, or complex installation procedures while maintaining sufficient compression force.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the clamp is designed with pivotable ring segments, then the clamp can be opened and closed, but the compression force varies with manual strength rather than being consistent
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded engagement elements introduce a controlled parameter transformation where rotational displacement is converted into axial compression force. This parameter change mechanism ensures that the compression force is consistently generated based on the degree of closure rather than varying with operator strength, providing reliable and repeatable connection forces while maintaining the adaptability of the pivotable ring segment 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
Enables increased compression force on abutment flanges with lower manually applied torque, simplifying the connection process and maintaining a secure seal without tool dependency.
Implementation Method 1
each ring segment has a radially inwardly projecting clamping flange and second thread means, which are spaced apart axially from said clamping flange and correspond to the first thread means
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a connection device comprising —a line portion (10) having, at its end, a radially outwardly projecting abutment flange (14) for butting against a corresponding abutment flange of a further line portion which is to be coupled to the line portion (10), and—a ring-segment chain (42, 22, 38) comprising a plurality of ring segments (22, 38) connected to one another in a pivotable manner in a common ring plane, wherein the ring-segment ends which formed the chain ends can be latched to one another to give a ring-form connection clamp (42). The invention is distinguished in that the line portion is designed in the form of a tubular connection stub (10) with first thread means (16) spaced apart axially from the abutment surface (141) of its abutment flange (14), and in that each ring segment (22, 38) has a radially inwardly projecting clamping flange (24) and second thread means (26), which are spaced apart axially from said clamping flange and correspond with the first thread means (16).