Hose Connector Assembly With Anti-Rotation Plug-In Lock

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hose connector assemblies for pressurized fluid systems in the automotive industry face issues with rotational movement between the adapter tube and socket, leading to wear and tear, and require external fixation components for secure connection, which complicates assembly and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

The hose connector assembly incorporates complementary locking surfaces on the adapter tube and socket, such as notches and wedge-shaped projections, to achieve rotational locking without external components, allowing for secure connection and easy disconnection without twisting, and features a two-part socket design for assembly and maintenance access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If external fixation components are used to prevent relative rotation between adapter tube and socket, then rotational stability is improved, but device complexity and assembly difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotational stabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the rotational locking function directly into the adapter tube and socket components by providing complementary locking surfaces (protrusions and recesses) that are built-in features of these components. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate external fixation components, thereby maintaining rotational stability while reducing device complexity and assembly difficulty.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Stability of the object's composition

If external fixation components are used to prevent relative rotation, then rotational stability is improved, but ease of operation and maintenance access worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotational stabilityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The built-in locking surfaces are integrated into the basic structure of the adapter tube and socket, allowing the rotational locking function to be achieved without additional components. This integration simplifies the overall assembly, making it easier to operate and maintain while still providing the necessary rotational stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If external fixation components are used, then rotational locking is achieved, but assembly procedure complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotational lockingVSAvoidassembly procedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complementary locking surfaces (protrusions on one component and recesses on the other) are designed as integral features of the adapter tube and socket. When these components are assembled, the locking surfaces automatically engage to provide rotational locking without requiring separate fixation components or complex assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If hose is connected to moveable components, then adaptability is improved, but wear and tear from relative rotation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The complementary locking surfaces feature asymmetric geometries with protrusions and recesses that are not rotationally symmetric. This asymmetry creates a mechanical interlock that prevents relative rotation between the adapter tube and socket, thereby preventing wear and tear while still allowing the hose to be connected to moveable components for adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP3655687B1Hose connector assembly
Publication Date: 2021.03.24 KA GROUP AG
  • EP3655687B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3655687B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3655687B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Hose connector assembly for connecting a hose to a port of a pressurized fluid system, the assembly comprising a socket and an adapter tube (40), both having a through-going passage in fluid communication with each other, the socket being adapted to be connected to a port with one of its end portions (4) and having a receiving opening as part of its passage in its opposite end portion, wherein the adapter tube (40) has plug-in end portion (42) to be pushed into the receiving opening (8) which is adapted to cooperate with the plug-in end portion (42) of the adapter tube to form a plug-in connection mechanism, wherein the adapter tube (40) has, opposite to the plug-in end portion (42), a hose connector end fitting (44) adapted to be received in and hold a hose end portion placed thereon to thereby retain the hose, wherein the receiving opening of the socket and the plug-in end portion (42) of the adapter tube (40) are provided with complementary locking surfaces (30, 50) which engage each other when the plug-in end portion (42) of the adapter tube (40) is connected by the plug-in connection mechanism to the socket to lock the adapter tube (40) with respect to the socket against rotational movements about the longitudinal axis of the adapter tube (40) within the socket.