Band Clamp with Rolled Edge Liner for Conduit Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Worm gear clamps fail to provide uniform sealing and often damage conduit materials due to sharp edges and slots, and lack a quick release feature, making them less desirable for applications requiring ease of removal and material protection.
Innovation Solution
A band clamp design featuring a rolled edge liner that interlocks greater than 360 degrees, with two individual loops and a quick release mechanism, using a barrel locking nut and adjustable fastener to tension and seal without damaging the conduit, while allowing partial untorquing for easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a worm gear clamp uses sharp edges and stamped slots to secure the conduit, then the clamp can be manufactured simply and cost-effectively, but it cuts and tears the conduit material
Solution Approach 1:
The band edges are rolled to form a curved, rounded profile instead of sharp edges. This curvature eliminates the cutting and tearing action on the conduit material while maintaining the clamping function. The rolled edge creates a smooth contact surface that protects the conduit from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
A liner is introduced as an intermediary element between the band and the conduit. This liner acts as a protective mediator that prevents direct contact between the sharp band edges and the conduit material, thereby eliminating damage while allowing the clamp to maintain its simple manufacturing process.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a liner is placed beneath the band to prevent conduit damage, then the conduit material is protected from cuts and tears, but the clamp requires a separate member increasing cost, weight, and assembly time
Solution Approach 1:
The protective function previously requiring a separate liner is merged into the band itself through the rolled edge configuration. The band's own structure is modified to provide protection, eliminating the need for an additional liner component and reducing overall clamp complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The band provides its own protective function through the rolled edge configuration. Instead of requiring an external liner, the band's modified geometry enables it to protect the conduit material independently, making the system self-sufficient and reducing component count.
3Reliability
If a worm gear clamp is fully torqued to secure the conduit, then the seal is maintained, but the clamp cannot be partially removed or adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system transitions from a static, all-or-nothing torque requirement to a dynamic system with multiple engagement states. The snap-action mechanism allows the clamp to be securely fastened when engaged, but can be quickly released by overcoming a small initial force barrier, enabling flexible partial removal and adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap-action mechanism creates a preliminary resistance barrier that prevents accidental release, but once this barrier is overcome, the release action occurs rapidly. This preliminary anti-action ensures secure mounting during normal operation while allowing easy removal when intentionally triggered.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the band edges are rolled to eliminate sharp edges, then the conduit material is protected from damage, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The band edges are rolled to form a curved, rounded profile instead of sharp edges. This curvature eliminates the cutting and tearing action on the conduit material while maintaining the clamping function. The rolled edge creates a smooth contact surface that protects the conduit from damage.
Data Source
AI summary
A band clamp includes an elongated band having a base portion which in cross section extends in a plane and first and second side portions. The first and second side portions of the band protrude away from the plane. A first housing is attached to the band and a second housing is attached to the band in a spaced manner from the first housing. A fastener is attached to one of the first and second housings in an adjustable manner. The fastener selectively engages with another of the first and second housings in a quick connect manner, such that the first and second housings can be brought closer to each other for tensioning the clamp around an associated object.