Magnetic Clamp Alignment for Flexible Vehicle Hoses

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Solution Overview

Problem

Assembling clamps on flexible hoses in vehicles is challenging due to difficulties in achieving the correct orientation without markings, leading to potential human error and subsequent loosening and coolant leakage.

Innovation Solution

The use of magnetic strips on hoses, aligned in the circumferential direction, to magnetically align and secure clamps correctly, ensuring proper orientation and torque application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If markings or indications are provided on the hose to guide workers, then the alignment precision of the clamp is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces visual markings with a magnetic field-based alignment system. Magnetic strips are embedded in the hose, and the clamp contains magnetic elements that automatically align with these strips through magnetic attraction, eliminating the need for visual markings and providing more reliable alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces magnetic strips as an intermediary between the hose and the clamp. These magnetic strips serve as a magnetic interface that guides the clamp into correct alignment through magnetic forces, acting as a mediator that enables precise positioning without direct mechanical contact or visual aids.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If workers manually position clamps without assistance, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of the connection deteriorates due to potential misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidconnection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the clamp to self-align with the hose through magnetic attraction. The magnetic elements in the clamp automatically orient themselves toward the magnetic strips in the hose, allowing the system to correct alignment errors without human intervention and ensuring reliable connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual positioning with magnetic field-based automatic alignment. The magnetic interaction between the magnetic strips and magnetic elements provides continuous guidance forces that ensure the clamp maintains correct alignment throughout the tightening process, improving reliability without complicating operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If clamps are tightened without proper alignment, then the productivity is improved, but the loss of substance increases due to coolant leakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly speedVSAvoidcoolant leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary magnetic alignment before the tightening operation. The magnetic strips and magnetic elements ensure that the clamp is correctly positioned and aligned with the hose before tightening begins, preventing misalignment-related leakage from the outset while maintaining assembly speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Reduces human error and prevents clamp loosening, thereby minimizing fluid leakage by ensuring accurate alignment and secure attachment of clamps.

Implementation Method 1

providing the hose with a magnetic strip such that the magnetic strip has its main direction of extension in a circumferential direction of the hose, providing a clamp to the hose, at least a part of the clamp being magnetically attracted by the magnetic strip so that said part of the clamp becomes aligned with the magnetic strip along the circumferential direction of the hose

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS12416376B2Method of assembling a clamp to a flexible hose for a vehicle, and a clamping arrangement

Publication Date: 2025.09.16 VOLVO TRUCK CORP

AI summary

A method of assembling a clamp to a flexible hose for a vehicle. The method comprises providing the hose with a magnetic strip such that the magnetic strip has its main direction of extension in a circumferential direction of the hose; providing a clamp to the hose, at least a part of the clamp being magnetically attracted by the magnetic strip so that the part of the clamp becomes aligned with the magnetic strip along the circumferential direction of the hose; and tightening the clamp to the hose when the clamp has become aligned with the magnetic strip. The disclosure also relates to a clamping arrangement.