Elastic Coupling Element for Universal Suction Lance Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing suction lances for removing liquid process chemicals from containers are hindered by the lack of standardization in connection geometries, leading to a need for multiple covers and increased complexity and cost for manufacturers, and difficulty for users in selecting the correct cover, resulting in potential leaks and compatibility issues.
Innovation Solution
A size- and shape-variable coupling element made from elastically deformable material, such as silicone or rubber, that can adapt to various connecting pieces, ensuring a secure and liquid-tight fit without requiring a separate cover for each connection geometry, reducing the number of coupling elements needed and simplifying user handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different covers are provided for different connection geometries, then compatibility with various containers is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element is designed as a universal component that can be used with multiple different connection geometries. Instead of providing separate covers for each container type, a single coupling element with adaptable geometry (through elastic deformation) serves multiple functions and兼容多种连接几何形状，从而减少了零部件数量 and 制造复杂度
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element is made from elastically deformable material, allowing its geometric parameters (shape and size) to change adaptively when subjected to different connection geometries. This elastic deformation enables the same component to accommodate various container connection shapes without requiring multiple specialized covers
2Ease of manufacture
If simple canister covers are used, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but sealing reliability deteriorates causing chemical leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element is constructed from elastically deformable material that forms a flexible sealing structure. This flexible material can conform to the connection piece geometry and create an effective seal, preventing chemical leakage while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing compared to rigid multi-component sealing systems
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic deformability of the coupling element material allows it to change its shape parameters to match the connection piece, creating a reliable seal. The material's ability to deform and conform ensures sealing reliability without requiring complex manufacturing processes
3Adaptability or versatility
If reducers are used as intermediaries, then compatibility between covers and connecting pieces is improved, but device complexity and leakage risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the intermediary reducer component from the system. By making the coupling element itself adaptable through elastic deformation, the need for separate reducer intermediaries is removed, thereby reducing the number of sealing points and potential leakage locations while maintaining compatibility
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 solution allows a single coupling element to be used with multiple connecting pieces, minimizing leaks and user confusion, while reducing the number of coupling elements required by manufacturers, ensuring compatibility with various container designs and maintaining a secure, liquid-tight seal.
Implementation Method 1
the coupling element is formed at least in sections from an elastically deformable material
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a suction lance for extracting liquid from a container, in particular for extracting process chemicals from a canister of a cleaning and/or disinfection device, comprising a suction tube (4) and a coupling element (3), wherein the coupling element (3) serves for the detachable arrangement of the suction tube (4) on a container-side connection nozzle (13) and wherein the coupling element (3) is designed to be size- and/or shape-compatible with a plurality of connection nozzles (13) of different sizes and/or shapes.