Hose Clamp Locator Tab Geometry for Fast Pre-Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of hose clamps to hoses is time-consuming due to the need for additional steps in positioning the clamp on the hose end, and existing solutions often interfere with the sealing efficiency or require permanent attachments that restrict hose conformance.
Innovation Solution
The use of locator tabs with a crossbar and flanges that securely position the hose clamp on the hose, allowing for easy alignment and retention until the band is tightened, featuring angled segments, detents, and flares to ensure proper positioning and clearance, enabling efficient assembly and sealing without permanent interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a clamp is pre-fit on the hose end to expedite assembly, then assembly time is reduced, but the clamp requires additional steps for positioning and retention during shipping
Solution Approach 1:
The locator tab is pre-attached to the hose clamp during manufacturing, establishing the positioning mechanism in advance. This preliminary action allows the clamp to be pre-fitted on the hose end without requiring additional positioning steps during assembly, as the locator tab is already in place to guide and retain the clamp during shipping and installation
Solution Approach 2:
The locator tab acts as an intermediary component between the hose clamp and the hose. It provides a positioning mechanism that facilitates the connection between the clamp and hose while maintaining the ability to be removed after installation, thus resolving the contradiction between expedited assembly and positioning complexity
2Reliability
If permanent attachments are used to retain the clamp on the hose, then retention is secure, but hose conformance is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The locator tab is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to provide secure retention during shipping and handling, then be easily removed after installation. This dynamic approach enables the system to transition from a retained state to a removed state, maintaining both retention security and hose conformance adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The locator tab is designed as a temporary retention component that is discarded (removed) after serving its purpose during shipping and installation. This allows the hose clamp to conform to the hose without permanent interference, while still providing secure retention when needed during the supply chain
3Ease of manufacture
If the crossbar is parallel to the band for simple geometry, then manufacturing is easier, but the band cannot be properly retained between the flange and crossbar
Solution Approach 1:
The crossbar is designed with an asymmetric angle relative to the band, creating a non-parallel configuration. This asymmetric geometry provides the necessary mechanical advantage for the flange to properly retain the band between the flange and crossbar, while still maintaining reasonable manufacturing complexity through the use of standard angular features
Data Source
AI summary
Locator systems and methods for hose clamps include at least one a locator tab. Each locator tab includes a main body, a clamp end, and at least one flange. The main body includes a crossbar having opposing first and second ends, a first leg extending from the first end, and a second leg extending from the second end. The clamp end extends from the main body and is configured to be secured to a hose. The at least one flange extends from the main body and is configured to retain a band of the hose clamp between the at least one flange and the crossbar until the band is tightened around the hose. The crossbar is non-parallel to the band when the band is retained between the at least one flange and the crossbar.