Securing tool

A securing tool and methods for its use are described herein. In various embodiments, the securing tool may include a handle and one or more prying members positioned at a first end of the securing tool opposite the handle. The prying member(s) may be shaped to engage a release of a self-tensioned hose clamp to cause the handle to be manipulable to spring the self-tensioned hose clamp. The securing tool may include first and second sensors configured to provide first and second signals, respectively, that are indicative of sensed occurrence of first and second events after the handle is manipulated to spring the self-tensioned hose clamp. In various embodiments, if the first and second signals satisfy a criterion, the hose clamp may be deemed to have been properly installed onto a hose or other conduit.

BACKGROUND

Hose clamps may be used to snugly secure hoses to fluid conduits such as nozzles or other hoses. In various situations, such as during an automotive assembly line worker's shift, the worker may be required to install a large number of hose clamps. The potentially tedious and/or monotonous nature of this work may lead to the worker becoming careless and improperly securing a hose to a tubular fluid conduit. Additionally, operating spaces within vehicles and other machinery may be tight. This increases the difficulty of properly installing hose clamps. Consequently, when the automobile or other machinery is filled with fluids later, the improperly secured hose may leak.

To attempt to make the worker's job easier and/or more efficient, the worker may be provided with so-called “self-tensioned hose clamps.” A self-tensioned hose clamp may be transitioned (e.g., “sprung”) from a nominal state, in which the clamp is biased to retract radially inwards but is mechanically prevented from doing so, to a sprung state, in which the clamp has been retracted radially inwards to snugly secure a hose to a tubular conduit. However, it may be difficult to determine whether a self-tensioned hose clamp has been properly secured to a hose because the clamp may retract quite rapidly and liquids may not be introduced until later.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1A and 1Bdepict perspective views of an example self-tensioned hose clamp100from the prior art that may be operated using a securing tool configured with selected aspects of the present disclosure. This is just one example of a self-tensioned hose clamp, and is not meant to be limiting. Other self-tensioned hose clamps from the prior art may come in other configurations and still be operated using tools configured with selected aspects of the present disclosure

InFIG. 1A, hose clamp100is in a nominal or default state in which it is biased to retract radially inwards but is mechanically prevented from doing so by a catch102that abuts a surface104of a release106of hose clamp100. Should catch102be disengaged from surface104, e.g., by prying release106upwards so that catch102may pass underneath release106, hose clamp100may be free to retract inwards, e.g., onto a hose108or other tubular conduit that passes through an interior110of hose clamp100. Hose clamp100may retract radially inwards until either all of its inherent tension is released, or until it is mechanically prevented from retracting any further by hose108. Hose clamp100is depicted in its sprung state inFIG. 1B.

As will be depicted in more detail inFIGS. 3A-C, hose clamp100may also include a leverage tab112on which a securing tool (seeFIGS. 2A-B,3A-C,6,7A-C) may be placed when the securing tool is engaged with a release aperture107through release106. Once the securing tool is so engaged, it may be manipulated to pry release106upwards, disengaging catch102from surface104and springing hose clamp100so that it transitions from the default state depicted inFIG. 1Ato the sprung state depicted inFIG. 1B, in which hose clamp100has a smaller diameter.

FIGS. 2A and 2Bdepict top and side views, respectively, of an example securing tool220configured with selected aspects of the present disclosure. Securing tool220may include an elongate handle222that may be shaped to be grasped by, for instance, a human hand. One or more prying members224may be positioned at a first end226of securing tool220opposite handle222. In the embodiment depicted inFIGS. 2A-B, for instance, there are three prying members224a-c, which allow a user to approach a hose clamp100from a variety of angles. Each prying member224may have a different orientation relative to a longitudinal axis of securing tool220, and may be shaped to engage release aperture107through release106of self-tensioned hose clamp100. Once prying member224is engaged to release106, handle222may be manipulable to spring self-tensioned hose clamp100from the nominal state depicted inFIG. 1Ato the sprung state depicted inFIG. 1B.

Securing tool220may be equipped with a variety of sensors configured to provide signals indicative of sensed occurrence of various events that occur during operation of securing tool220to spring a self-tensioned hose clamp (e.g.,100) to a hose or other tubular conduit. These sensor signals may indicate whether or not the self-tensioned hose clamp was successfully secured to the hose. The sensors may come in various forms.

For example, inFIGS. 2A and 2B, a first sensor228and a second sensor230are provided. In some embodiments, first sensor228may be a so-called “continuity” sensor and second sensor230may be a sound sensor, although this is not required. In some embodiments, a continuity sensor may comprise an electrical circuit that is nominally open so that it “senses” the “event” of being closed. An example of how closing such a circuit may be sensed to determine whether a hose clamp is properly secured is depicted inFIGS. 3A-C.

In other embodiments, first sensor228may be a strain gauge that includes, for instance, insulating flexible backing that supports a metallic foil pattern. When the insulating flexible back is deformed, the foil is likewise deformed (i.e., the sensed event), altering an electrical resistance of the foil. Additionally or alternatively, a piezoelectric sensor may be employed to sense strain. A sound sensor may be a small microphone, a Lace sensor, a geophone, or another type of device configured to detect an “event” of sound and/or vibration. Wires into sensors228and230are also visible, but in many embodiments, these wires may be hidden, e.g., within a hollow cavity of handle222.

FIGS. 3A-Cdepict one example of how securing tool220may be operated to spring self-tensioned hose clamp100onto a hose or other tubular conduit (not depicted inFIGS. 3A-C, seeFIGS. 1A-B). InFIG. 3A, a front prying member224aof securing tool220has been engaged through a release aperture (not visible inFIGS. 3A-C,107inFIGS. 1A-B) through release106. Another portion of securing tool220abuts leverage tab112. Catch102is pressed against surface104of release106, so that release106prevents catch102from moving towards the right. Otherwise, hose clamp100is self-tensioned to be biased to retract radially inwards towards its interior110. At this point, no portion of hose clamp100is in contact with first sensor228(which in this embodiment is a continuity sensor). Accordingly, a de facto open electric circuit is provided, with one open end terminating at first sensor228and another open end terminating somewhere within first end226of securing tool220or within hose clamp100. Closing this circuit as described below creates continuity, which first sensor228detects.

InFIG. 3B, handle222of securing tool220has been moved downward slightly as indicated by the arrow A. This causes front prying member224ato lift release106sufficiently for catch102to pass underneath. Consequently, catch102and leverage tab112move in the direction of arrow B, retracting hose clamp100radially inwards towards its interior110. At the moment depicted inFIG. 3B, leverage tab112makes physical contact with first sensor228. This may close the aforementioned open circuit so that electrical current passes from the wires through first sensor228into a conductive portion (not depicted) of hose clamp100. In some embodiments, hose clamp100may be metallic, and thus, the conductive path of hose clamp100may include its entire structure. From the conductive portion of hose clamp100, electrical current may continue back into a conductive path (not depicted inFIGS. 3A-C, seeFIG. 2Bleft of the line labeled Y) through first end226of securing tool220, which may lead back to first sensor228, forming a closed circuit. While the circuit is closed, the continuity sensor (e.g.,228) may sense the passing current (or voltage), in effect “sensing” when leverage tab112contacts first sensor228.

Second sensor230also may detect when leverage tab112contacts first sensor228, e.g., by sensing pressure waves and/or vibrations. For example, due to a relatively large amount of tension being released by hose clamp100, leverage tab112may contact first sensor228at a relatively high velocity. This collision may create a distinct and/or sharp sound. Second sensor230may be a sound or vibration sensor, and thus may detect the sound of leverage tab112contacting first sensor228.

InFIG. 3C, catch102and leverage tab112have continued along the trajectory of arrow B. Leverage tab112is no longer in contact with first sensor228, so there is no longer any continuity. Hose clamp100may continue to retract radially inwards towards its interior110until either all tension that existed when hose clamp100was in its default state (seeFIG. 1A) is released, or until a hose (not depicted inFIGS. 3A-C, seeFIGS. 1A-B) that runs through interior110of hose clamp100mechanically prevents hose clamp100from retracting radially inwards any further.

In various embodiments, signals produced by first sensor228and second sensor230may be analyzed according to various criteria to determine whether hose clamp100was successfully and/or properly secured to a hose or other tubular conduit. For example, in some embodiments, securing tool220may include or be operably coupled with logic232(seeFIG. 2B), such as one or more processors, a field-programmable gate array (“FPGA”), an application-specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”), etc. Logic232may be configured to determine whether first and second signals produced by first and second sensors228and230, respectfully, satisfy one or more criteria. Logic232may then provide output (e.g., a sound, outbound network communication, illumination of one or more light emitting diodes, haptic feedback, etc.) indicative of the determination. In other embodiments, sensors228and230may provide their signals to a remote computing device, e.g., using various wired and/or wireless technologies (e.g., RFID, Wi-Fi, BlueTooth, etc.), and the remote computing device may determine whether the first and second signals satisfy a criterion, and may provide output indicative of the determination.

The first and/or second sensor signals produced by first and second sensors228and230, respectively, may be analyzed according to various criteria to determine whether self-tensioned hose clamp100was successfully secured to a hose or other tubular conduit. For example, in some embodiments, the criteria includes one or both signals satisfying one or more frequency and/or amplitude thresholds. As another example, the criteria may include detection of the first and second signals by logic232within a predetermined time interval.

An example of a time interval-based criteria is depicted in the chart ofFIG. 4, in which the X axis represents time. An example analog signal produced by a sound sensor (e.g.,230) is shown up top and an example digital signal produced by a continuity sensor (e.g.,228) is shown at bottom. For the digital signal produced by the continuity sensor (e.g.,228), up represents no contact between leverage tab112and first sensor228, and down represents contact. These signal types are not meant to be limiting. For example, in other embodiments, the signal produced by the continuity sensor may be an analog signal and/or an analog signal provided by a sound sensor may be converted to digital.

Both signals are relatively or completely flat until a point at which contact is made, e.g., between leverage tab112and first sensor228. At that point in time (labeled “CONTACT” inFIG. 4), the sound sensor signal (produced by second sensor230) may immediately increase significantly in amplitude and/or frequency, corresponding with the distinct sound produced by leverage tab112striking first sensor228. The amplitude and/or frequency may, in some cases, be highest initially, and then may decrease over time, until the sound signal ultimately returns to its relatively flat shape. At the same time of contact, the continuity sensor signal (e.g., produced by228) may immediately drop and a timer may be initiated. The extraneous up pulse indicated at450may represent leverage tab112bouncing off first sensor228, such that contact (and hence, continuity) is briefly interrupted.

In some embodiments, after passage of the time interval labeled “T” inFIG. 4, the analog sound sensor signal may be analyzed to determine whether one or more criteria are met. For example, various attributes of the analog sound sensor at the end of time interval T, such as its frequency or amplitude, may be compared to one or more thresholds. If one or more of these attributes satisfies one or more thresholds, then hose clamp100may be deemed to have been properly installed.

InFIGS. 3A-C, a front prying member224aof securing tool220is used to spring hose clamp100. But, as depicted inFIG. 2B, in some embodiments, securing tool220may include additional, lateral prying members224band224cthat extend in a direction that is, for instance, perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of securing tool220. In various embodiments, sensors228and/or230may operate the same no matter which prying member224is used to engage release106of hose clamp100. For example, and referring back toFIG. 2B, a substantial portion of first end226of securing tool220, such as the entire portion left of the line labeled Y, may be conductive (e.g., metallic). Accordingly, conductive paths may exist between first sensor228and any of front prying member224a, a first side prying member224b, and/or a second prying member224c.

FIG. 5depicts an example method500of operating a tool such as securing tool220to install a self-tensioned hose clamp such as hose clamp100to a tubular conduit such as hose108, in accordance with various embodiments. While operations are shown in a particular order, this is not meant to be limiting. In various embodiments, various operations may be reordered, added and/or omitted.

At block502, a handle (e.g.,222) of a securing tool (e.g.,220) may be manipulated to engage a prying member (e.g.,224) of the securing tool with a release (e.g.,106) of a self-tensioned hose clamp (e.g.,100). In various embodiments, the securing tool may also be placed against a leverage tab (e.g.,112) of the hose clamp. At block504, the handle may be manipulated to leverage the securing tool to lift the release, thereby springing the self-tensioned hose clamp to retract towards its interior (e.g.,110).

At block506, a first signal may be obtained from first sensor228. The first signal may be indicative of a sensed occurrence of a first event after the hose clamp is sprung. For example, the first signal may be indicative of continuity detected by a continuity sensor. At block508, a second signal may be obtained from second sensor230. The second signal may be indicative of a sensed occurrence of a second event after the hose clamp is sprung. For example, the second signal may be indicative of sound detected by a sound sensor. In other embodiments, the first or second signals may be indicative of strain sensed by a strain sensor.

At block510, the signals obtained at blocks506and508may be analyzed to determine whether they satisfy one or more criteria. For example, in some embodiments, if the signals were detected within a predetermined time interval, then the signals may satisfy a criterion. As another example, if one or both signals has a sufficient amplitude and/or frequency, then the signals may satisfy a criterion. As yet another example, if continuity and/or satisfactory sound is sensed within a predetermined time interval of an adequate amount of strain (indicating that securing tool220underwent adequate strain to have sprung hose clamp100), then the signals may satisfy a criterion.

While two signals are analyzed in various examples described herein, this is not meant to be limiting. In some embodiments, more than two sensors may be employed on securing tool, and hence, more than two sensor signals may be analyzed. Additionally, any combination of signals from any type of sensors may be analyzed in various ways to determine whether they satisfy a criterion. For example, sufficient strain being sensed by a strain sensor in combination with satisfactory sound being sensed by a sound sensor may satisfy a criterion. Or, sufficient strain being sensed in combination with continuity may also satisfy a criterion.

Referring back toFIG. 5, if the answer at block510is no, then method500may proceed to block512. At block512, an indication of an unsuccessful operation of the hose clamp with the securing tool may be output. For example, one or more simple output devices integral with securing tool220, such as a speaker, LED, or other mechanism, may provide audio, visual, and/or haptic feedback indicating that the operation was not successful. Additionally or alternatively, logic (e.g.,232) of the securing tool may provide data indicative of unsuccessful operation to a remote computing device, which may provide more complex output and/or make an entry of the unsuccessful operation in a database. Additionally or alternatively, logic (e.g.,232) of the securing tool may store data indicative of unsuccessful operation in local memory.

Back at block510, if the answer is yes, then method500may proceed to block514.

At block514, an indication of a successful operation of the hose clamp with the securing tool may be output. For example, one or more simple output devices integral with securing tool220, such as a speaker, LED, or other mechanism, may provide audio, visual, and/or haptic feedback indicating that the operation was successful. Additionally or alternatively, the securing tool may provide data indicative of successful operation to a remote computing device, which may provide more complex output and/or make an entry of the successful operation in a database.

Additionally or alternatively, logic (e.g.,232) of the securing tool may store data indicative of successful operation in local memory.

FIG. 6depicts an alternative embodiment of a securing tool620, in accordance with various embodiments. Many aspects of securing tool620are similar to those present in the embodiments depicted in previous figures. For example, securing tool620may include an elongate handle622that may be shaped to be grasped by, for instance, a human hand. One or more prying members624may be positioned at a first end626of securing tool620opposite handle622. In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 6, for instance, there are three prying members624, two of which are visible (624aand624c), which allow a user to approach a hose clamp100from a variety of angles. Each prying member624may be shaped to engage release aperture107through release106of self-tensioned hose clamp100. Once prying member624is engaged to release106, handle622may be manipulable to spring self-tensioned hose clamp100from the nominal state depicted inFIG. 1Ato the sprung state depicted inFIG. 1B.

As with previous embodiments, securing tool220may be equipped with a variety of sensors configured to provide signals indicative of sensed occurrence of various events that occur during operation of securing tool620to spring a self-tensioned hose clamp (e.g.,100) to a hose or other tubular conduit. These sensor signals may indicate whether or not the self-tensioned hose clamp was successfully secured to the hose. The sensors may come in various forms.

For example, inFIG. 6, a first sensor628and a second sensor630are provided. In some embodiments, first sensor628may be a “continuity” sensor and second sensor630may be a sound or vibration sensor, although this is not required. While second sensor630is depicted at a particular location of securing tool620, this is not meant to be limiting. Second sensor630may be located at various locations on and/or within securing tool620. In some embodiments, a continuity sensor may, as in previous embodiment, comprise an electrical circuit. However, unlike previous embodiments (e.g.,228), first sensor628may be nominally closed, rather than nominally open. Thus, instead of sensing the “event” of being closed, first sensor628senses an event of being opened. An example of how opening such a circuit may be sensed to determine whether a hose clamp is properly secured is depicted inFIGS. 7A-C.

In some implementations, first sensor628may include a recessed inner surface629. Recessed inner surface629may be shaped to receive leverage tab112of retracting hose clamp100. When leverage tab112is engaged with recessed inner surface629, leverage tab112may effectively be held within first sensor628mechanically, especially as the user leverages securing tool620against leverage tab112. Recessed inner surface629may take various shapes. For example, inFIG. 6, recessed inner surface629has a cup shape. In other embodiments, recessed inner surface629may have other shapes.

In some embodiments, second sensor630may take the form of a piezoelectric sensor that detects sound or vibration of securing tool620. In various implementations, when leverage tab112of retracting hose clamp100is engaged with recessed inner surface629of first sensor628, a de facto closed electric circuit is provided. Opening this circuit as described below may be detected, e.g., by first sensor628, and may trigger a timer. Within a time interval of the timer being initiated (i.e. within the time interval of the circuit opening), logic (232, not depicted inFIG. 6) may await another signal from second sensor630. If another signal arrives from second sensor630within the time interval (e.g., multiple μs, ms, s, etc.), that may constitute a “pass.” If no such signal arrives within the time interval, that may constitute a “fail.” As with previous embodiment, various output may be provided to indicate a “pass” or “fail” such as audible output (e.g., one or more beeps), haptic feedback (e.g., vibration of securing tool620), visual feedback (e.g., from one or more onboard LEDs and/or on a nearby computer screen), etc.

FIGS. 7A-Cdepict one example of how securing tool620ofFIG. 6may be operated to spring self-tensioned hose clamp100onto a hose or other tubular conduit (not depicted inFIGS. 7A-C, seeFIGS. 1A-B). InFIG. 7A, a front prying member624aof securing tool220has been engaged through a release aperture (not visible inFIGS. 7A-C,107inFIGS. 1A-B) in release106. Leverage tab112abuts first sensor628, and in particular is engaged with recessed inner surface629. Catch102is once again pressed against surface104of release106, so that release106prevents catch102from moving towards the right. Otherwise, hose clamp100is self-tensioned to be biased to retract radially inwards towards its interior110. At this point, because hose clamp100is in contact with first sensor628, the de facto closed electric circuit described above is implemented. When this circuit is opened as described below, first sensor628raises a signal that causes logic232to start the aforementioned timer.

InFIG. 7B, handle622of securing tool620has been moved downward slightly as indicated by the arrow A. This causes front prying member624ato lift release106sufficiently for catch102to pass underneath. Consequently, catch102and leverage tab112move in the direction of arrow B, retracting hose clamp100radially inwards towards its interior110. At the moment depicted inFIG. 7B, leverage tab112exits recessed inner surface629and consequently loses its physical contact with first sensor628. This may open the aforementioned closed electrical circuit so that electrical current no longer passes from the wires through first sensor628into a conductive portion (not depicted) of hose clamp100. As before, in some embodiments, hose clamp100may be metallic, and thus, the conductive path of hose clamp100may include its entire structure. When the circuit is opened, the continuity sensor (e.g.,628) may sense the lack of passing current (or voltage), in effect “sensing” when leverage tab112leaves first sensor628.

InFIG. 7C, catch102and leverage tab112have continued along the trajectory of arrow B. Hose clamp100may continue to retract radially inwards towards its interior110until either all tension that existed when hose clamp100was in its default state (seeFIG. 1A) is released, or until a hose (not depicted inFIGS. 7A-C, seeFIGS. 1A-B) that runs through interior110of hose clamp100mechanically prevents hose clamp100from retracting radially inwards any further (as indicated by the vibration lines). In the latter case, second sensor630may detect when retracting hose clamp100clinches the hose to cause vibrations throughout all or portions of securing tool620. One advantage of detecting vibrations throughout securing tool620is that the vibrations result no matter which prying member (624a,624b,624c) is engaged through a release aperture (not visible inFIGS. 7A-C,107inFIGS. 1A-B) in release106. This provides a worker more flexibility in potentially tight spaces in which securing tool620may be employed, such as inside of vehicles (e.g., on an assembly line), machinery, etc.

FIG. 8depicts an example method800of operating a tool such as securing tool620to install a self-tensioned hose clamp such as hose clamp100to a tubular conduit such as hose108, in accordance with various embodiments. While operations are shown in a particular order, this is not meant to be limiting. In various embodiments, various operations may be reordered, added and/or omitted.

At block802, a handle (e.g.,622) of a securing tool (e.g.,620) may be manipulated to engage a prying member (e.g., any one of624a,624b,624c) of the securing tool with a release (e.g.,106) of a self-tensioned hose clamp (e.g.,100). At block804, physical contact may be created between a portion of the self-tensioned hose clamp, such as the leverage tab112, and a portion of a first sensor (e.g.,628) of securing tool620. For example, and as described previously, in some implementations securing tool620may be positioned so that leverage tab112is retained against recessed surface629of first sensor628, which as noted previously may be a continuity sensor. This physical contact may close an electric circuit of which the first sensor is integral part.

At block806, the handle622may be manipulated to pry the given prying member624so that release106is moved from a first position in which surface104of the release106abuts catch102of self-tensioned hose clamp100to a second position in which the catch102is free to move past the surface, thereby springing the self-tensioned hose clamp. As noted previously, the springing may break the physical contact between the self-tensioned hose clamp and the portion of the electrical circuit, thereby opening the electrical circuit comprising first sensor628. In some embodiments, in response to opening of the electrical circuit, at block808, a timer may be initiated, e.g., by logic232. At block810a signal may be obtained from a second sensor (e.g.,630). In some embodiments, second sensor630may be a piezoelectric sensor that is configured to detect, and provide a signal indicative of, vibration created by the self-tensioned hose clamp clinching a hose.

At block812, it may be determined, e.g., by logic232, whether the signal generated by the second sensor satisfies a criterion. In some implementations, the criterion may be detection of the second signal by logic232within a predetermined time interval after initiation of the timer at block808. Other criteria may be used in addition to or instead of a time interval, such as frequencies and/or amplitudes of one or more sensor signals satisfying some threshold. If the answer at block812is yes, then at block814, then output may be provided that indicates successful operation of the self-tensioned hose clamp. For example, one or more simple output devices integral with securing tool620, such as a speaker, LED, or other mechanism, may provide audio, visual, and/or haptic feedback indicating that the operation was successful. Additionally or alternatively, the securing tool may provide data indicative of successful operation to a remote computing device, which may provide more complex output and/or make an entry of the successful operation in a database. Additionally or alternatively, logic (e.g.,632) of the securing tool may store data indicative of successful operation in local memory.

However, if the answer at block812is no, then at block816, output indicative of unsuccessful operation of the self-tensioned hose clamp may be provided. For example, one or more simple output devices integral with securing tool620, such as a speaker, LED, or other mechanism, may provide audio, visual, and/or haptic feedback indicating that the operation was not successful. Additionally or alternatively, logic (e.g.,632) of the securing tool may provide data indicative of unsuccessful operation to a remote computing device, which may provide more complex output and/or make an entry of the unsuccessful operation in a database. Additionally or alternatively, logic (e.g.,632) of the securing tool may store data indicative of unsuccessful operation in local memory.

The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.”