V-Clamp Bearing Assembly for Even Clamping Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing v-clamps face inefficiencies in distributing clamping force evenly and uniformly around tubular body end flanges, often resulting in high sliding friction during tightening, which hinders the effective establishment of a fluid-tight joint.
Innovation Solution
The v-clamp design incorporates a band with a closure mechanism and a bearing assembly, featuring sets of bearings and a cage that establish surface-to-surface rolling contact with the tubular body end flanges, reducing frictional force and enhancing the transfer of tightening action into clamping force by utilizing rolling resistance instead of sliding friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional v-clamps use sliding contact between the band and tubular body end flanges, then the structure is simple, but high sliding friction occurs during tightening which hinders effective establishment of fluid-tight joint
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces bearings as intermediary elements between the band and tubular body end flanges. These bearings convert the direct sliding contact into rolling contact, significantly reducing friction. The bearings act as mediators that transfer the tightening force from the closure mechanism to the end flanges while minimizing energy loss to friction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the sliding friction-based mechanical contact system with a rolling friction-based system using bearings. This substitution changes the fundamental mechanism of force transmission from sliding to rolling, thereby reducing the harmful frictional forces while maintaining the clamping function.
2Force
If traditional v-clamps apply tightening force directly to end flanges, then the closure mechanism is simple, but the clamping force is not evenly distributed around the tubular body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the clamping interface by introducing multiple bearings distributed around the circumference of the tubular body. Instead of a single point of contact, the clamping force is divided into multiple contact points through the bearing assembly, enabling more uniform distribution of force around the entire joint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by positioning bearings at specific locations around the tubular body to ensure even force distribution. The bearing assembly is designed to contact the end flanges at multiple discrete points, creating localized force application zones that collectively achieve uniform overall clamping.
3Ease of operation
If v-clamps use rolling contact with bearings, then friction is reduced and clamping force distribution improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the bearing assembly with the band structure, integrating the rolling contact elements into the existing v-clamp design. The bearings are incorporated as an assembly that works in conjunction with the band and closure mechanism, combining multiple functions into a unified structure rather than adding completely separate components.
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 design achieves a more efficient and effective distribution of clamping force, providing a fluid-tight joint with lower frictional resistance and easier servicing access, suitable for heavy-duty and light-duty applications across various industries.
Implementation Method 1
the set of bearings makes surface-to-surface rolling contact with outer surfaces of the pair of tubular body end flanges
Implementation Method 2
enhancing the transfer of tightening action into clamping force by utilizing rolling resistance instead of sliding friction
Data Source
AI summary
A v-clamp is used to join tubular bodies having end flanges in order to form a joint therebetween. Such tubular bodies are employed in heavy-duty and moderate and light-duty applications including, but not limited to, industrial, oil and gas, sewage, agriculture, and automotive applications. The v-clamp can include a band, a closure mechanism, and a set of bearings. The v-clamp may furnish a more evenly and uniformly distributed clamping force around a circumference of the v-clamp and to the tubular body end flanges than previously demonstrated.