Compression clipsimple, strong, reliable

Press, 12 March 1985, Page 21

Compression clip — simple, strong, reliable

“An exceptional ability to withstand high shock pressures developed in hydraulic cylinders” is just one of the many advantages of the patented compression clip designed by Victor Hydraulics, a division of the Christ-church-based firm, Campion and Irving, Ltd. This innovative concept harnesses the compressive strength of spring-steel wire clips to absorb the huge shock forces that are generated when closed hydraulic circuits are subjected to severe external mechanical forces. Such conditions occur in front-end-loader bucket rams, which receive con-

tinual abuse by the action of thrusting the open bucket (often at some speed) into resisting materials. This results in the failure of threaded piston assemblies. The compression clip design locates the piston on to the full diameter of the piston rod, thus ensuring the absolute concentricity of the assembly, and prolonging the seal life by eliminating the wear effects of built-in side loading — an accepted reality of threaded designs. Having no threads or nuts, the new design avoids the expensive problems associated with the accidental

unscrewing of components during operation. To guard against such occurrences, threaded designs are very firmly tightened on assembly, the actual torque pressures used being determined by the working pressure of the cylinder. This tightening (or pre-stressing) of the threaded piston rod downgrades the load-bearing capability of the ram. With less machining involved, and much faster assembly times, the patented compression clip design costs considerably less to manufacture. The immense market potential that exists for this

design is being explored by many large companies overseas, who see possible applications not only in hydraulic rams but in pneumatic cylinders, vehicle shock absorbers and thrust bearing retention. Victor Hydraulics has received the Designmark and a New Zealand Design Award, and was a national finalist in the Prince Philip Award. Victor was also presented with the EMEX award in Auckland for engineering excellence for the outstanding compression clip design. The design concept also has the approval of Lloyds of London.