Variable Curvature Clamping Arc for Pipe Fixing Blocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping devices for fixing blocks on tubular objects are difficult to handle, especially in hard-to-reach areas, and cannot provide uniform clamping pressure due to the need for all-encompassing belts, which limits their effectiveness in pipe relining applications.
Innovation Solution
A clamping device with a variable curvature clamping arc and displaceable tool holders, featuring a receptacle for the fixing block and adjustable arc length, allows for precise positioning and uniform contact pressure using a clamping tool that engages opposite tool holders, enabling adaptation to different pipe diameters and facilitating easy handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all-encompassing belts are used to clamp the fixing block, then the fixing block can be secured onto the tubular object, but the device becomes difficult to handle and cannot provide uniform clamping pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping device is divided into discrete components: a clamping arc with variable radius of curvature and separate tool holders at each end. This segmentation allows the device to be handled more easily compared to all-encompassing belts while still providing secure clamping through the distributed tool holders that can be independently positioned and operated.
2Reliability
If all-encompassing belts are used to clamp the fixing block, then the fixing block can be secured onto the tubular object, but uniform clamping pressure cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping arc is designed with variable radius of curvature, allowing different sections of the arc to have different curvature radii. This enables localized adaptation to the tubular object's surface, ensuring uniform contact pressure is achieved at each clamping point. The tool holders can be independently positioned to apply pressure at specific locations, ensuring even distribution of clamping force across the fixing block's contact surface.
3Device complexity
If the clamping arc has a fixed radius of curvature, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different pipe diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping arc is designed with a variable radius of curvature that can be adjusted dynamically. The arc can be configured to have different curvature radii by adjusting the position of tool holders or modifying the arc's geometry, allowing the device to adapt to various pipe diameters while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. This dynamic adjustability resolves the contradiction between structural simplicity and adaptability.
4Reliability
If circumferential strap solutions are used, then the fixing block can be clamped onto the tubular object, but the device cannot be used in hard-to-reach locations
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping device uses discrete tool holders positioned at specific locations on the clamping arc rather than continuous circumferential straps. This segmentation allows the device to be applied in hard-to-reach locations where circumferential access is limited, as the tool holders can be positioned to engage the fixing block at specific points without requiring complete circumferential access.
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 user-friendly and effective clamping mechanism that ensures uniform contact pressure over the entire contact surface, simplifying the handling of fixing blocks on tubular objects and adapting to various diameters, enhancing the clamping process in challenging environments.
Implementation Method 1
a clamping arc (110) with a variable radius of curvature against a preload
Implementation Method 2
The tensioning arch can comprise a strip- or plate-shaped element made of flexible steel, preferably spring steel
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a clamping device (100) for clamping a fixing block (200) onto a tubular object (300), wherein the clamping device (100) has a clamping arc (110) with a variable radius of curvature relative to a preload and a tool receptacle (130) for a clamping tool (400) at each of its opposite longitudinal ends (120), so that by clamping the clamping arc (110) via its opposite longitudinal ends (120), the radius of curvature of the clamping arc (110) can be adapted to a radius of curvature of a tubular object (300) onto which the fixing block (200) is to be clamped. The invention further relates to a corresponding arrangement and a corresponding method.