Spring Clamp Fastener Mechanism for Controlled Hose Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hose clamps, particularly non-spring and spring clamps, face issues with maintaining consistent compressive force over time, requiring separate tools for installation and removal, and are prone to uncontrolled release, which can lead to safety hazards and inefficiencies in applications requiring continuous pressure.
Innovation Solution
A spring clamp design that integrates a fastener and tangs to control potential energy, allowing for safe and convenient installation and removal without external tools, using a built-in mechanism to manage the spring's energy and maintain consistent compressive force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spring clamps are designed to provide continuous compressive force, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for energy control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The spring clamp is divided into distinct functional segments: the spring body for generating compressive force, the fastener for energy control, and the tangs for force transmission. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to provide reliable continuous compression.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener acts as an intermediary mechanism between the spring's stored energy and the clamping force applied to the hose. By controlling the fastener's position, the energy release and compressive force can be regulated, providing reliable continuous pressure without requiring complex external control systems.
2Ease of operation
If spring clamps use built-in energy control mechanisms, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener and tangs are merged into an integrated system where the fastener threads directly into the tang structure. This combination allows the energy control and force application functions to work together seamlessly, enabling easy installation and removal through a single operational interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener serves multiple functions: it controls the spring's potential energy, adjusts the clamping force, and enables both installation and removal operations. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall operation while the integrated design with tangs ensures consistent performance across different applications.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If spring clamps release uncontrollably, then safety worsens, but device complexity must increase to prevent this
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded connection between the fastener and tangs provides a mechanical feedback system that prevents uncontrolled energy release. As the spring attempts to expand, the threaded fastener engages with the tangs, providing resistance and control. This feedback mechanism ensures safe, controlled operation without requiring complex electronic or external safety systems.
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 integrated fastener and tang system enables safe and efficient operation of the spring clamp, providing consistent compressive force and reducing the need for external tools, enhancing safety and usability in various applications.
Implementation Method 1
The spring is formed from a spring material... The spring may be enlarged by bringing the two tangs together, thus increasing a potential energy of the spring
Implementation Method 2
A fastener may be threaded into a first tang... The fastener may be rotated, which may cause a distance between the two tangs change
Data Source
AI summary
A spring clamp with integrated installation and removal capability allows a user to install or remove the spring clamp safely using common shop tools or by hand. The spring clamp includes two tangs with a fastener extending between them. The fastener may be used to draw the tangs together or apart, to thereby open or close the spring clamp, and to safely change the potential energy of the spring clamp. The user may turn the fastener or a nut on the fastener using common shop tools or by hand to expand the spring clamp so that it can be slipped over a hose and to allow the spring clamp to tighten around the hose.