Flexible Hose Clamping for Fast Bulk Material Dosing Tube Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing metering devices for bulk materials face challenges in easily and efficiently replacing flexible hoses, as current fastening structures require accessibility of screw connections and complex detachment/re-attachment processes, making the replacement difficult and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A device with an adjustable clamping member that circumscribes the flexible hose, allowing it to be pressed against a surface for flow control and easily released, enabling simple hose replacement by pulling it radially through an aperture, with a carrier ring and clamping means for secure attachment and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screw connections are used to attach the flexible hose, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the replacement process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening structure is divided into a clamping element with an opening and a carrier ring with form-fitting structures. The opening allows the hose to be inserted and positioned, while the form-fitting structures provide secure attachment. This segmentation enables simple radial insertion and removal while maintaining reliable connection during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping element is designed to be adjustable, allowing it to dynamically adapt to the hose diameter and provide appropriate clamping force. The opening can be adjusted to accommodate the hose during installation and then closed to secure it, enabling both easy insertion and reliable fastening.
2Reliability
If external screw connections are used for hose attachment, then the connection is secure, but the hose replacement requires external access and manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier ring is positioned within the housing interior, and the clamping element is nested within the carrier ring. The form-fitting structures allow the clamping element to engage with the carrier ring, creating a compact nested assembly that can be operated from within the housing without external access.
Solution Approach 2:
The form-fitting structures between the clamping element and carrier ring enable self-aligning and self-securing during hose installation. The radial insertion of the hose through the opening automatically positions it correctly, and the clamping element secures it without requiring external manipulation or adjustment.
3Reliability
If multiple fastening elements are used to secure the flexible hose, then the attachment is robust, but the detachment and re-attachment process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fastening functions are merged into a single integrated clamping element. The clamping element simultaneously provides hose clamping, positioning, and securing functions through its opening and interaction with the carrier ring's form-fitting structures, eliminating the need for separate fastening elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping element serves multiple functions: it clamps the hose securely, positions it radially through the opening, and interfaces with the carrier ring for attachment and detachment. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components while maintaining robust attachment.
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
Simplifies the process of installing and replacing flexible hoses, reducing user effort and eliminating the need for external manipulations, allowing for flexible hose changes within the device's interior space without compromising connection element design or installation location.
Implementation Method 1
Squeezing elements of the metering device act on the flexible hose in such a way that they elastically deform the flexible hose and thus cause the bulk material to be metered
Implementation Method 2
by adjusting the clamping element, the flexible hose (i) can be or is pressed against a surface of the device defining an opening
Implementation Method 3
a deforming device arranged and operable to deform the flexible tube radially to the longitudinal axis to change the flow of the bulk material
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for modifying the flow of a bulk material through a flexible hose during intended use, wherein the device comprises: - a fastening device for securing the flexible hose; and - a deformation device arranged and actuated such that it deforms the flexible hose radially to the longitudinal axis in order to modify the flow of the bulk material in one direction along a longitudinal axis of the flexible hose; wherein the fastening device includes a movable clamping element that surrounds the flexible hose around the longitudinal axis and has an opening extending radially to the longitudinal axis;By repositioning the clamping element, the flexible hose (i) is pressed tightly against the surface of the device defining an opening, such that the flow of bulk material can pass through the opening, and (ii) is subsequently released from the opening by resetting the clamping element; and after releasing the flexible hose from the surface, the flexible hose can be removed by pulling it radially through the opening to the longitudinal axis.