Threadless Hose Clamp Retainer for Agricultural Implements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hose support clamps for agricultural implements face issues such as broken or bent threaded stubs, stripped threads, and difficulty in securing hoses of varying diameters, leading to hose damage and inefficiencies in assembly and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A threadless hose support clamp assembly featuring a retainer with a hex cavity for easy bolt insertion and a P-clamp system that eliminates the need for precise bolt lengths and threaded connections to the frame, allowing for quick replacement and easy painting and welding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If threaded stubs are welded directly to the frame, then the clamp structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the threaded stubs are easily broken or bent and threads can strip
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly is divided into separate functional components: a frame-mounted retainer with weldable body, a removable bolt, and a P-clamp. This segmentation allows the retainer to be welded once during manufacturing while the bolt can be replaced if damaged, separating the permanent mounting function from the removable fastening function.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer acts as an intermediary component between the frame and the bolt. Instead of welding threads directly to the frame, the retainer provides a protected threaded cavity that receives the bolt, shielding the threading from damage while maintaining the welding advantage on the frame side.
2Adaptability or versatility
If threaded plates with bolts are used to allow proper clamping action, then multiple hoses can be secured, but the bolt length becomes critical and threads can easily strip
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is designed as a universal mounting component that can accommodate multiple different bolts and P-clamps for various hose sizes. The standardized retainer interface allows different hose clamps to be mounted on the same frame location, providing multi-functionality without requiring different threaded plates for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows dynamic adjustment of bolt length by selecting different bolt sizes based on the specific application needs. The retainer cavity accommodates various bolt lengths, and the P-clamp can be positioned at different locations on the bolt, providing flexibility without requiring precise critical bolt lengths.
3Stability of the object's composition
If welded bushings are used to receive clamp-supporting bolts, then the structure is stable, but the heat deforms the threads and paint gets on threads requiring taping or sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The threading function is extracted from the welded portion of the retainer and placed in a separate cavity that does not require welding protection. The retainer body can be welded to the frame without protecting threads, as the threaded cavity is designed to receive the bolt after welding, eliminating the need for taping or sealing during the welding process.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer is designed with pre-formed threaded cavities that are created during retainer manufacturing, before the retainer is welded to the frame. This preliminary creation of the threaded cavity eliminates the need to protect threads during welding, as the threading already exists in its final position.
4Ease of operation
If threaded channels are secured to the frame, then hose support is provided, but the threads are easily stripped and replacement is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer design allows the bolt to serve multiple functions: it provides the clamping force through the P-clamp, supports the hose weight, and can be easily removed and replaced if damaged. The standardized interface enables quick replacement without special tools or procedures, making the system self-maintainable.
Solution Approach 2:
The bolt is designed as a replaceable, relatively simple component that can be easily manufactured and replaced if damaged. Instead of replacing the entire retainer or frame assembly, only the inexpensive bolt needs replacement, reducing repair costs and time.
Data Source
AI summary
A hose clamp retainer assembly for an implement includes a retainer welded to the implement and having an apertured wall leading into a cavity. A bolt having a headed end is slidably received within through the apertured wall for support within the cavity. A hose clamp received by the bolt includes a projecting portion abutting the second wall and preventing the headed end from sliding out of the cavity through the apertured wall. The bolt can be easily replaced if damaged.