Angled Barb Hose Coupler for Leakage Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hose couplings for drag-hose fertilizer conduits are prone to leakage and bursting when dragged across abrasive surfaces, requiring quick repair to minimize manure runoff, but existing solutions are inefficient and prone to fluid turbulence and seal deterioration.
Innovation Solution
A field-replaceable hose coupler with a sleeve and collars featuring angled barbs that provide a frictional seal, reducing the need for clamping force and minimizing component count, allowing for easy assembly and secure connection of hose sections with a primary holding force from the barbs, which also reduces turbulence and enhances durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional hose couplings are used with clamping mechanisms, then the hose connection is secured, but the device complexity increases and the risk of seal deterioration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the collar component from the coupling system, retaining only the sleeve with barbs. The barbs on the sleeve directly engage with the hose to provide both securing and sealing functions, eliminating the need for a separate collar and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining connection security
Solution Approach 2:
The barbs on the sleeve are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: they provide mechanical retention by engaging the hose and create the seal through their angled surfaces. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sealing components, reducing device complexity while ensuring reliable connection
2Reliability
If multiple collars and clamps are used to secure the hose, then the connection is more secure, but the ease of operation decreases and assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the collar component entirely, leaving only the sleeve with integrated barbs. This simplification allows for faster assembly as there are fewer components to handle and install, while the barb design maintains secure connection through direct engagement with the hose
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of the collar and the securing mechanism into a single integrated sleeve with barbs. The barbs provide both the retention function previously requiring separate components and the sealing function, enabling quick assembly while maintaining connection security
3Reliability
If traditional sealing methods are used, then the seal is maintained, but fluid turbulence increases and energy loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies sealing surface only where needed - on the angled surfaces of the barbs where they contact the hose. This localized sealing approach creates an effective seal at the connection point without introducing turbulence-inducing features throughout the fluid passage, maintaining both seal effectiveness and smooth fluid flow
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
The hose coupler effectively prevents leakage and enhances durability by using barbs as the primary sealant, allowing for quick and secure connection of hose sections, reducing the risk of seal deterioration and fluid turbulence, and is suitable for drag-hose manure applications with minimal component loss.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of barbs each having an angled surface... The collar is adapted to substantially surround the first hose section disposed over the plurality of the barbs on the sleeve
Data Source
AI summary
The hose coupler has a sleeve defining a passageway between a first hose section and a second hose section, and includes a plurality of barbs each having an angled surface. In an embodiment, a collar can be fitted over the hose after it is pulled up onto the sleeve. The collar also has a plurality of barbs with angled surfaces corresponding to the angle of the barbs on the sleeve. The collar is adapted to substantially surround the first hose section disposed over the plurality of the barbs on the sleeve and the each barb on the sleeve generally aligns with the each barb on the collar.