Rotatable Hose Clamp Pliers for Wire and Band Spring Clamps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hose clamp pliers require multiple tools or contact point changes to securely clamp and unclamp both wire and band spring clamps, leading to inefficiency and increased complexity in automotive, plumbing, and industrial applications.
Innovation Solution
A single pair of hose clamp pliers with dual-purpose contact points and a ratcheting mechanism that allows for secure engagement and hands-free operation, featuring a lever for maintaining jaw position and a spring-loaded mechanism for easy opening, enabling efficient clamping and unclamping of both wire and band spring clamps without tool changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple tools or contact point changes are used to securely clamp both wire and band spring clamps, then the clamping security is improved, but the operational efficiency and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pliers are designed with a universal contact point system that can engage both wire spring clamps and band spring clamps without requiring tool changes. The contact points are configured to accommodate different clamp types through rotational adjustment, allowing a single tool to perform multiple functions while maintaining secure clamping on both wire and band styles
Solution Approach 2:
The contact points are made rotatable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment of their orientation and configuration. This rotational capability enables the contact points to adapt to different clamp geometries (wire vs. band) and engage securely with various end styles, providing reliability across multiple clamp types without requiring multiple specialized tools
2Reliability
If multiple tools or contact point changes are used to securely clamp both wire and band spring clamps, then the clamping security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than manufacturing multiple specialized tools for different clamp types, the invention uses a single pliers design with universal contact points that can handle both wire and band spring clamps. This reduces manufacturing complexity by consolidating multiple tool production into one standardized design while maintaining the ability to securely clamp different clamp types through contact point rotation
Solution Approach 2:
The contact point system is segmented into rotatable components that can be independently positioned and oriented. This segmentation allows the contact points to be adjusted to match different clamp geometries without requiring entirely different tool designs, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining versatility and secure engagement across clamp types
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional pliers design is used for clamping operations, then the manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but the ease of operation for hands-free and easy opening is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pliers incorporate a spring-loaded mechanism that automatically opens the jaws when the lever is released, eliminating the need for the user to manually pull the handles apart. The spring stores energy during the closing stroke and releases it to perform the opening action, making the tool self-serving and significantly easier to operate while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical design
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional pliers design is used for clamping operations, then the manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but the productivity for efficient clamping and unclamping is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lever mechanism introduces dynamic operation to the otherwise simple pliers design. By using a lever to trigger the release, the user can quickly and easily open the jaws with minimal effort, significantly improving clamping and unclamping efficiency. The lever provides mechanical advantage and allows for rapid jaw opening without complex manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded automatic opening mechanism allows the pliers to perform the opening action themselves without requiring the user to exert force to separate the handles. This self-service feature dramatically improves productivity by making each clamping and unclamping cycle faster and easier, while the underlying mechanical design remains relatively simple to manufacture
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 solution provides effortless and secure clamping of hoses and other objects, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while enhancing operational efficiency by allowing for quick and easy adjustment of hose clamps without the need for multiple tools.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded mechanism for easy jaw opening
Implementation Method 2
The pliers also feature an engagement mechanism that keeps the jaws in a predetermined position resisting opening
Data Source
AI summary
A hose clamp pliers for use with both a wire spring hose clamp and a band spring hose clamp is disclosed. Two arms of the hose clamp pliers each rotatably carry contact points of different configurations. The first contact point is designed to receive, in a first position, an end portion of a wire spring clamp through a notch; and in a second position, to receive a hoop-shaped end of a band spring clamp. The second contact point is configured to receive both an end portion of a wire spring clamp, and a tab-shaped end of a band spring clamp. The hose clamp pliers is provided with a thumb release cooperating with a ratcheting pawl to control opening and closing of the pliers arms, which opens and closes the hose clamp.