Loop-Type Band Clamp Tool for Fast Hole Alignment and Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of loop-type band clamps is a time-consuming and frustrating process due to the need to apply force against the spring bias of each clamp, align fastening holes, and secure them together with a bolt and mating nut.
Innovation Solution
A hand tool comprising an upper jaw, lower jaw, alignment pin, drive screw, guide pin, bushing, and hold washer that aligns and compresses loop-type band clamps, allowing for efficient and secure installation by maintaining alignment and applying clamping force without damaging the components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If clamps are secured together using a bolt and mating nut, then the clamps are securely fastened, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and frustrating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized installation tool as an intermediary device that simplifies the fastening process. The tool includes alignment features and compression mechanisms that guide the bolt and nut assembly, making the installation process faster and easier while maintaining secure fastening of the clamps
2Reliability
If force is applied to each clamp against the spring bias, then the clamps are secured together, but the operation becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The installation tool serves as a mediator that applies force to overcome the spring bias of the clamps. The tool's design includes mechanical advantage features that reduce the effort required by the operator while ensuring the clamps are properly secured together
Solution Approach 2:
The tool performs preliminary alignment and positioning actions before the final fastening. The alignment pins and guides prepare the clamp assembly in advance, making the actual securing operation easier and faster
3Reliability
If fastening holes are aligned manually, then the clamps can be secured together, but the alignment process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The installation tool includes built-in alignment pins and guides that act as intermediaries to automatically align the fastening holes of multiple clamps. These features eliminate the need for manual alignment while ensuring accurate hole registration for bolt insertion
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment features perform the alignment action preliminarily before fastening. The pins and guides establish proper hole alignment in advance, so that when the operator inserts the bolt, the holes are already correctly positioned
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 tool simplifies the installation of loop-type band clamps by maintaining alignment and applying compressive force, reducing the time and effort required for securing multiple clamps together, while ensuring they remain aligned and securely fastened.
Implementation Method 1
A hand tool, including a drive screw, that aligns and compresses loop-type band clamps
Data Source
AI summary
Tool for securing a loop-type band clamp around an object. Turning a drive screw displaces an upper jaw relative to a lower jaw of the tool. An alignment component is inserted through holes in band clamp tabs and then a fastener engages a receiving end of the alignment component. An opening in the lower jaw receives the fastener and an opening in the upper jaw receives an upper segment the alignment component. The upper and lower jaws compress the tabs by operation of the drive screw, closing the loop around the object. While the tabs are compressed, the alignment component is separated from the fastener and a clamp fastener is inserted through the tab holes and mated with the fastener. The upper segment of the alignment component is removed from the upper jaw. The upper and lower jaws are removed from the band clamp by operation of the drive screw.