Universal Hose Clamp Pliers with Versatile Contact Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hose clamp pliers require multiple tools and contact point changes to effectively engage and secure different styles of spring and band hose clamps, which is inefficient and increases manufacturing complexity and costs.
Innovation Solution
A hose clamp pliers design with pivotally connected handles and versatile contact points that can securely engage both wire spring clamps and band spring clamps without needing tool changes, featuring a lever-activated engagement mechanism for hands-free operation and a spring-loaded mechanism for quick jaw opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tools and contact point changes are used to engage different styles of hose clamps, then the ability to work with various clamp styles is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pliers are designed with a universal contact point system that can engage multiple types of hose clamps (wire spring clamps with circular cross-section ends and band spring clamps with tab-shaped ends) using the same tool, eliminating the need for multiple specialized tools or contact point changes
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple contact point changes are required to secure different clamp styles, then the precision of engagement with specific clamp types is improved, but the time required for operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pliers incorporate universally adaptable contact points that maintain precise engagement with different clamp types (circular wire ends and tab-shaped band ends) without requiring changes, thereby eliminating time loss while preserving engagement precision
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional pliers design is used without engagement mechanism, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the ease of operation for hands-free work deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pliers incorporate an automatic engagement mechanism that self-activates when the handles are squeezed, causing the contact points to engage the hose clamp ends automatically and hold them in position without requiring manual intervention or complex additional components
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
Enables effortless and secure clamping of hoses with reduced manufacturing complexity and costs, allowing for efficient operation across various hose clamp styles without the need for multiple tools, enhancing user convenience and productivity.
Implementation Method 1
featuring a lever-activated engagement mechanism for hands-free operation and a spring-loaded mechanism for quick jaw opening
Data Source
AI summary
A hose clamp pliers for use with both a wire spring hose clamp and a band spring hose clamp is disclosed. Two arms of the hose clamp pliers each rotatably carry contact points of different configurations. The first contact point is designed to receive, in a first position, an end portion of a wire spring clamp through a notch; and in a second position, to receive a hoop-shaped end of a band spring clamp. The second contact point is configured to receive both an end portion of a wire spring clamp, and a tab-shaped end of a band spring clamp. The hose clamp pliers is provided with a thumb release cooperating with a ratcheting pawl to control opening and closing of the pliers arms, which opens and closes the hose clamp.