Wedge Ring Clamping Device for Thin-Walled Hollow Profiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for clamping and aligning segment-like, thin-walled, and hollow-profiled components are complex, expensive, and limited in versatility, particularly when dealing with components of varying shapes and large dimensions with restricted access, such as pressure vessels or tanks.
Innovation Solution
A clamping device featuring a wedge ring actuation element that allows radial displacement of clamping elements relative to a support structure, enabling clamping and alignment of components with varying shapes and sizes, and accommodating components with limited accessibility, using a compact and stable design with a root support ring for enhanced precision and protection during processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a separate drive device is assigned to each clamping element, then the clamping force and control precision are improved, but the device complexity and production cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple clamping elements (first and second clamping elements) with a single drive device. The drive device simultaneously actuates both clamping elements through a coordinated mechanism, eliminating the need for separate drive devices for each clamping element. This merging approach reduces device complexity and production cost while maintaining effective clamping force through the collaborative action of the combined clamping elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The single drive device is designed to perform multiple functions by simultaneously controlling both the first and second clamping elements. This universal drive mechanism can actuate different clamping elements with different functions (clamping and alignment) through a unified control system, reducing the overall number of drive devices needed while maintaining precise control over each clamping element.
2Stability of the object's composition
If clamping elements are arranged centrically and evenly distributed, then the clamping force is evenly distributed, but the device cannot handle components with limited access or non-cylindrical shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric arrangement of clamping elements relative to the component being clamped. The first and second clamping elements are positioned at different locations and orientations to match the specific geometry of the component (such as pressure vessels or tanks with limited access). This asymmetric configuration allows the clamping device to adapt to non-cylindrical shapes and restricted access conditions while maintaining even distribution of clamping force through coordinated actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping device incorporates dynamic adjustability where the clamping elements can be independently positioned and oriented to match different component geometries. The drive device dynamically coordinates the movement of multiple clamping elements to maintain even force distribution regardless of the component shape or access limitations, transforming a static centralized arrangement into a dynamic adaptable system.
3Ease of manufacture
If the device is designed for purely cylindrical shapes with interior access, then the clamping mechanism is simple and effective, but it cannot process pressure vessels or tanks with limited access from the outside
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping device is designed as a universal system that can handle both cylindrical components with interior access and pressure vessels or tanks with limited external access. The coordinated action of multiple clamping elements actuated by a single drive device enables the same mechanism to adapt to different component types and access conditions, eliminating the need for separate specialized devices 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 device provides efficient clamping and alignment of components with high accuracy and versatility, capable of handling components up to 6.0 m in diameter and 25 m in length, with wall thicknesses as low as 3.3 mm, and can exert radial forces up to 100 t, suitable for various welding processes without the need for specific clamping devices, ensuring precise and efficient production of complex pressure vessels and tanks.
Implementation Method 1
the clamping actuating element of the clamping device being able to be supported radially inwards on a support element in the form of a support ring
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for clamping and orienting segmented, thin-walled, hollow profiled components (12', 12"), said device comprising a support structure (30) or similar frame structure supported on or against a base (32), and a mechanism (34) which is accommodated in and retained by the support structure (30) and is used for clamping two segmented, thin-walled, hollow profiled components (12', 12"). The clamping mechanism (34) is designed in such a way that the clamping device (34) can act upon the two components (12', 12") perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (48) of the support structure (30) and radially outward in the region of the common separation plane of the two components. Furthermore, the clamping mechanism includes at least two clamping elements (50) which have clamping surfaces acting upon the two components (12', 12") and which are arranged on a common plane and can be moved radially outward and inward. The clamping mechanism (34) comprises the at least two clamping elements (50) and a clamping actuation element which acts upon both the at least two clamping elements (50). The clamping actuation element of the clamping mechanism (34) is designed like or as a tapered ring, in particular one that is formed of a single piece or is split into segments, and acts upon the at least two clamping elements (50) radially outward and inward by moving along or parallel to or substantially along or parallel to the longitudinal axis (48) of the support structure (30). The invention also relates to the use of said device.