Hose Clamp Retaining Bracket for Positional Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hose clamps in the automotive industry face challenges in maintaining a consistent radial, axial, and circumferential position relative to hose substrates during assembly, which affects the final assembly with other components, and existing solutions do not allow for sufficient circumferential movement of the clamp band relative to the hose.

Innovation Solution

A hose clamp system featuring an annular band with a tension mechanism and a retainer that includes an elongated body and clip to engage the hose substrate, allowing for circumferential movement, along with a guide bracket that positions the annular band to maintain desired positions and permit adjustment between diameters, using eyelets and detents for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a fixation device is positioned between the clamp and the hose to semi-rigidly fix the clamp to the hose, then the clamp position is stabilized, but the circumferential movement of the clamp band relative to the hose is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamp position stabilityVSAvoidcircumferential movement capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation system is divided into separate functional elements: the retainer with clip engages the hose substrate to provide radial and axial positioning, while the alignment key in the elongated slot allows the retainer to move circumferentially relative to the annular band. This segmentation enables independent control of different movement directions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment key acts as an intermediary element between the retainer and the annular band. It is received in the elongated slot that extends through the radial outer surface of the annular band, allowing the retainer to move circumferentially along the slot while maintaining proper alignment and preventing disengagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If the retainer is fixed rigidly to the annular band, then the structural integrity is improved, but the ability to adjust and maintain desired position during assembly is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidposition adjustment capability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the retainer and annular band is made dynamic rather than rigid. The retainer is moveably coupled to the annular band through the alignment key and elongated slot mechanism, allowing circumferential movement during assembly and tightening while maintaining structural integrity through the engaged features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows for parameter changes in position during assembly. The elongated slot provides a range of motion that enables the retainer to be positioned at different circumferential locations on the annular band, allowing adjustment to maintain the desired position relative to the hose substrate during the assembly process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Force

If the annular band is tightened to reduce the inner diameter of the liner, then the clamping force is increased, but the circumferential position relative to the hose may shift

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamping forceVSAvoidcircumferential position accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer acts as a feedback mechanism that monitors and maintains the circumferential position of the annular band relative to the hose substrate. As the annular band is tightened, the retainer moves along the elongated slot to accommodate the position changes, providing continuous positional feedback and correction to maintain manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The retainer is pre-positioned on the annular band before tightening occurs. The elongated slot is designed to accommodate the expected circumferential movement that will occur during tightening, allowing the retainer to automatically adjust to the final position without requiring post-assembly adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10584817B2Hose clamp with retaining bracket

Publication Date: 2020.03.10 IDEAL CLAMP PRODUCTS INC

AI summary

A hose clamp system includes a hose clamp and a guide bracket configured to attach the clamp to a hose substrate such that a desired radial and axial position relative to the substrate outer diameter and hose end is maintained. The hose clamp includes an annular band including a radial inner surface facing toward a central axis and a radial outer surface positioned opposite the radial inner surface and a tension mechanism configured to tighten the annular band. The guide bracket includes an elongated body extending over the radial outer surface and a clip extending outward from the annular band that is configured to engage a hose substrate. The guide bracket is moveably coupled to the annular band such that the guide bracket is permitted to move circumferentially along the radial outer surface of the annular band.