Double wedge locking mechanism and method

Abstract

A double wedge locking mechanism provides an attachment mechanism to a liner system for fluid distribution network.

Claims

1. A method of establishing a connection to a piping system, comprising: providing a liner of the piping system; inserting the liner into a flange adapter such that a support for the liner contacts the flange adapter; placing a clamp collar over an end of the liner to be located against a raised shoulder of the liner; attaching a subassembly to a main flange to locate a position for a double wedge mechanism; and inserting the double wedge mechanism into a main housing creating a compressive axial force to the liner.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the double wedge mechanism comprises two wedges.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the two wedges interface with the main housing and the clamp collar.

4. An arrangement, comprising: a main housing with an aperture, two half clamps, wherein a first of the half clamps is configured to interface with a second of the half clamps; a clamp ring with a clamp surface, the clamp ring defining a clamp collar; a pair of wedges, wherein at least a portion of the pair of wedges is configured to interface with the clamp surface, and a liner, the liner including a raised shoulder of the liner, the raised shoulder of the liner located against the clamp collar such that the clamp collar retains the raised shoulder to the main housing.

5. The arrangement according to claim 4, wherein first of the half clamps includes one or more holes formed therein, and wherein the main housing includes one or more corresponding threaded studs.

6. The arrangement according to claim 5, further comprising at least one nut coupled to the threaded stud, the nut positioned to secure the half clamp to the main housing.

7. The arrangement according to claim 6, further comprising at least one washer positioned about the threaded stud between the nut and the half clamp.

8. The arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the arrangement is configured from stainless steel.

9. The arrangement according to claim 4, further comprising: at least two studs, wherein the clamp ring is configured with a first series of holes to accept a first end of the at least two studs and the main housing is configured with a second series of holes to accept a second end of the at least two studs.

10. The arrangement according to claim 9, wherein the first series of holes is configured with threading to interface with threads on the at least two studs.

11. The arrangement according to claim 9, wherein the second series of holes is configured with threading to interface with threads on the at least two studs.

12. The arrangement according to claim 4, wherein each of the pair of wedges has a tapered face.

13. The arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the clamp ring is configured with at least two tapers.

14. The arrangement according to claim 13, wherein the at least two tapers are configured to interface with the pair of wedges.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the disclosure briefly summarized above may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the disclosure may admit to other equally effective combinations of embodiments.

(2) FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view through a double wedge locking mechanism through the axis of the assembly.

(3) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the double wedge locking mechanism in accordance with one example embodiment, viewed from the right side of FIG. 1.

(4) FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the double wedge locking mechanism in accordance with one example embodiment, viewed from the left side of FIG. 1.

(5) FIG. 4 is a method of connecting to a liner, in one example embodiment of the disclosure.

(6) FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the disclosure.

(7) FIG. 6 is a side view of the second embodiment of FIG. 5.

(8) FIG. 7 is an end view of the second embodiment of FIG. 5.

(9) FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of FIG. 5.

(10) To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures (“FIGS”). It is contemplated that elements disclosed in one embodiment may be beneficially utilized on other embodiments without specific recitation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(11) In the following, reference is made to embodiments of the disclosure. It should be understood, however, that the disclosure is not limited to specific described embodiments. Instead, any combination of the following features and elements, whether related to different embodiments or not, is contemplated to implement and practice the disclosure. Furthermore, although embodiments of the disclosure may achieve advantages over other possible solutions and/or over the prior art, whether or not a particular advantage is achieved by a given embodiment is not limiting of the disclosure. Thus, the following aspects, features, embodiments and advantages are merely illustrative and are not considered elements or limitations of the claims except where explicitly recited in a claim. Likewise, reference to “the disclosure” shall not be construed as a generalization of inventive subject matter disclosed herein and should not be considered to be an element or limitation of the claims except where explicitly recited in a claim.

(12) Although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first”, “second” and other numerical terms, when used herein, do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed herein could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

(13) When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, coupled to the other element or layer, or interleaving elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no interleaving elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed terms.

(14) Some embodiments will now be described with reference to the figures. Like elements in the various figures will be referenced with like numbers for consistency. In the following description, numerous details are set forth to provide an understanding of various embodiments and/or features. It will be understood, however, by those skilled in the art, that some embodiments may be practiced without many of these details, and that numerous variations or modifications from the described embodiments are possible. As used herein, the terms “above” and “below”, “up” and “down”, “upper” and “lower”, “upwardly” and “downwardly”, and other like terms indicating relative positions above or below a given point are used in this description to more clearly describe certain embodiments.

(15) In embodiments, aspects illustrated allow for connections to a liner. A liner may be a stand-alone component or may be part of another system, such as a piping system. Often, there is a need to place a flange, for example, onto a liner such that the liner may be connected with or to equipment. At other times, different types of equipment may also be needed to be attached to the liner, where the attaching equipment has a different flange arrangement.

(16) In the illustrated embodiment, the liner may be a replaceable component of a fluid distribution system. To this end, the liner may be configured to be inserted, as necessary, into a section of the arrangement 100, as described below. A flange may also be installed behind the liner support to allow secure tightening of the arrangement 100. The arrangement 100 may be configured to include a double wedge locking mechanism without a flange or with a flange.

(17) Referring to FIG. 1, an arrangement 100 is disclosed that performs as a double wedge locking mechanism. The double wedge locking mechanism has a receiving flange 102. This receiving flange 102 provides the location and fitment for the double wedge locking mechanism. The arrangement 100 has a main body 105 that is aligned to the front of the main receiving flange 102. Half clamps 103, 104 are aligned to the main flange 102, located to the rear of the front of the main flange 102. Studs 113, located within the main housing 105, are configured to align with holes 114 in the half clamps 103, 104, thereby locating the main housing 102 in place with nuts 112 and washers 111. The subassembly of main housing 102 and half clamps 103, 104 are located to the front flange of the main housing 102. The subassembly is free to rotate and has limited axial movement due to the geometric configuration. As illustrated, the half clamps 103, 104 are configured to encompass the circumference of the liner. The studs 113 are configured with a threaded surface to allow the half clamps 103, 104 to attach.

(18) Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the assembly of the liner 101 and the arrangement 100 is further detailed. The liner 101 is axially aligned to the main flange 102 and pushed into place. The liner 101 is then secured in place, by attaching the clamp ring 110 and sitting the clamp ring 110 against the liner 101 shoulder. The tapered faces of the clamp ring 110 are aligned to an upper and lower position exposed within the aperture of the main housing 105. In one example embodiment, the apertures of the main housing 105 are aligned in a 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock position to simplify the subsequent assembly of the double wedge mechanism.

(19) The double wedges 106, 107 are installed in the main housing 105 apertures, in upper and lower positions. The double wedges 106, 107 have tapered faces to one side of each wedge, which are mated to the mating faces of the tapers on the clamp ring 110. Bolts 108 and washers 109 are placed in the receiving holes 116 of the upper wedge 106 and subsequently screwed into receiving thread 115 in lower wedge 107. As the bolts 108 are tightened, the mating surface of the wedge 106, 107 impinges on the clamp ring 110 and the aperture surface of the main housing 105. The sliding faces of the mechanism provides an axial loading of the clamp ring 110 and the aperture surface and the main housing 105, putting a compressive axial load to the liner 101 shoulder.

(20) As the seating surface of the liner 101 is located to the fluid end (not shown), the compressive axial force generated by the double wedge mechanism (combination of items 101, 105, 106 and 107), the liner is effectively secured in place.

(21) Further, the compressive axial force generated above causes the main housing 105 and half clamps 103, 104 to oppose the reaction forces, tightening the main housing 105 and half clamps 103, 104 against the main flange 102, eliminating the radial and axial movements available during the initial installment stage.

(22) The radial and axial movement of the main housing 105 with half clamps 103, 104 achieved during the initial installation allow the user to orient the assembly to aid the final assembly process, (e.g. the lower half wedge 107). The arrangement 100 may be assembled in a receiving position which is easily accessed by the installer, then rotated to the lower operating position before the assembly of the upper wedge 106.

(23) Although preferable to have the double wedges 106, 107 located in the upper and lower position, it is not essential, and can be rotated by the user to suitable operational positions during the final stage of tightening the double wedge mechanism.

(24) In another non-limiting embodiment, the studs 113, nuts 112 and washers 111 can be replaced with bolts and washers located into receiving holes of the 114 of the half clamps 103 and 104 located into threaded portions in the main housing 105.

(25) In a non-limiting embodiment, there are 12 off securing studs, nuts and washers and the quantity may be varied subject to appropriate loading requirements.

(26) In another non-limiting embodiment, the size of the components will vary depending upon the size and type of liner to be used, as long as the double wedge mechanism operating principle is maintained.

(27) In another embodiment, the main housing in the main flange adapter may be combined as one item, providing a support location for the liner and the receiving of the double wedge mechanism.

(28) Referring to FIG. 4, a method 400 of establishing a connection to a piping system is illustrated. The method 400 may provide for, at 402, providing a liner of the piping system. At 404, the method provides for inserting the liner into a flange adapter such that a support for the liner contacts the flange adapter. At 406, the method provides for placing a clamp collar over an end of the liner to be located against a raised shoulder of the liner. At 408 the method provides for attaching a subassembly to a main flange to locate a position for a double wedge mechanism. At 410, the method provides for inserting the double wedge mechanism into a main housing creating a compressive axial force to the liner.

(29) Referring to FIG. 5, a second example embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated. In this embodiment, an arrangement 1000 is provided for connecting to a piping system. The arrangement 1000 has a main body 1008 that provides an aperture 1006 through which half clamps 1010, 1002 are inserted. Half clamps 1010, 1002 are secured to each other through bolting 1004. A handle 1012 is provided on a half clamp 1010 to allow for easy handling of the half clamp 1010 during installation. Referring to FIG. 6, the arrangement 1000 is shown in a side view elevation illustrating a cross section line A-A, described in FIG. 8. Referring to FIG. 7, an end view of the second example embodiment of the arrangement 1000 is illustrated.

(30) Referring to FIG. 8, the arrangement 1000 is configured to attach to a liner 1040. A body 1008 of the arrangement 1000 is configured to be inserted around the liner 1040 wherein a top half clamp 1010 and a lower half clamp 1002 are secured through an aperture in the arrangement 1000 through bolting 1004. A flanged portion 1030 of the liner 1040 is provided for connection of flanged piping. The body 1008 is provided with a bearing portion 1022 that is placed between the flanged portion 1030 and key portion 1020 of the piping system. In this configuration, the bearing portion 1022 bears upon the keyed portion 1020, preventing slippage. As illustrated, the top half clamp 1010 and the lower half clamp 1002 are also configured to bear upon the key portion 1020. As will be understood, the body 1008 of the arrangement may be slipped over an end of the existing piping arrangement liner 1040 and then the top half clamp 1010 and lower half clamp 1002 installed through the aperture previously described, to provide a bearing portion 1022 preventing the arrangement from slippage during use.

(31) In one example embodiment, a method of establishing a connection to a piping system. The method may comprise providing a liner of the piping system and inserting the liner into a flange adapter such that a support for the liner contacts the flange adapter. The method may also provide for placing a clamp collar over an end of the liner to be located against a raised shoulder of the liner. The method may also provide for attaching a subassembly to a main flange to locate a position for a double wedge mechanism. The method may also provide for inserting the double wedge mechanism into a main housing creating a compressive axial force to the liner.

(32) In another example embodiment, the method may be performed wherein the double wedge mechanism comprises two wedges.

(33) In another example embodiment, the method may be performed wherein the two wedges interface with the main housing and the clamp collar.

(34) In another example embodiment, an arrangement is disclosed. The arrangement is configured with a main housing with an aperture. The arrangement is further configured with two half clamps, wherein a first of the half clamps is configured to interface with a second of the half clamps. The arrangement is further configured with a clamp ring with a clamp surface. The arrangement is further configured with a pair of wedges, wherein at least a portion of the pair of wedges is configured to interface with the clamp surface.

(35) In another example embodiment, the arrangement is configured wherein the interface between the first of the half clamps and the second of the half clamps is a threaded stud configuration.

(36) In another example embodiment, the arrangement is configured wherein the interface is further configured with at least one nut arrangement.

(37) In another example embodiment, the arrangement is configured wherein the interface is further configured with at least one washer arrangement.

(38) In another example embodiment, the arrangement is configured wherein the arrangement is configured from stainless steel.

(39) In another example embodiment, the arrangement is configured wherein the clamp ring is configured to interface on an inside surface with a liner.

(40) In another example embodiment, an arrangement is described. The arrangement may comprise at least two studs, wherein the clamp ring is configured with a first series of holes to accept a first end of the at least two studs and the main housing is configured with a second series of holes to accept a second end of the at least two studs.

(41) In another example embodiment, the arrangement is configured wherein the first series of holes is configured with threading to interface with threads on the at least two studs.

(42) In another example embodiment, the arrangement is configured wherein the second series of holes is configured with threading to interface with threads on the at least two studs.

(43) In another example embodiment, the arrangement is configured wherein each of the pair of wedges has a tapered face.

(44) In another example embodiment, the arrangement is configured wherein the clamp ring is configured with at least two tapers.

(45) In another example embodiment, the arrangement is configured wherein the at least two tapers are configured to interface with the pair of wedges.

(46) The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

(47) While embodiments have been described herein, those skilled in the art, having benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments are envisioned that do not depart from the inventive scope. Accordingly, the scope of the present claims or any subsequent claims shall not be unduly limited by the description of the embodiments described herein.