Connector Assembly with Snap-in Coupler and Actuating Sleeve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for watering lawns and gardens, such as sprinkler and drip irrigation systems, are often expensive and require regular maintenance, while manually guided hoses can be inconvenient, especially for elderly or disabled gardeners, due to entanglement issues and difficulty in connecting to distant water sources.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly that includes a first connector with a nipple member, a rigid pipe unit with a snap-in coupler and actuating sleeve, and a support structure, allowing for easy and secure connection of a hose to a liquid source, with a remote actuator for ergonomic coupling and disengagement, and a flow control device for regulating water flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a manually guided hose is used to water the lawn or garden, then the cost is reduced, but the convenience of operation deteriorates due to entanglement issues and difficulty in connecting to distant water sources
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple segments: a fixed subterranean connector assembly connected to the water main, and a movable rigid pipe unit with snap-in coupler that can be positioned as needed. This segmentation allows the hose to remain short and manageable while extending water access to distant locations, reducing entanglement while maintaining cost-effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid pipe unit acts as an intermediary between the fixed water main connection and the flexible hose. It provides a stable, positioned connection point that eliminates the need for long flexible hoses, thereby reducing entanglement issues while keeping the overall system simple and cost-effective
2Ease of operation
If a snap-in coupler with resilient locking element is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of the connection may deteriorate without proper locking mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient locking element is pre-configured in the snap-in coupler to automatically engage with the nipple member upon insertion. This preliminary locking action ensures that the connection is secured immediately upon coupling, providing both ease of operation and reliable connection without requiring additional manual locking steps
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient locking element provides self-service by automatically locking the connection when the coupler is inserted onto the nipple member. The elastic deformation and recovery of the resilient element creates a self-locking mechanism that ensures reliable connection without requiring external intervention or complex locking procedures
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
Provides a convenient, cost-effective, and ergonomic solution for connecting hoses to remote liquid sources, reducing entanglement issues and enabling easy operation, suitable for watering lawns and gardens without the need for extensive installation or maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The snap-in coupler includes at least one resilient locking element adapted to engage with the nipple member in order to couple the nipple member with the rigid pipe unit
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A connector assembly (100) is provided for connecting a hose to a liquid source. The connector assembly (100) includes a first connector (102) coupled to a liquid source.Further, the first connector (102) includes a nipple member (128). A rigid pipe unit (108) includes a snap-in coupler (134), the snap-in coupler (134) being detachably coupled to the nipple member (128). Aconnecting device(166) and/or a stop device (164) is provided on the rigid pipe unit (108), the hose connector(166) beingadapted to couple with the hose. Moreover, the snap-in coupler (134) includes at least one resilient locking element (140) adapted to engage with the nipple member (128) in order to couple the nipple member (128) with the rigid pipe unit (108). The snap-in coupler (134) further includes an actuating sleeve (138) adapted to be movable in order to disengage the at least one resilient locking element (140) from the nipple member (128).