Quick-Release Hose Clamp With Fine Adjustment in Tight Spaces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping devices are not user-friendly, particularly when securing engine hoses or other objects in tight spaces, as they can be difficult to install or remove, prone to spinning due to gravity, and often require detachment of the object before installation, extensive screw revolutions, or specialized tools, leading to potential damage and reduced durability.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable clamp device with a catch member pivotably connected to a base member by a pin and a latch member adjustably connected via a fine adjustment mechanism and camshaft, allowing secure clamping without requiring object detachment, featuring a quick release mechanism for easy removal and adjustment, and designed for easy installation without specialized tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If worm gear clamps are used to secure hoses, then the clamp can be tightened, but the clamp becomes top heavy and spins away from the user due to gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional worm gear clamp design by making the clamp body the movable component that rotates around the hose, while the screw mechanism remains stationary. This inversion transfers the weight-bearing function to the stationary screw, eliminating the top-heavy problem that causes spinning away from the user during tightening operations.
2Force
If force is applied to tighten a worm gear clamp, then the clamp can be secured, but the force causes the clamp to rotate away from the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional worm gear clamp design by making the clamp body the movable component that rotates around the hose, while the screw mechanism remains stationary. This inversion transfers the weight-bearing function to the stationary screw, eliminating the top-heavy problem that causes spinning away from the user during tightening operations.
3Reliability
If traditional clamps are installed on hoses, then the hoses can be secured, but the hoses must be detached prior to installation and reattached afterward
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic clamp body that can rotate and expand to accommodate the hose without requiring detachment. The movable clamp body opens to allow hose passage and then rotates into position, enabling installation without disconnecting the hose from the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is divided into a stationary screw mechanism and a movable clamp body that can independently rotate and position itself around the hose. This segmentation allows the clamp body to dynamically adapt to the hose position while the screw provides stable tightening force.
4Reliability
If banded clamps are used, then the hoses can be secured, but many revolutions of the tightening screw are required to remove or install them
Solution Approach 1:
The movable clamp body that rotates around the hose enables the clamp to be positioned and secured with fewer screw revolutions, as the dynamic positioning reduces the total adjustment range needed compared to traditional fixed clamps.
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 clamp device is user-friendly, easily installed and removed, secure, and durable, with fine adjustment capabilities to prevent damage and maintain structural integrity, while being aesthetically pleasing and adaptable to various objects and accessories.
Implementation Method 1
a latch member adjustably connected via a fine adjustment mechanism and camshaft
Implementation Method 2
a catch member pivotably connected to a base member by a pin
Data Source
AI summary
At least one adjustable clamp device is disclosed that includes a catch member, a base member, a latch member, and a fine adjustment mechanism and is designed to clamp to a targeted object in a secure fashion. At least one quick release clamp device is disclosed that includes a catch member, a base member, a latch member, and a quick release mechanism and is designed to clamp to a targeted object in a secure fashion and to be quickly removable from the targeted object. At least one method for using the adjustable clamp device is disclosed that includes: wrapping an adjustable clamp device around a targeted object; placing a tool around the adjustable clamp device; squeezing the tool and thereby squeezing the adjustable clamp device around the targeted object; and causing the latch member to operably connect to the catch member in a locked position.