Hose Barb Clamping Assembly for Compact Fluid-Tight Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid management systems require significant assembly complexity and volume due to the use of hoses and clamps, which is particularly problematic in systems with limited volumes and valuable media, leading to inefficiencies and material waste.
Innovation Solution
A clamping device with a seal and locking mechanism that directly connects hose barbs, minimizing system volume and simplifying assembly by aligning and securing the barbs without the need for hoses or additional fasteners, and optionally featuring a preloaded locking mechanism for secure, irreversible or reversible connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If hoses and clamps are used to connect components, then fluid connections can be established, but system volume increases and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the hose from the connection system, directly connecting hose barbs without requiring intermediate tubing. This removes the volume contribution of hoses while maintaining fluid connection capability through direct barb-to-barb coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping device merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: alignment of hose barbs, sealing between barbs, and mechanical locking to prevent disconnection. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate hoses, clamps, and alignment features, reducing both volume and assembly complexity.
2Loss of substance
If hoses are used to connect components, then fluid transport is enabled, but material usage increases and assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the hose component entirely from the assembly, eliminating the material consumption associated with tubing while reducing the number of parts that require assembly. This directly addresses both material usage reduction and assembly time reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping device is pre-configured with integrated alignment features and sealing elements positioned in advance during manufacturing. This preliminary arrangement of components eliminates the need for manual alignment and assembly steps during system construction, significantly reducing assembly time.
3Volume of moving object
If components are bundled in individual assemblies with minimum tube length, then volume is minimized, but assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines alignment features, sealing elements, and locking mechanisms into a single integrated clamping device. This merging eliminates the need for separate assembly steps for each function, making the overall assembly process simpler despite the compact bundled configuration of components.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
The invention relates to a clamping device (8) for fluidically and mechanically connecting two hose barbs (10). The clamping device (8) comprises a seal (20) and a locking mechanism (40), wherein the locking mechanism (40) can be transferred from a mounting condition to an assembled condition. In the mounting condition, the hose barbs (10) can be inserted into the clamping device (8), while in the assembled condition, those hose barbs (10) are locked in place in a position in which free ends (14) of the hose barbs (10) face each other and a seal (20) coaxially aligns and fluid-tightly connects the free ends (14).