Sensor-Assisted Hose Clamp Tool for Secure Installation Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
The tedious and monotonous nature of installing hose clamps, combined with the difficulty in determining proper securing due to rapid retraction and confined spaces, often leads to improper hose clamping, resulting in potential leaks when fluids are introduced.
Innovation Solution
A securing tool equipped with sensors and prying members that assist in transitioning self-tensioned hose clamps from a nominal to a sprung state, providing signals indicative of successful securing through continuity and sound sensors, allowing for real-time feedback on proper installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If self-tensioned hose clamps are used to make installation easier, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates because it becomes difficult to determine whether the clamp has been properly secured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by providing real-time visual indicators (color-coded flags showing green, yellow, or red) that immediately inform the worker whether the hose clamp has been properly installed. This feedback mechanism allows the worker to verify proper installation during the installation process itself, eliminating the uncertainty that previously existed after rapid retraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with automated sensor-based detection systems that use cameras, light sensors, or other detection devices to automatically determine whether the hose clamp is properly secured. This substitution of mechanical/visual assessment with automated sensing systems improves measurement precision while maintaining ease of operation.
2Productivity
If the clamp retracts rapidly to secure the hose, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates because improper installation cannot be detected until later
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing verification of proper installation immediately during the installation process itself, rather than waiting until later when fluids are introduced. The visual indicators and sensor systems provide immediate confirmation of proper installation, allowing any issues to be corrected before the system is pressurized or put into service.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides immediate feedback through visual indicators and sensor systems that inform the worker whether the clamp is properly installed at the moment of installation. This real-time feedback ensures reliability by confirming proper installation before the system is put into operation, preventing leaks and failures that would occur if improper installation went undetected.
3Measurement precision
If traditional hose clamps are used, then measurement precision is maintained for proper installation, but productivity deteriorates due to tedious and monotonous manual installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing the hose clamp system to automatically verify its own installation status through integrated sensors, cameras, or visual indicators that assess whether the clamp is properly secured without requiring separate manual inspection steps. This self-verification maintains measurement precision while eliminating the time-consuming manual checking that reduced productivity.
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
Ensures proper securing of hose clamps by providing immediate feedback on successful installation, reducing the likelihood of leaks and improving efficiency in tight spaces.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor (e.g., a continuity sensor) that provides a first signal indicative of a sensed occurrence of a first event
Implementation Method 2
a second sensor (e.g., a sound sensor) that provides a second signal indicative of a sensed occurrence of a second event
Data Source
AI summary
A securing tool and methods for its use are described herein. In various embodiments, the securing tool may include a handle and one or more prying members positioned at a first end of the securing tool opposite the handle. The prying member(s) may be shaped to engage a release of a self-tensioned hose clamp to cause the handle to be manipulable to spring the self-tensioned hose clamp. The securing tool may include first and second sensors configured to provide first and second signals, respectively, that are indicative of sensed occurrence of first and second events after the handle is manipulated to spring the self-tensioned hose clamp. In various embodiments, if the first and second signals satisfy a criterion, the hose clamp may be deemed to have been properly installed onto a hose or other conduit.