Bi-Directional Gas Connector Assembly to Prevent Hose Twisting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for commercial gas-fired appliances are prone to gas leakage and operational inconvenience due to limited rotational flexibility and torsional stress when the appliances are moved, as they can only rotate in one direction and are complex in structure.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly with a connecting pipe having two rotating directions, featuring a first screw pipe and a second screw pipe that can rotate independently, equipped with sealing rings and spacers to prevent gas leakage and facilitate easy movement of appliances without twisting the hose excessively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-direction rotating connector is used, then the structure is simple, but gas leakage occurs after the hose is twisted many times
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two independent rotating components: a first rotating connector and a second rotating connector. Each connector can rotate independently in opposite directions, allowing the hose to accommodate movement without excessive twisting. This segmentation distributes the rotational stress and prevents gas leakage while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the appliance is moved frequently, then cleaning and maintenance are enabled, but bending and wrenching moments are exerted on the pipes and swivel joints
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system incorporates two rotating connectors that can dynamically adjust their rotation to accommodate appliance movement. The first rotating connector rotates in a first direction while the second rotating connector rotates in a second direction, allowing the gas supply line to flex and straighten during appliance relocation without exerting excessive bending or wrenching moments on the pipes and joints.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid pipe assembly is used, then the connection is stable, but the appliance cannot be moved without disconnecting the gas supply lines
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid pipe assembly is replaced with a dynamic rotating connector system that maintains stable gas connections while enabling appliance relocation. The first and second rotating connectors provide rotational flexibility, allowing the appliance to be moved toward and away from the gas supply line while maintaining sealed connections, thus combining connection stability with operational flexibility.
4Strength
If a flexible hose assembly with antitorsion fittings is used, then torsional stress is prevented, but the structure becomes complicated and operation is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a complex flexible hose assembly with antitorsion fittings, the invention segments the rotation function into two separate rotating connectors. Each connector handles rotation in a specific direction, providing torsional stress resistance through simple rotational joints rather than complex antitorsion mechanisms, thereby reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining operational convenience.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly for gas appliances is disclosed. The connector assembly may be used in pairs and the composite hose may be fluidly connected therebetween. It may include two rotating direction. That is, the first screw pipe may rotate relative to the first pipe portion of the connecting pipe in the first rotating direction, and the second screw pipe may rotate relative to the second pipe portion of the connecting pipe in the second rotating direction which is different from the first rotating direction. It is easy to move the gas appliance relative to the gas supply and then prevents from gas leakage which results from the composite hose being twisted many times.