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The Challenge:
Eliminate manual labor and successfully automate the attachment of
plastic hose clips onto automobile drain hoses.
Currently, plastic hose clips used in drain hose assemblies
are taped on by hand using polyester or PVC-type tapes. During the
attachment process, inconsistencies develop due to tape tension from
attaching the clips manually. If not corrected, the drain hose will
collapse during shipment to the assembly plant or during installation in
the interior of the automobile. This type of drain hose assembly is
labor-intensive and costly. When the attachment of hose clips is
complete, each drain hose will contain a number of clips that vary in
style. Each hose clip is attached at different locations along the length
of the drain hose, both in parallel or rotated positions. Conventional
automatic-type tape applicators fail to sufficiently secure the hose
clips. This allows the clips to skew during the drain hose assembly and
automobile installation process.
The Solution:
 The
only way to securely attach the plastic hose clip is by mechanically
overlapping the tape on the clip before the automatic wrapping process
takes place. This type of automated taping and wrapping eliminates any
movement or skewing of the hose clips on the drain hose during the final
automotive installation.
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