V-Profile Clamp Band With Integral Lugs for Load Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional profile clamps lose shape and form under load, leading to non-uniform contact and increased manufacturing costs, and are less adaptable to thermal expansion stresses.
Innovation Solution
The clamp apparatus features integrally formed protruding means with the band, maintaining shape and form, allowing uniform contact distribution and improved load retention, with a V-shaped profile that acts like a spring under load, and is roll formed for increased strength and thermal adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If additional features are welded or formed onto the ends of the V-shaped profile, then the clamp can maintain its shape and form, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protruding means with the band by providing an integral construction where the protruding means extend from the band as a single continuous piece. This eliminates the need for separate welding or attachment operations, thereby maintaining the clamp's shape while reducing manufacturing cost and complexity.
2Force
If the clamping band is placed under load, then the clamp can perform its clamping function, but the clamping band loses its shape and form towards the lugs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing a V-shaped profile specifically at the protruding means while the band itself remains conventional. This localized profiling ensures uniform contact distribution at the critical clamping interface under load without requiring the entire band to maintain complex shape, thus preserving functionality while managing deformation.
3Ease of manufacture
If the clamp is made with conventional pressing process, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the clamp is less able to adapt to thermal expansion stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the elastic properties of the material by designing the protruding means with an integral construction that allows controlled deformation. The V-shaped profile and integral design enable the clamp to flex and adapt to thermal expansion stresses through elastic deformation, transforming the material's mechanical properties into a solution for thermal adaptability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
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
The solution provides a stronger, more uniform clamp with improved load retention and thermal adaptability, maintaining shape under load and enhancing contact with tensioning means, while reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a V-shaped profile that acts like a spring under load
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
There is provided clamp apparatus (2) including band means (4) which is annular or substantially annular in form. The band means (4) has two opposing ends (6, 8) and protruding means (14, 16) are provided to protrude outwardly of the band means (4) at each of the opposing ends (6, 8). At least one of said protruding means (14, 16) is integrally formed with the band means (4).