X-Profile Clamping Ring for Thin-Walled Tube Flange Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conical pipe flange connections with V-shaped clamping rings face issues of uneven tension force distribution, high frictional resistance, and misalignment of pipe axes due to galvanized surfaces and seals, leading to suboptimal sealing and assembly challenges, especially under high pressures or for water-tight applications.
Innovation Solution
A U-shaped clamping ring with flat V-shaped leg sections that provide linear contact with terminal flanges, ensuring symmetric tension force transmission and reduced friction, along with a displaceable sealing tape and optional bridge element for enhanced sealing, allowing for radial alignment and efficient assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conical pipe flange connections with V-shaped clamping rings are used, then air-tight and stable connections are achieved, but considerable frictional resistance occurs and tension force distribution becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping ring transitions from a uniform V-shaped cross-section to an asymmetric design where only specific regions (leg sections) have contact surfaces inclined at approximately 60° to the pipe wall. This localized application of the inclined surface geometry concentrates the radial centering effect at discrete clamping edges rather than distributing friction across the entire conical surface, thereby reducing overall frictional resistance while preserving connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping ring is divided into distinct functional regions: leg sections with inclined contact surfaces for radial alignment, and other portions with different geometries. This segmentation allows the radial centering function to be performed by specific segments while minimizing the friction-generating contact areas, resolving the contradiction between stability and friction.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conical pipe flange connections with V-shaped clamping rings are used, then radial alignment of pipe ends is achieved, but tension force distribution becomes uneven due to high friction
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined contact surfaces are localized to specific leg sections rather than extending along the entire circumference. This creates discrete clamping edges that concentrate the radial alignment function while minimizing the area generating friction, thereby improving tension force distribution uniformity while maintaining radial alignment precision.
3Reliability
If clamping ring is drawn together with high frictional resistance, then connection stability is achieved, but clamping ring deformation becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
By concentrating the radial centering function in localized leg sections with inclined surfaces rather than using extensive conical surfaces, the friction is reduced to manageable levels. This allows the clamping ring to be drawn together uniformly without excessive friction preventing tension force transmission to remote regions, achieving both stability and uniform deformation.
4Reliability
If sealing tape is inserted in the apex region of V-shaped clamping ring, then air-tight connection is achieved, but sealing effect deteriorates due to uneven compression pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The localized inclined contact surfaces in the leg sections reduce overall friction, enabling more uniform tension force distribution around the clamping ring circumference. This uniform tension transmission results in more evenly distributed compression pressure on the sealing tape, improving sealing effectiveness while maintaining air-tight connection.
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 achieves even tension force distribution, minimizes frictional resistance, ensures proper radial alignment of pipe axes, and provides a reliable sealing effect suitable for various pressure conditions, including high pressures and water-tight applications.
Implementation Method 1
considerable frictional resistance must be overcome. The reason for this is that the conical exterior pipe flange surfaces and the corresponding interior clamping ring surfaces rest against each other across large surfaces on the entire circumference, resulting in considerable friction
Data Source
AI summary
An open clamping ring (11) is provided for connecting tubes (1) that are provided with terminal flanges (2). The clamping ring is drawn together with the aid of a clamping lock that is provided at the open ends of the clamping ring. The clamping (10) substantially has the shape of a U whose legs that are composed of an inner leg section (12) and an outer leg section (14) are bent such that a clamping edge (13) is formed in the central area between the leg sections (12 and 14). The inventive clamping ring (10) thus approximately has the shape of an X. The clamping edges (13) rest more or less linearly on the outside of the final flange sections (2a) such that the friction between the clamping ring (10) and the terminal flanges (2) is reduced when the clamping ring is assembled while force is transmitted and distributed in an optimal manner.