Interlocking Hose Clamp Structure for Tight Vehicle Assembly Space

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radiator hose clamps with overlapping legs lack robustness and require excessive space, compromising their effectiveness in securing elongated components in vehicle assembly operations.

Innovation Solution

A clamp design featuring a base strip, securing strip, and curved portion with locking flanges and catches that securely assemble around the elongated member, along with a retaining ring and assembly tangs for enhanced stability and alignment, and a rib structure for reinforcement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If overlapping legs with spaced relationship are used in the clamp, then the clamp can be assembled around the elongated member, but the robustness of the clamp is reduced and excessive space is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverobustness of clampVSAvoidspace required for clamp

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the two legs of the clamp into a single continuous piece with interlocking features (locking flange and locked flange with catch). This eliminates the spaced relationship between separate legs while maintaining the ability to assemble around the elongated member, thereby increasing robustness without requiring excessive space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If overlapping legs with spaced relationship are used in the clamp, then the clamp can be assembled around the elongated member, but the space required to accommodate the clamp increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly capabilityVSAvoidspace required for clamp

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested structure where the locked flange is disposed inside the locking flange, and the catch engages the locked flange from within the locking flange's space. This nesting arrangement allows the clamp to assemble around the elongated member while minimizing the overall space required, as the components are contained within each other's boundaries rather than extending outward.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Productivity

If component parts are designed for easy and quick assembly, then assembly speed increases, but manufacturing tolerances and damage prevention become more challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly speedVSAvoidaccommodation of manufacturing tolerances

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs interlocking features (locking flange, locked flange, and catch) that provide mechanical guidance and constraint during assembly. These features are designed with tolerances built into their geometry, allowing for easy assembly while automatically accommodating manufacturing variations. The catch engages the locked flange in a manner that compensates for dimensional variations, ensuring proper assembly without requiring high precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9062800B2Clamp for an elongated member

Publication Date: 2015.06.23 FRANKLIN FASTENER CO

AI summary

A clamp for attaching an elongated member to a supporting surface includes a curved portion, a base strip and a securing strip. The base strip includes flanges that define a catch on opposite lateral sides of the base strip. The securing strip is received between the catches formed on the locking flange that engage upstanding locked flanges formed on the securing strip.