Hose Clamp with Two-Stage Locking and Side Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hose clamps require hoses to be inserted lengthwise and have limited latching positions, making them difficult to handle, especially with peristaltic pumps, as they often need to be detached from containers or valves and lack a suitable release mechanism for easy opening without releasing the locking mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A hose clamp with a two-stage locking mechanism and a spring-supported release mechanism that allows the hose to be opened by pressing a button against spring force without disengaging the locking mechanism, enabling side placement and adjustable clamping force, with hooks of different lengths for staged engagement and a resiliently supported rib for secure closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the hose clamp uses a conventional latch with only two positions (loose and immovable), then the structure is simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the hose must be detached from connections and the latch must always be released to open the tube
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is transformed from a static two-position system to a dynamic three-position system. The latch can now remain engaged in the closed position without being held, while still allowing the hose to be open. This dynamic capability enables the hose to be opened by pressing the actuating element against spring force without releasing the locking mechanism, eliminating the need to detach the hose from connections.
2Ease of operation
If the hose clamp requires the hose to be inserted lengthwise, then the locking mechanism is simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the hose must be detached from container or valve beforehand
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion direction is inverted from the conventional lengthwise insertion to lateral insertion from the side. The hose clamp can now be placed on the hose from the side by opening the hose clamp, which consists of a housing and a bracket attached to it in an articulated manner. This allows the hose to be inserted laterally without detaching from connections, fundamentally changing the insertion approach.
3Reliability
If the hose clamp uses a single-stage locking mechanism, then the structure is simple, but the reliability deteriorates because it cannot provide both secure holding and hose closure simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into two distinct stages: a first stage that secures the fitting without occluding the hose, and a second stage that non-slidably secures the hose clamp and occludes the hose. This segmentation allows independent control of holding and closure functions, enabling the hose clamp to provide both secure holding and hose closure simultaneously with different hooks of different lengths engaging at different stages.
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
Enables hoses to be securely clamped without detaching from connections, allowing for easy opening and closing without releasing the latch, improving handling and adaptability, particularly in medical applications like artificial nutrition lines.
Implementation Method 1
A spring that holds the beam is then also tensioned, and the tension in the spring compensates for positional tolerances and differences in the hose dimensions and in the elasticity of the hose. The spring also limits the clamping force applied to the hose.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Task: The hose clamp should allow for lateral placement on the hose, locking of the clamp, and independent opening of the hose. Solution: The hose clamp (1) contains a two-stage locking mechanism and a release mechanism (6) which, when actuated without disengaging the locking mechanism (3), releases the hose closure as long as the actuation continues. Application: The hose clamp is primarily used in medical technology, for example, for tubing used in artificial nutrition.