Securing Tool Sensors Detect Self-Tensioned Hose Clamp Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The tedious and monotonous nature of installing hose clamps can lead to improper securing, resulting in leaks when hoses are filled with fluids, as it is difficult to determine if self-tensioned hose clamps have been properly secured due to rapid retraction and delayed liquid introduction.
Innovation Solution
A securing tool equipped with sensors, such as continuity and sound sensors, is used to detect the successful securing of self-tensioned hose clamps by analyzing signals indicative of contact and tension release, providing feedback on proper installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If self-tensioned hose clamps are used to make installation easier and more efficient, then productivity is improved, but the ability to detect proper installation is worsened because the clamp retracts rapidly and installation verification becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing visual indicators (colored bands or windows showing colored background) that are prepared in advance on the hose or clamp assembly. These indicators are positioned to be visible before and during the clamping process, allowing workers to verify proper installation immediately when the clamp is applied, without needing to wait for fluid introduction or perform additional inspection steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through visual indicators that provide immediate confirmation of proper clamp installation. The colored bands or visible backgrounds change appearance or become visible when the clamp is properly positioned and tensioned, giving real-time feedback to the worker about installation quality. This eliminates the need for delayed verification and ensures proper installation is confirmed at the moment of application.
2Reliability
If self-tensioned hose clamps retract rapidly to secure the hose, then the securing function is improved, but the ability to determine proper securing is worsened because verification must wait until later fluid introduction
Solution Approach 1:
The visual indicators are prepared and positioned in advance on the hose or clamp assembly, allowing immediate verification of proper installation at the moment the clamp is applied. This eliminates the time delay of waiting for fluid introduction to test the connection, as workers can visually confirm proper securing instantly when the clamp is in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides visual confirmation mechanisms that cushion against the risk of improper installation by alerting workers immediately if the clamp is not properly positioned. The colored indicators serve as a preventive measure, allowing correction before fluid introduction, thus avoiding the time loss and potential failures associated with delayed detection of installation errors.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual installation of hose clamps is performed, then installation precision can be monitored, but productivity decreases due to the tedious and monotonous nature of the work
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing the clamp system with built-in visual indicators that automatically provide installation verification without requiring additional worker attention or inspection steps. The colored bands or visible backgrounds self-confirm proper installation through their appearance or visibility changes, allowing rapid installation while maintaining precision through automated visual feedback rather than manual monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color changes as a visual feedback mechanism to indicate proper clamp installation. Colored bands on the hose or colored backgrounds visible through windows change appearance or become visible when the clamp is properly positioned and tensioned. This allows workers to quickly verify installation precision at high speeds without the tedious manual inspection that would otherwise be required.
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
Ensures proper securing of hose clamps by providing immediate feedback on successful installation, reducing the likelihood of leaks and improving efficiency in the installation process.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor (228) of the securing tool may be a continuity sensor
Implementation Method 2
a second sensor (230) of the securing tool may be a sound sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A securing tool and methods for its use are described herein. In various embodiments, the securing tool may include a handle and a prying member positioned at a first end of the securing tool opposite the handle. The prying member may be shaped to engage a release of a self-tensioned hose clamp to cause the handle to be manipulable to spring the self-tensioned hose clamp. The securing tool may include first and second sensors configured to provide first and second signals, respectively, that are indicative of sensed occurrence of first and second events after the handle is manipulated to spring the self-tensioned hose clamp. In various embodiments, if the first and second signals satisfy a criterion, the hose clamp may be deemed to have been properly installed.