Elastomeric Coupling Sleeve for Spring-Free Hose Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hose couplers with stainless steel springs are costly and have limited recycling potential due to the metal-plastic mix, and existing solutions with integral locking elements require additional springs for operation, leading to inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A coupling sleeve with a base body and elastomeric elements that use a 2-component injection molding process, featuring a hard plastic inner side and flexible rubber-like outer side, allowing the elastomeric elements to bias the sleeve into an engaged position and provide ergonomic convenience, eliminating the need for separate springs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stainless steel spring is used to hold the coupling sleeve in its final position, then the coupling sleeve can be reliably positioned, but the cost increases substantially and recycling potential is limited due to metal-plastic mix
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical spring system (stainless steel spring) with an elastomeric element that uses elastic deformation to provide the same positioning function. The elastomeric element is integrated into the coupling sleeve body, eliminating the need for separate metal springs and reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining positioning reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling sleeve is made from a composite material system combining a rigid base body (polypropylene or similar plastic) with an integrated elastomeric element (thermosetting elastomer). This composite structure allows the elastomeric portion to provide spring-like functionality while being monolithically integrated with the plastic body, enabling recycling as a single material type and eliminating metal-plastic mixing issues.
2Reliability
If a stainless steel spring is used to hold the coupling sleeve, then the coupling function is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric element is merged with the coupling sleeve base body through integral formation (injection molding), creating a single monolithic component. The elastomeric portion is embedded within the rigid plastic body, eliminating the need for separate spring components and reducing assembly steps while maintaining the coupling function.
3Ease of manufacture
If the coupling sleeve is made entirely of hard plastic, then manufacturing is simplified, but ergonomic handling and user convenience are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling sleeve features localized differentiation in material properties: the base body is made of rigid plastic for structural integrity and easy manufacturing, while specific portions (such as the outer surface or gripping areas) are covered with or formed from elastomeric material to provide enhanced grip, comfort, and ergonomic handling where users contact the device.
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 elastomeric coupling sleeve reduces costs, enhances ergonomic handling, and facilitates safe and risk-free operation by using elastomeric properties to maintain the engaged position without additional springs, improving the overall efficiency and recyclability of the hose coupling.
Implementation Method 1
at least one elastomeric, rubber like element (310) adapted to bias the coupling sleeve (110) in the engaged position
Data Source
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AI summary
A coupling sleeve (110) for a quick-acting hose coupling (100) having a base body (120). The coupling sleeve (110) is fixable onto the base body (120), with the base body having at least one opening defining a slot (240) through which at least part of a locking element (230) is able to pass. The coupling sleeve (110) is adapted to move between an engaged position and a disengaged position relative to the base body (120) of the hose coupling (100). In the engaged position at least part of the locking element (230) is held in a position where at least part of it is passed through the slot (240) defined by the base body (120); and in the disengaged position at least part of the locking element (230) moves its positional relation to the slot (240). The coupling sleeve (110) includes at least one elastomeric, rubber like element (310) adapted to bias the coupling sleeve in the engaged position. By this a simple, convenient, and efficient coupling sleeve relying on elastomeric properties to provide desired benefits in applications of the hose coupling.