Hose clamp ear extraction for reliable locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hose clamps face challenges in maintaining a consistent holding force after assembly and are prone to failure if the ear-like tensioning device is damaged, while also requiring significant embossing force to create teeth and being susceptible to material fatigue.
Innovation Solution
A hose clamp design where the ear-like tensioning device is used only for assembly, with interlocking teeth outside the ear area to maintain holding force, and features like double toothing, a locking mechanism for secure guidance, and a teardrop-shaped depression to prevent material deformation, ensuring the clamp functions even if the ear is damaged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the ear-like tensioning device is used to maintain holding force, then high holding forces can be generated during assembly, but the clamp becomes vulnerable to failure if the ear is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tensioning function from the ear-like device and relocates the critical holding function to the toothed engagement areas. The ear is used only temporarily during assembly for tensioning, then its function is transferred to the permanent toothed lock mechanism, making the system reliable even if the ear is damaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The toothed engagement areas are pre-formed on the clamping band before assembly. During assembly, the ear tensions the band and engages the teeth, which then permanently lock the tensioned state. This preliminary preparation of the toothed structure ensures the holding force is maintained without relying on the ear after assembly.
2Device complexity
If single toothing is used for locking, then the structure is simple, but significant embossing force is required to create the teeth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single toothed area into two separate toothed areas: a first toothed area and a second toothed area. This segmentation allows the embossing force to be distributed across two locations rather than concentrated in one, reducing the peak force required during manufacturing while maintaining the locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates different toothed structures at different locations: the first toothed area has teeth embossed on the outside of the tongue, while the second toothed area has teeth embossed on the inside of a raised area. This local differentiation optimizes the embossing process at each location, reducing overall manufacturing difficulty.
3Ease of operation
If the clamping band ends are left protruding for tool engagement, then tensioning during assembly is easy, but the protruding end creates safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the protruding end portion of the clamping band after the teeth have been engaged during assembly. The toothed engagement mechanism allows the band to be tensioned and locked before the excess end is removed, eliminating the safety hazard while preserving the ease of assembly through tool engagement with the ear.
Data Source
AI summary
An open hose clamp has a tensioning device in the form of an Oetiker ear 24. The tensioned state is locked by means of toothed regions 15, 23, which engage in one another outside the ear region on the side of the ear 24 facing away from the outer clamp strip end. In the locked state, the ear is free of forces, so that the hose clamp does not lose the clamping function thereof even in the event of damage to the outwardly projecting ear 24.