Tension Clamp Mounting Tool With Buckle-Window Edge Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tools for mounting tension clamps on objects, such as air bag materials, risk damaging the object due to deforming forces and generate sharp-edged ends that can cause injuries during handling.

Innovation Solution

A tool with a locking device that deforms the band's side edges within the buckle's lateral windows, applying forces parallel to the object, and a severing device that uses the buckle's edges for cutting, minimizing wear on the tool and preventing sharp edges from forming.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a spring-loaded plunger deforms the band within the buckle to lock it, then secure fixation is achieved, but the object to be fastened risks being damaged due to the deforming forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure fixationVSAvoiddamage to object

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a dedicated locking device with plier jaws as an intermediary mechanism between the buckle and the band. This device engages with lateral windows in the buckle and deforms side edges of the outer band end portion, transferring the deforming forces away from the object to be fastened and concentrating them on the buckle structure itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking process is segmented into distinct functional components: the locking device with plier jaws for deforming band edges, and a separate severing device for cutting the band. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with the object being fastened.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If a cutting wheel rotates with the plunger to cut the band, then the band is severed, but a sharp-edged end piece projects from the buckle causing injury risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveband severingVSAvoidsharp edges causing injury

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a dedicated severing device as an intermediary mechanism that works in coordination with the locking device. This device features a shearing member that cooperates with the buckle structure itself to sever the band, with the rounded edge of the buckle preventing sharp projections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potentially harmful sharp edge problem into a benefit by using the rounded edge of the buckle itself as part of the shearing mechanism. The buckle's rounded edge ensures that when the band is severed, no sharp projections remain, transforming the buckle's geometry into a safety feature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If convex inclined surfaces on plier jaws produce a hump in the band for locking, then the band is locked in the buckle aperture, but higher tensional forces cause the hump to slip out and the locking to open

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking engagementVSAvoidresistance to tensional forces

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional locking approach by deforming the band edges to create hooks that engage with the buckle's lateral windows, rather than creating a hump that sits on top of the aperture. This inverted geometry allows the band edges to be pulled into the windows, creating a positive mechanical interlock that resists tensional forces more effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 secure fixation of the tension clamp without damaging the object and prevents injuries by distributing deforming forces and using the buckle for cutting, reducing wear on the tool and eliminating sharp edges.

Implementation Method 1

a locking device (50) having means which may be moved into a lateral window (25) of the buckle (21) for deforming a side edge (24) of the outer band end portion (23)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 2

a severing device for shearing off the outer band end portion (23) wherein the shearing member, in shearing off the band (20), cooperates with a part of the buckle (21)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShearing: Fracture Mechanics

Implementation Method 3

The edge of the shearing member facing the buckle is rounded off to avoid abrasion of material (e.g. of a coating) when the tension clamp is inserted

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbrasion prevention: Wear

Data Source

PatentUS11192673B2Tool for mounting a tension clamp

Publication Date: 2021.12.07 OETIKER SCHWEIZ AG

AI summary

A tension clamp (19) includes a band (20) surrounding an object to be fastened and a buckle (21) arranged on the inner band end portion (22) and surrounding the band (20), with the outer band end portion (23) extending through the buckle (21). A tool for mounting the tension clamp includes a holding device for holding the buckle (21) along with the band (20) surrounding the object to be fastened, a tensioning device for tensioning the band (20) round the object to be fastened by applying tension to the outer band end portion (23), a locking device (50) for locking the buckle (21) on the band (20), and a severing device for cutting off excessive band length. The locking device (50) has plier jaws (54) adapted to be inserted into lateral windows (25) of the buckle (21) for deforming side edge portions (24) of the other band end portion (23).