Clamping system having mechanical advantage
US9890615B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 9, 2017 |
| Grant date | Feb 13, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 9, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16L1/26
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A technique facilitates clamping operations by providing mechanical advantage. According to an embodiment, a clamping system comprises a clamp having a plurality of clamp segments with surfaces oriented to securely hold and clamp mating features, e.g. mating hubs, of adjacent components. The clamping system also may comprise an actuator coupled to the clamp to enable selective shifting of the clamp between an open position to receive the mating features and a closed position in which the clamp segments are contracted together to secure engagement of those features. A driver is coupled to the actuator to enable movement, e.g. shifting, of the actuator when opening or closing the clamp. The actuator facilitates operation of the driver via, for example, an ROV by providing mechanical advantage and thus increasing the clamping force applied by the clamp to the mating features.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.