Spring Collet Backstop System for Hose Clamp Grippers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamps used to tighten hose clamps may not ensure secure locking, leading to potential loosening and damage, especially when mishandled or when the collar is incorrectly positioned, and they lack the ability to easily reopen for repositioning or changing the collar during the tightening process.
Innovation Solution
A gripper with a rotating part that allows 360° rotation, a non-return system for unidirectional rotation, and a connecting rod with spacer means to adjust the length, enabling the jaws to be closed securely and reopened if needed, along with separation means to break the connection between the actuating arms for repositioning or changing the collar.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the jaws are closed to tighten the collar, then the collar is locked securely, but the operator cannot reopen the jaws to reposition or change the collar
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamic mechanism where the connection between actuating arms transitions from locked to unlocked state. The resilient member (spring) maintains engagement during normal operation but allows disengagement when force is applied in the opposite direction, enabling the operator to reopen jaws for repositioning while ensuring reliable locking during tightening.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient member is pre-loaded to maintain engagement between actuating arms before operation begins. This preliminary action ensures that the locking mechanism is already prepared and engaged, providing immediate reliable locking when the jaws are closed, while still allowing intentional disengagement when needed.
2Productivity
If the collar is tightened without verification, then the operation is quick, but the collar may loosen due to insufficient closing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism through the resilient member that provides tactile and visual confirmation of proper collar tightening. As the collar is tightened, the resilient member compresses and eventually engages with the actuating arm, providing feedback to the operator that the collar is fully secured, ensuring both speed and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient member automatically engages with the actuating arm when the collar reaches the correct tightened position, without requiring additional operator action. This self-service mechanism ensures that the collar is reliably locked as soon as it reaches the proper position, maintaining productivity while ensuring reliability.
3Strength
If the actuating arms are kept connected for continuous operation, then the tightening force is maintained, but the jaws cannot be reopened for correction
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between actuating arms is designed to be dynamically controllable - automatically engaged during tightening to maintain force, but intentionally disengageable when needed. The resilient member provides automatic engagement for force maintenance while allowing operator-initiated disengagement for corrections, achieving both strength and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient member acts as an intermediary between the actuating arms, providing automatic engagement to maintain tightening force while allowing intentional disengagement. This intermediary mechanism enables the system to switch between maintaining strength and allowing correction based on operational needs.
4Device complexity
If the jaws are designed for simple opening/closing, then the structure is simple, but consistent locking cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient member automatically engages with the actuating arm when the collar reaches the proper tightened position, without requiring additional operator steps or complex control mechanisms. This self-service action ensures consistent locking every time the collar is properly tightened, maintaining simplicity while achieving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient member provides automatic feedback through its engagement and disengagement, signaling to the operator when the collar is properly tightened and locked. This feedback mechanism ensures consistent locking without adding significant complexity to the basic jaw opening/closing structure.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The collet has activation arms (11, 12) pivotally mounted with respect to one another around an axis (A1). Spacing and connection of the arms drives opening and closing of jaws (14). An ovoid shaped rotating part (30) is rotatingly mounted on one arm around another axis (A2). The part performs a full rotation in an opening/closing/reopening cycle of the jaws. A non-return system (32) e.g. free wheel hub, authorizing a unidirectional rotation of the part, and a rod (36) ensures connection between the part and another arm. A spacer modifies length of the connection ensured by the rod.