Variable Width Hose Clamp for Reduced Tightening Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hose clamps require excessive force for tightening due to their constant clamping band width, which limits tool compatibility and increases the risk of damage to the tightening device, affecting the clamping efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The hose clamp design reduces the clamping band width in the tightening device area, allowing for reduced tightening force and increased radial forces during clamping, using a 'Oetiker ear' mechanism that relieves the tightening device in the installed condition, enabling smaller tools and universal tool compatibility across different clamping band widths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the clamping band width is maintained constant throughout the hose clamp, then the structural strength is improved, but the tightening force required increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping band width is varied locally: wider at the clamping area for strength and tighter at the tightening device area to reduce tightening force. This local variation in geometry allows the hose clamp to have different structural properties in different regions, optimizing both tightening ease and clamping strength.
2Force
If the clamping band width is reduced in the tightening device area, then the tightening force is reduced, but the structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping band is segmented into different width zones: a reduced width section at the tightening device area and a full width section at the clamping area. This segmentation allows the structure to be optimized for different functions - ease of tightening where the tool applies force and maximum strength where clamping is required.
3Productivity
If higher tightening forces are used, then the clamping efficiency is improved, but the risk of damage to the tightening device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping band width is locally reduced at the tightening device contact area, which directly reduces the force required during tightening operations. This local geometric modification allows efficient clamping to be achieved with lower forces, protecting the tightening device from damage while maintaining clamping effectiveness.
4Length of moving object
If the clamping band width is reduced in the tightening device area, then smaller installation tools can be used, but the holding forces must be adequately maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping band is divided into functional zones with different widths. The reduced width section accommodates smaller tightening tools, while the full width section at the clamping area ensures adequate holding forces are generated and distributed during the clamping operation.
5Adaptability or versatility
If the clamping band width is made variable, then tool compatibility across different hose clamp sizes is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A standardized reduced width section is implemented at the tightening device area across all hose clamp sizes. This local geometric standardization allows a single tightening tool design to be used universally, improving tool compatibility while the manufacturing process remains relatively simple through consistent local modification.
Data Source
AI summary
An open hose clamp having a clamping device, i.e., a so-called Oetiker ear. The clamped state is locked by serrated sections which engage with each other outside of the ear section on the side of the ear facing away from the outer clamp strip end. In the locked clamped state, the load on the ear is reduced so the hose clamp does not lose its clamping function even if the outward-protruding ear is damaged. The width of the clamping strip in the area of the ear is reduced compared to the remaining full clamping strip width.