Detachable Faucet Connector With O-Ring Sealing for Hose Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Standard kitchen and bath faucets lack a connection for attaching hoses and tubes, as they do not have threaded ends to mate with standard hoses.

Innovation Solution

A detachable faucet connector system that includes a hose adapter and aerator, allowing hoses to be securely attached to faucets without threaded ends, using O-rings for a waterproof seal and allowing for easy attachment and detachment, with the hose adapter being removably attached to the aerator and faucet.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If standard kitchen and bath faucets are used, then the faucet structure remains simple and unchanged, but hoses and tubes cannot be attached to them

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to attach hosesVSAvoidfaucet structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The faucet system is divided into two independent parts: the original faucet body and a separate detachable connector assembly. The connector assembly includes a connector body with external threads that mate with the faucet, and a hose adapter with internal threads that attach to hoses. This segmentation allows the faucet to gain hose attachment capability without permanently modifying the faucet structure itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The detachable connector assembly serves as an intermediary component between the faucet and the hose. It includes a connector body that interfaces with the faucet and a hose adapter that interfaces with the hose, with an O-ring seal positioned between them. This intermediary component enables connection between two otherwise incompatible interfaces (faucet spout and hose thread) without requiring modification of either the faucet or the hose.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a permanent threaded connection is added to the faucet, then hoses can be securely attached, but the faucet structure becomes more complex and installation is more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidfaucet installation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connector assembly is designed to be dynamically attachable and detachable rather than permanently fixed. The connector body threads onto the faucet spout and can be easily screwed on or off by the user. This dynamic connection provides secure attachment when needed (high reliability) while maintaining ease of installation and removal (high ease of manufacture), avoiding the need for permanent modification of the faucet.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connector assembly is designed to be self-installing without requiring specialized tools or professional installation services. The user can simply screw the connector body onto the faucet spout and attach the hose adapter by hand or with basic tools. The O-ring seal is pre-positioned in the connector body, eliminating the need for separate sealing operations. This self-service design significantly improves ease of manufacture and installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If a detachable connector system is used, then hoses can be easily attached and detached, but the risk of water leaks increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment easeVSAvoidwater leaks
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The O-ring seal is pre-positioned in a groove within the connector body before the connector is assembled or used. This beforehand cushioning ensures that a reliable seal is already in place before water flow begins, preventing leaks from the outset. The O-ring compensates for any minor dimensional variations or surface irregularities between the connector body and the hose adapter, providing a cushioning effect that maintains sealing under varying conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple attachment options are provided, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment optionsVSAvoidconnector structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hose adapter is designed with universal threading (e.g., standard garden hose threads) that can accommodate multiple types of hoses and attachments. The connector body interfaces with standard faucet spouts. This multi-functionality allows a single connector assembly design to work with various hose types, sprayers, and attachments without requiring multiple specialized connector designs, thereby maintaining simplicity while achieving versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 the secure and flexible attachment of hoses to faucets, facilitating water flow while preventing leaks, and allowing for various attachments such as sprayers or pressure washers, enhancing usability in plumbing environments.

Implementation Method 1

using O-rings for a waterproof seal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11274424B2Detachable faucet connector
Publication Date: 2022.03.15 DANCO INC
  • US11274424B2 patent drawing
  • US11274424B2 patent drawing
  • US11274424B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A detachable faucet connector can be used with a faucet to allow easy connection of hoses to the faucet. The detachable faucet connector can include an aerator, a funnel, and a hose adapter. The aerator can connect to a faucet to replace the faucet's existing aerator. The funnel can be inserted in to the aerator prior to the installation of the aerator in the faucet. The hose adapter can be connected to the funnel. The hose adapter can be attached to a hose.