V-Clamp Band Lock With Inward Hook for Quick, Secure Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing V-clamps face challenges in quick and reliable opening and closing due to cumbersome bolt operation and unreliable band locks, particularly in confined spaces, and existing quick locks for other clamps are not applicable to V-clamps.
Innovation Solution
A V-clamp design with inwardly projecting hook members and apertures in the band parts that securely engage, preventing deformation under high tensile stress, allowing for easy opening and reliable closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a threaded bolt is used to open the clamp, then the clamp can be opened, but the operation is cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping band is segmented into two separable band parts that can be quickly detached from each other, eliminating the need for threaded bolt operation to open the clamp. The band parts can be separated by simply pulling them apart, dramatically reducing opening time and effort.
2Ease of operation
If a band lock with radially outward projecting hook member is used, then quick locking is achieved, but the hook member deforms under high tensile stress
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the hook member project radially outward as in prior art, the hook member is designed to project radially inward. This inversion allows the hook member to be sandwiched between the V-shaped inner segment and the band part, creating a reliable locking mechanism that prevents deformation under high tensile stress while maintaining quick locking capability.
3Productivity
If a band lock with radially outward projecting hook member is used, then quick locking is achieved, but the hook member escapes from aperture under overtightening stress
Solution Approach 1:
The hook member projects radially inward instead of outward, enabling it to be securely sandwiched between the V-shaped inner segment and the band part. This prevents the hook member from escaping the aperture during overtightening stress tests while maintaining quick assembly capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The inwardly projecting hook member is pre-configured to be sandwiched between structural elements that prevent its deformation and escape before stress is applied. This preliminary structural arrangement counteracts the potential harmful effect of high tensile stress that would otherwise cause the hook to deform and escape.
4Force
If the clamp is designed as a closed ring, then clamping force is maintained, but the clamp cannot be inserted onto the pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping band is divided into two separable band parts that can be easily inserted onto the pipe as open components. After installation, the band parts are connected through the band lock mechanism to form a closed ring structure that maintains the required clamping force.
Data Source
AI summary
A screw-type V-clamp, to be fastened around an object. The clamp has a clamping band 10 having first and second band parts 11, 12, a connector 30 attached to first end regions of the first and second band parts 11, 12 for tightening the clamping band 10 about the object, and a band lock 20 formed at second end regions of the first and second band parts 11, 12 for removably attaching the first band part 11 to the second band part 12. The band lock 20 has a hook member 22 in the second band part 12, and an aperture 21 in the first band part 11 to receive said hook member 22 when the second end regions of the first and second band parts 11, 12 circumferentially overlap each other in a locked configuration. The tip end portion 22b of the hook member 22 protrudes radially inwards to become circumferentially overlapped by the second end region of the first band part 11.