Fire Hose Connection Adaptor Radial Thread Compression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fire hose connection adaptors fail to quickly and reliably connect to hydrants or fire trucks under high pressure while minimizing thread damage and ensuring easy detachment, often resulting in suboptimal thread contact and potential failure under stress conditions.

Innovation Solution

A compressible thread assembly with radially spaced segments that engage a target thread, driven by a handle assembly to secure the connection through axial pressure and rotation, maximizing thread contact and pressure resistance while minimizing cross-threading and facilitating quick connection and disconnection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple radially spaced thread segments are compressed radially inwardly to engage target threads, then thread contact is maximized and high-pressure capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the multi-segment compression mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethread contact and high-pressure capabilityVSAvoidmulti-segment compression mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The thread assembly is divided into multiple radially spaced segments that can be independently compressed radially inwardly. Each segment contains thread-forming elements that engage with target threads, allowing distributed contact across the engagement interface while maintaining manageable segment sizes for compression

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The thread segments are compressed in the radial dimension rather than only axially, creating a three-dimensional engagement pattern that maximizes thread contact area. The radially inward compression allows thread elements to conform to the target thread geometry from multiple radial positions simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If the connector is designed for quick connection and disconnection, then connection speed is improved, but thread damage risk increases due to repeated engagement cycles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection speedVSAvoidthread damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The thread segments are pre-configured in a compressed state within the connector body, ready for immediate engagement. Upon connection, the segments are already positioned to engage target threads without requiring extensive rotation or adjustment, reducing the number of engagement cycles needed and minimizing thread wear

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The traditional threaded engagement mechanism is replaced with a compression-driven thread formation system. Instead of relying on repeated screwing and unscrewing actions that wear threads, the invention uses radial compression to form and engage threads in a single motion, significantly reducing mechanical wear on both the connector and target threads

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If the thread assembly is permanently fastened to the hose, then connection reliability is improved, but adaptability is reduced as the connector cannot be removed and reused

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidremovability and reuse capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system transitions from a static permanently fastened design to a dynamic reversible connection. The thread segments are held in a compressed ready-to-engage state during storage, then activated upon connection, and can be deactivated and reset for removal, enabling the same connector to be reliably reused multiple times

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 enables faster connection and disconnection of fire hoses, maximizes thread contact for high-pressure applications, minimizes thread damage, and ensures reliability even in emergency situations, allowing for quick removal if pressure tests are failed.

Implementation Method 1

A handle assembly drives a collar that compresses the thread segments radially inwardly upon axial installation pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadial compression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

Subsequent turning of the handle assembly threadably rotates the threads to secure the connection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThreadable rotation: Screw

Data Source

PatentUS8567823B2Fire hose connection adaptor

Publication Date: 2013.10.29 HY-CONN GROUP LLC

AI summary

A quick-mounting adapter is axially forced upon and then twisted relative to threaded targets for connection. A rotatable hub has a threaded portion for connection to a hose and an integral flange fastened to a tubular sleeve coaxially within the adapter. A rotatable handle assembly comprises a rigid ring with an internal orifice and at least two outwardly projecting handle segments. A multi-segment thread assembly secured within a ring groove to the sleeve is displaceable radially inwardly and outwardly in response to a rigid, cylindrical collar secured to the handle assembly. Each segment comprises an outer tapered portion contacted by and compressed by the collar. Pushing and subsequent rotation of the handle assembly attaches the thread assembly on the threaded target to connect the adapter.