V-Clamp Band Geometry for Uniform Axial Load Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing v-clamps apply axial loads unevenly to tubular body end flanges, leading to potential leakage due to sliding frictional effects and increased tightening forces, which are not efficiently managed by the constant cross-sectional profile of their bands.
Innovation Solution
A v-clamp design featuring a band with a varying v-angle along its circumferential extent, combined with partially spherical end flanges, ensures a more even and uniform axial load distribution by managing the orientation of forces, reducing sliding friction, and minimizing the tightening force required for a fluid-tight joint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a constant cross-sectional profile band is used in the v-clamp, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the axial load is applied unevenly to the end flanges causing leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The band is designed with a varying cross-sectional profile where the v-angle changes along the circumferential direction. Specifically, the v-angle is larger at the first end of the band and smaller at the second end, creating local variations in geometry that result in more uniform axial load distribution across the end flanges, thereby improving joint seal integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The v-angle parameter of the band cross-section is varied along its circumferential extent. By changing the v-angle from a larger value at one end to a smaller value at the other end, the band generates a more even axial load distribution on the end flanges, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and joint reliability
2Reliability
If increased tightening forces are applied to ensure a fluid-tight joint, then the seal reliability improves, but the fastener size and band thickness must increase
Solution Approach 1:
The varying v-angle creates local differences in force distribution along the band. The larger v-angle at the first end and smaller v-angle at the second end work together to distribute the axial load more uniformly, achieving reliable sealing with lower overall tightening forces and smaller fastener sizes
Solution Approach 2:
By varying the v-angle parameter along the band's circumferential direction, the force distribution is optimized to achieve fluid-tight sealing with reduced tightening forces, allowing for smaller fasteners and thinner bands while maintaining reliability
3Ease of operation
If sliding frictional effects are present during tightening, then the tightening mechanism operates as designed, but the axial load distribution becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The band's varying cross-sectional profile with different v-angles at different ends compensates for the uneven force distribution caused by sliding friction during tightening. The local geometric variations ensure that even with friction present, the final axial load distribution on the end flanges remains relatively uniform, maintaining joint reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A v-clamp provides an enhanced axial load to tubular body end flanges in order to establish a fluid-tight joint therebetween. The v-clamp, according to an example, has a v-angle that varies in value over a section or more of a band of the v-clamp. The varying v-angle has been shown to effect an axial load that is more evenly and uniformly applied around a circumference of the v-clamp and to the underlying tubular body end flanges. Furthermore, in an example, the tubular body end flanges have a partially spherical shape.