Band Clamp Lateral Window Deformation Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamps used to secure objects like airbag materials to gas generators or mounting plates often damage the material due to the force applied during locking, requiring a counter-element to mitigate this effect.
Innovation Solution
A clamp design featuring a lateral window in the clasp allows for deformation of the strap's side edges for locking, eliminating material damage and enabling the clasp to serve as a cutting edge for trimming excess strap length, while being protected from external influences and minimizing play.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the strap ends are locked in the clasp by deforming them in the clasp, then secure fixation is achieved, but the force applied to the mandrel damages the material to be tied
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful action of deforming the strap is extracted from the clasp body and relocated to lateral windows. The clasp body no longer directly contacts the material to be tied during the locking process, eliminating material damage while preserving secure fixation through the window-based deformation mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral windows serve as an intermediary structure that mediates between the locking function and the material protection requirement. By providing a dedicated deformation zone separated from the material contact area, the windows enable secure locking without transmitting harmful forces to the tied material
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a binding material or counter-element is required to prevent damage to the material to be tied, then material protection is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clasp structure provides its own material protection function through the lateral window design. The window creates a localized deformation zone that isolates the locking forces from the tied material, making external counter-elements unnecessary. The clasp serves both the locking function and the material protection function simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The clasp is designed to perform multiple functions: securing the strap through deformation and protecting the tied material from damage. The lateral window structure enables the clasp to achieve both objectives without requiring separate protective components, reducing overall device complexity
3Shape
If the clasp is used as a cutting edge for trimming excess strap length, then a flush cut is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting function is merged with the clasp body, using the clasp's own structure as the cutting edge. The lateral window geometry is integrated with the clasp to provide both the deformation zone and the cutting edge, eliminating the need for separate cutting tools or fixtures while achieving flush cuts
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 clamp achieves secure fixation without affecting the material, provides a flush cut, and is protected from external influences, resulting in a lock that is practically free of play and resistant to deformation forces.
Implementation Method 1
the locking between the strap and the clasp can take place by deforming the strap side edges
Implementation Method 2
the clasp itself can be used as a cutting edge for cutting off the excess band length
Data Source
Figure 1~2d
Figure 3~4
Figure 5a~5c
AI summary
A band clamp consists of a band (20) and a closure (21) that is attached to the first end section of said band. During assembly, the second end section (22) of the band (20) surrounding the item to be tied is fed through the closure (21) and, once the band has been tightened, is locked with the closure by means of deformation. The deformation can be achieved by a pliers-type tool which engages with the lateral edges (37) of the second end section (23) of the band through lateral windows (36) in the closure (21).