Interconnecting Spring Clamp Hose Markers for Secure HVAC Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Servicing HVAC equipment poses challenges in distinguishing between similar hoses that show wear from use, as existing solutions lack a clear and easily changeable means for marking hoses and other linear items.
Innovation Solution
The development of an interconnecting spring clamp hose marker assembly that uses identical spring clamp markers with a rectangular body and fingers to create a secure, easily changeable marking system for hoses, cables, and other circular cross-section items, ensuring consistent engagement and easy identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional hose marking methods are used, then hoses can be marked for identification, but the marking system lacks ease of changeability and reliability when hoses show wear from use
Solution Approach 1:
The marking system is divided into separate modular components: spring clamps that can be independently removed and reattached, and marker bodies that can be exchanged. This segmentation allows the marking system to be easily changed while maintaining reliable attachment to the hose through the spring clamp mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring clamp provides a dynamic attachment mechanism that can be easily opened and closed to remove or install markers. The spring's elastic properties enable quick engagement and disengagement, making the marking system highly changeable while ensuring secure attachment during use.
2Loss of information
If spring clamp markers are used to mark hoses, then clear identification is achieved, but the complexity of the marking system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring clamp serves multiple functions: it acts as both the attachment mechanism and the mounting base for the marker. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity while achieving clear identification through various marker options.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring clamp's elastic nature allows it to self-adjust and maintain secure attachment without additional fastening mechanisms. The marker body simply needs to be placed on the clamp, and the spring's natural tension secures it, reducing the complexity of installation and removal processes.
3Reliability
If markers are securely attached to hoses, then reliable identification is maintained during flexing and movement, but the ease of removing and reattaching markers decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring clamp's elastic properties create a dynamic attachment system that is tight during normal hose operation (when the spring is compressed by the hose circumference) but easily releases when manual force is applied to open the clamp. This allows secure attachment during use while maintaining ease of removal when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring clamp operates in two distinct states: a periodic secure attachment state during normal hose use, and an easily removable state when the clamp is intentionally opened. This periodic transition between secure and removable states resolves the contradiction between attachment security and ease of removal.
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 a positive and easily changeable means for marking hoses and other linear items, ensuring clear identification and secure attachment, even during flexing and movement, thereby simplifying maintenance and inventory management.
Implementation Method 1
interconnecting spring clamp hose markers that provide a positive and easily changeable means for marking hoses
Data Source
AI summary
A spring clamp marker assembly is composed of interconnecting spring clamp hose markers that provide a positive and easily changeable means for marking hoses used to maintain HVAC equipment and for any other suitable application. The interconnecting spring clamp hose markers may also be used with power cables or other linear items with a generally circular cross section.