HVACR Drain Line Cap Attachment for Fast Secure Flushing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hose attachment devices for clearing clogs in HVACR drain lines are cumbersome and prone to loss due to their complex multi-part design, making them difficult to quickly and easily attach to drain lines for flushing purposes.
Innovation Solution
A hose attachment device featuring a dome-shaped cap with an open bottom and interior cavity designed for receipt of a drain line extension, equipped with a hose that connects to a pressurized gas or liquid source through a threaded male fitting and a valve fitting, allowing for secure attachment and introduction of a pressurized flow to clear clogs, utilizing o-rings and gaskets for a liquid-tight seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing hose attachment devices use multiple parts for secure connection, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (cap, seal plug, valve fitting, hose) into a single integrated hose attachment device. The cap forms an integral part of the device housing, the seal plug is pre-installed and sealed within the cap, and the valve fitting is integrated into the cap structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate assembly steps while maintaining secure connection reliability through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The hose attachment device is designed with universal compatibility to attach to various drain line access devices and openings. The cap's interior cavity can accommodate different drain line extensions, and the valve fitting can connect to standard Schrader valves. This multi-functionality allows a single device design to serve multiple applications without requiring complex adjustments or additional parts.
2Reliability
If existing hose attachment devices use multiple parts for secure connection, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to cumbersome assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (cap, seal plug, valve fitting, hose) into a single integrated hose attachment device. The cap forms an integral part of the device housing, the seal plug is pre-installed and sealed within the cap, and the valve fitting is integrated into the cap structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate assembly steps while maintaining secure connection reliability through the integrated design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing hose attachment devices are designed with multiple separate components, then adaptability to different drain line configurations is improved, but loss of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (cap, seal plug, valve fitting, hose) into a single integrated hose attachment device. The cap forms an integral part of the device housing, the seal plug is pre-installed and sealed within the cap, and the valve fitting is integrated into the cap structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate assembly steps while maintaining secure connection reliability through the integrated design.
4Reliability
If existing hose attachment devices use complex multi-part designs, then connection reliability is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The seal plug is pre-installed and sealed within the cap during manufacturing, eliminating the need for field assembly of multiple components. The integrated design allows the entire attachment device to be prepared in advance as a complete unit, enabling quick deployment without time-consuming assembly steps while maintaining reliable sealing through the pre-installed plug.
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
Enables quick and efficient attachment to drain lines for clearing clogs with a pressurized flow, reducing the risk of loss and improving usability by providing a simple, secure, and effective means to remove blockages in HVACR systems.
Implementation Method 1
a pressurized flow of gas or liquid is introduced through one end of the drain line which serves to push debris, residue and blockages through the drain line
Implementation Method 2
A threaded male fitting at the proximal end of the hose is sized for engaged receipt of a female valve stem, such as a Schrader valve
Data Source
AI summary
A hose attachment device for use in combination with a source of pressurized gas or liquid for clearing HVACR drain lines. The device includes a cap having an interior cavity extending from an open bottom end that is sized for engaged receipt of an open-ended drain line extension. One embodiment of the device includes a hose extending through the top of the cap and having a fitting at the proximal end of the hose (extending from the top of the cap) that is sized for attachment to the pressurized source. A valve fitting at the distal end of the hose is sized for engaged receipt of a male valve stem, such as a Schrader valve. Another embodiment of the invention includes a valve fitting extending through top of the cap. A further embodiment of the invention includes an upper component and a lower component forming the cap, wherein the upper component is securable to a nozzle of a garden hose and the bottom component is securable to an open-ended drain line extension.