Hose Clamp Locator Tabs for Fast Assembly and Seal Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hose clamp assembly processes are time-consuming due to the need for positioning the clamp on the hose end before coupling with the pipe, and existing locator systems can interfere with sealing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The use of locator tabs that secure both the hose clamp and hose in predetermined positions, allowing for pre-assembly and secure attachment during shipping, which includes features like detents, flanges, and hose retainers to maintain alignment without interfering with installation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a clamp is pre-fit on the hose end to expedite assembly, then assembly speed is improved, but the clamp interferes with sealing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The locator system is segmented into separate components: locator tabs attached to the hose end and corresponding receptacles on the clamp. This segmentation allows the locator features to be positioned precisely without interfering with the clamp's sealing surfaces, resolving the contradiction between assembly speed improvement and sealing efficiency maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The locator functionality is extracted from the clamp body and implemented as separate locator tabs on the hose end. This extraction prevents interference with the clamp's sealing surfaces while still providing the pre-positioning benefit, allowing both fast assembly and good sealing performance.
2Manufacturing precision
If a guide bracket is used to maintain radial and axial position, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning function is segmented into simple locator tabs and receptacles rather than using a complex guide bracket. This segmentation achieves the required radial and axial positioning precision while significantly reducing device complexity and eliminating the need for movable components.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a guide bracket that guides the clamp onto the hose, the invention inverts the approach by providing locator tabs on the hose that positively position the clamp. This inversion simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining positioning precision.
3Measurement precision
If locator features are added to maintain alignment, then assembly accuracy is improved, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locator tabs are merged with the hose end structure, and the receptacles are merged with the clamp body. This merging approach provides alignment accuracy without increasing the number of separate components, as the locator features are integrated into existing parts rather than being separate assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The locator tabs serve multiple functions: they provide alignment accuracy, maintain radial and axial positioning, and enable pre-assembly. This multi-functionality achieves high alignment accuracy without requiring additional dedicated components for each function.
Data Source
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AI summary
Illustrative embodiments of locator systems and methods for hose clamps are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, a locator tab for a hose clamp 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.