Magnetic Hose Clamp Assembly for Accurate Circumferential Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the assembly of coolant systems in vehicles, clamps on flexible hoses often become misaligned due to lack of orientation markings, leading to reduced torque over time and potential coolant leakage.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the application of a magnetic strip on the hose with its main direction of extension in the circumferential direction, allowing the clamp to be magnetically aligned and tightened correctly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If marking or indication is provided on the hose to guide workers, then alignment accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual marking systems with a magnetic alignment mechanism. Magnets embedded in the hose end provide passive magnetic attraction that automatically guides the clamp into correct alignment, eliminating the need for visual markings and reducing reliance on worker attention while maintaining alignment accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic strip on the hose end provides self-aligning functionality, where the clamp naturally aligns itself through magnetic attraction without requiring external guidance markings or active intervention from workers to interpret visual cues
2Productivity
If clamp is tightened without proper alignment, then assembly speed is improved, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic alignment mechanism performs preliminary alignment action before the tightening operation. The clamp is magnetically attracted and positioned correctly on the hose end before the worker applies torque, ensuring proper alignment is achieved as part of the assembly process rather than requiring separate alignment and tightening steps
3Device complexity
If no alignment mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by embedding magnets only in the hose end region where alignment is needed, rather than making the entire hose or clamp system complex. The magnetic strip is a localized feature that provides precise alignment functionality at the connection point without affecting the rest of the system
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
This solution ensures accurate alignment of the clamp with the hose, reducing the risk of human error and subsequent coolant leakage, while maintaining reliable hose connections.
Implementation Method 1
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
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to 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 said 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.