Universal Hose Clamp Pliers With Ratcheting Jaw Lock

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hose clamp pliers require multiple tools or contact point changes to effectively engage both wire and band spring clamps, leading to inefficiency and increased complexity in automotive, plumbing, and industrial applications.

Innovation Solution

A single pair of hose clamp pliers with dual-purpose contact points and a ratcheting mechanism that allows for secure clamping of both wire and band spring clamps without tool changes, featuring a lever for hands-free operation and a spring-loaded mechanism for easy opening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple tools or contact point changes are used to engage both wire and band spring clamps, then the ability to work with different clamp types is improved, but the device complexity and operational efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to work with different clamp typesVSAvoidnumber of tools or contact point changes

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pliers are designed with a universal contact point system that can engage both wire spring clamps and band spring clamps using the same tool. The contact points are configured to accommodate the different geometries of wire clamps (circular cross-section) and band clamps (flat strap with overlapping ends), eliminating the need for multiple specialized tools or contact point changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the functionality of multiple specialized pliers into a single tool by integrating contact points that can handle both wire and band spring clamp types. This consolidation reduces the number of tools needed in the toolkit and simplifies the operational process by eliminating tool changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple tools or contact point changes are used to engage both wire and band spring clamps, then the ability to work with different clamp types is improved, but the time required for operations increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to work with different clamp typesVSAvoidtime required for tool changes

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The pliers feature contact points designed to universally engage both wire and band spring clamps without requiring tool changes. This multi-functionality eliminates the time loss associated with switching between specialized tools for different clamp types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The contact points are pre-configured during manufacturing to accommodate both clamp types, eliminating the need for operational adjustments or tool changes. The design anticipates both clamp geometries and provides appropriate engagement surfaces from the outset.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If simple flat blade pliers are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to securely engage spring clamp ends deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of plier designVSAvoidsecure engagement of spring clamp ends

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

While maintaining overall simplicity, the contact points incorporate localized geometric features specifically designed to engage the ends of spring clamps. The contact points have shapes that complement the cylindrical ends of wire clamps and the tab/hoop shapes of band clamps, providing secure engagement without complicating the overall plier design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The contact points are designed with asymmetric geometries that match the asymmetric shapes of different clamp ends. Wire clamp ends are cylindrical and require different contact geometry than the tab-shaped or hoop-shaped ends of band clamps, and the pliers incorporate these asymmetric contact surfaces to ensure reliable engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

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 efficient and secure clamping of hoses and other objects with reduced manufacturing costs and complexity by allowing engagement of both spring clamp styles using a single tool, facilitating hands-free operation and enhancing usability.

Implementation Method 1

a spring-loaded mechanism for easy opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring mechanism: Spring

Implementation Method 2

a ratcheting mechanism that allows for secure clamping

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRatcheting mechanism: Ratchet

Data Source

PatentUS20250367800A1Hose clamp pliers

Publication Date: 2025.12.04 A & E INCORPORATED

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.