Dual-Slope Hose Coupling for One-Hand Release Under Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing couplings for hoses and cleaning machines require significant force to uncouple, making it difficult to use with one hand and often result in poor sealing properties, especially under increased pressures during cleaning processes.
Innovation Solution
A coupling design featuring a pillar with angled slopes and a thickening section that allows for easy coupling and decoupling with one hand, while maintaining effective sealing properties, by balancing the angles and material properties to provide resistance against undesired shifting and ensure secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the hose is coupled tightly to the pillar to resist high pressures, then the sealing properties are improved, but the ease of uncoupling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling interface is segmented into two distinct functional zones: a first slope with a gentler angle (15-25 degrees) that facilitates easy coupling and uncoupling operations, and a second slope with a steeper angle (40-50 degrees) that provides resistance against undesired shifting and maintains sealing under pressure. This segmentation allows each zone to optimize for its specific function without compromise
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the guidance part are given different geometric properties: the first slope region has a shallower angle optimized for user interaction and ease of operation, while the second slope region has a steeper angle optimized for mechanical retention and sealing reliability. This local differentiation of geometric quality resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and sealing reliability
2Ease of operation
If the coupling is designed for easy one-handed uncoupling, then the ease of operation is improved, but the resistance against undesired shifting deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The guidance part is divided into two slopes with distinct angle characteristics. The first slope (15-25 degrees) requires minimal force for uncoupling operations, enabling one-handed use, while the second slope (40-50 degrees) provides substantial mechanical resistance to prevent accidental disconnection during cleaning operations. This segmentation allows the system to satisfy both contradictory requirements simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a single uniform slope that would require compromise, the invention inverts the expected approach by using a dual-slope configuration where the coupling and uncoupling function is handled by one slope while the retention and resistance function is handled by the other slope, effectively solving the contradiction through functional inversion
Data Source
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AI summary
A coupling for coupling one or more hoses to a cleaning machine comprising at least one connector for the connecting of a hose to be cleaned with a pillar and at least one pillar for the connection of the connector with a cleaning machine, wherein the pillar comprises a longitudinal hollow body with at least two open ends comprising; a longitudinal guidance part, situated towards a first end; and a second end opposite to the first end in longitudinal direction; wherein the guidance part is provided with a thickening for the fixing of the connector to the guidance part, which thickening comprises a first slope facing the first end, which slope has an angle with the guidance part between 5 and 45 degrees; and comprises a second slope facing the second end, which slope has an angle with the guidance part between 30 and 60 degrees.