Integrated Clamp Band for Compact Sensor Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional exhaust after-treatment systems face space constraints due to the need to accommodate filter sections, sensors, and clamps, limiting their compactness and versatility.
Innovation Solution
The clamping apparatus incorporates additional band or strap members with integrated sensor, dispensing, and electronic components, allowing for a more compact design that can be used across various systems with or without tolerance gaps, enhancing space efficiency and application range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional separate mounting of sensors and clamps is used, then installation flexibility is maintained, but space efficiency deteriorates due to increased overall dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the clamp and sensor into a single integrated clamping apparatus. The sensor is mounted on the clamp body or band, eliminating the need for separate sensor mounting operations. This merging reduces the overall space required while maintaining the functional independence of both clamping and sensing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: mechanical clamping of conduit ends and sensor mounting for parameter monitoring. This multi-functionality allows the same component structure to serve both structural and measurement purposes, improving space efficiency without significantly increasing device complexity.
2Shape
If multiple separate components (clamps and sensors) are used, then functional versatility is maintained, but compactness deteriorates due to increased space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is integrated onto the clamp structure, allowing the combined apparatus to be installed in tighter spaces where separate components would not fit. The integrated design maintains the ability to monitor multiple parameters while achieving a more compact overall form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is positioned on the clamp in a configuration that utilizes the three-dimensional space around the conduit effectively. The sensor can be mounted on the outer surface of the clamp band or on the clamp body, optimizing spatial arrangement to achieve compactness while maintaining sensing capability.
3Area of stationary object
If sensors are mounted separately from clamps, then installation and maintenance ease is maintained, but space consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is mounted on the clamp body or band in a position that allows for straightforward installation. The sensor mounting is integrated into the clamp assembly process, reducing the number of separate installation steps while minimizing the additional space required.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp structure serves as an intermediary mounting platform for the sensor. This intermediary approach allows the sensor to be positioned optimally for both compact installation and ease of access during maintenance, eliminating the need for separate sensor mounting brackets or structures.
4Volume of moving object
If integrated clamping and sensor apparatus is used, then space efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is mounted on the clamp body or band using straightforward mounting methods such as adhesive, mechanical fasteners, or integration during clamp manufacturing. This merging approach achieves space efficiency while keeping the integration process relatively simple and avoiding complex multi-component assemblies.
Data Source
AI summary
Clamping apparatus is provided including clamp means for clamping two or more items together in use. The clamping means are arranged to move between a clamped and an unclamped position in use. Attachment means are provided on or associated with the clamping means for attaching one or more components to said clamping means in use. The components consist of any or any combination of one or more sensor means, one or more dispensing means or one or more electronic components. The clamping means includes at least one band member. The at least one band member forms an outer band and the attachment means are provided on or associated with at least an additional band member in the form of an inner band or segment that is provided with or associated with the outer band.