Lever-Actuated Hose Clamp for Tool-Free Air Hose Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hose clamps for air intake hoses on motor vehicles require tools for installation and removal, making them time-consuming and inefficient during assembly and maintenance processes.
Innovation Solution
A hose clamp design featuring an open-ended ring body with engagement pins, a retaining clip, and a connecting lever that allows for tool-free installation and removal through a cam mechanism, enabling easy clamping and unclamping without the need for tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a screw gear hose clamp is used, then the clamp can securely fasten the hose, but it requires a tool for installation and removal, making the process time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The hose clamp transitions from a static screw-fastening mechanism to a dynamic lever-operated cam mechanism. The lever can be quickly actuated to tighten or release the clamp, enabling tool-free operation and significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining secure fastening capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the traditional screw gear mechanical system with a lever-based cam mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for rotational threading and tool intervention, allowing rapid one-handed operation for both installation and removal
2Productivity
If a screw gear hose clamp is used, then the clamp provides reliable fastening, but the production process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is segmented into distinct functional components: the ring body for fastening, the lever for operation, and the cam mechanism for force multiplication. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and assembled through simple snap-fit connections, reducing overall system complexity and enabling rapid installation
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp features self-aligning pivot notches and snap-fit connections that automatically guide the lever into the correct position during installation. This self-service characteristic eliminates the need for precise alignment or complex assembly procedures, significantly improving assembly line efficiency
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
The hose clamp can be easily installed and removed without tools, reducing assembly time and improving efficiency in manufacturing and maintenance processes, while accommodating various hose diameters through interchangeable levers and flex grooves to minimize torsional stress.
Implementation Method 1
The leverage principle of the connecting lever allows the clamp to be installed and removed without the use of a tool
Implementation Method 2
The cam mechanism created by the connecting lever reduces the internal diameter of the ring body securing the clamp to the hose
Implementation Method 3
the ring body may include inner and outer flex grooves to reduce torsional stresses during clamping
Data Source
AI summary
A hose clamp includes an open ended ring body having a first engagement pin located at one end portion, a second engagement pin located at another end portion, and a retaining clip located adjacent the first engagement pin; and a connecting lever detachably attached to the ring body, and including a lever body having a first pivot notch located on one end, a second pivot notch spaced away from the first pivot notch, and a clipping slot located at another end. The first notch of the lever is connected to the first engagement pin of the ring, and the second notch is connected to the second engagement pin of the ring. When the lever is rotated relative to the ring body, the first notch pivots around the first engagement pin and the second notch of the lever pulls the second engagement pin around the first engagement pin.