Threaded Ring Fixing Assembly With Deformable Membrane Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices with threaded rings and membranes face challenges in production costs and securing forces, particularly with small-scale ring nut constructions, due to issues like stiffened joint points and spring-back effects, which affect the deformation and securing forces of the membrane.
Innovation Solution
The design involves at least one clamping screw passing through the membrane between adjacent webs, allowing the membrane to deform in an inclined or curved course as the rings are tightened, distributing forces more effectively and enhancing securing forces without material weakening or unintended stiffness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If clamping screws are inserted through the membrane between adjacent slots, then the manufacturing process is simplified and assembly is easier, but the webs are unintentionally stiffened which restricts membrane movement and reduces locking forces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the clamping screw from passing through the web, instead routing it through a separate through-opening in the web that does not compromise the membrane's deformation capability. This separates the fastening function from the membrane constraint, allowing the membrane to deform freely while still providing secure clamping.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a through-opening in the web as an intermediary structure that allows the clamping screw to pass through without creating a stiffening effect on the membrane. The through-opening serves as a passage that maintains web integrity while permitting membrane deformation, mediating between the need for easy assembly and the need for reliable locking forces.
2Reliability
If arc-shaped slots are used to prevent springback effects, then membrane deformation is improved, but manufacturing effort increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the slot into two separate straight slots on opposite sides of the membrane, rather than creating a single complex arc-shaped slot. This segmentation allows each slot to be manufactured independently using simple linear cutting operations, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity while still preventing springback effects through the distributed slot configuration.
3Ease of operation
If the membrane is held at distance by straight slots opening outwards, then assembly is simplified, but the membrane cannot deform freely reducing securing forces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transforms the static, rigid constraint of straight slots opening outwards into a dynamic system where the membrane can deform freely during operation. The slots are configured to allow membrane movement and deformation while maintaining the simplified assembly advantage of having slots that open outwards, enabling the membrane to adapt its shape during clamping.
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
This arrangement improves the distribution of forces across the membrane, allowing it to deform freely and adjust without play, resulting in increased securing forces and a more secure connection, while maintaining ease of assembly and reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one clamping screw by means of which the axial distance between the rings can be adjusted
Implementation Method 2
the membrane aligns itself undeformed parallel to the rings, and in a mounted state is positioned between the struts in a deformed state in the direction of at least one of the rings, at least partially forming an oblique or arc-shaped path
Implementation Method 3
The locking forces generated by the uniformly deformed ring diaphragm are superimposed by the operating load in the device's fixed state, acting in the same direction of force
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a fixing device comprising: at least two threaded rings (10, 12) which therebetween accommodate a membrane (14), which is an integral part of said ring pair (10, 12), is kept at a distance from the rings by means of introduced slits (16, 18, 24, 26) running linearly in an unmounted state and is supported on webs (20, 22) that are only partially annular; and at least one tensioning screw (30), wherein at least one tensioning screw extends through the membrane between two adjacent webs, and in the unmounted state the membrane is oriented parallel to the rings without deformation and in a mounted state the membrane is moved between the webs in a deformed state at least partially forming an oblique or arced profile as soon as the distance between the rings of a pair is reduced by means of the assignable tensioning screw, and wherein the at least one tensioning screw extending through the membrane extends through adjacently arranged slits that are separated by the membrane.