Helix Hose Connector Geometry for Sealing Without Flow Constriction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hose connectors often result in flow constriction and reduced water flow rates due to diameter differences between the hose and the connector, leading to inadequate sealing and increased coupling effort.

Innovation Solution

A hose connector design featuring a helix element on the engagement portion with a stepped end surface, ensuring equal internal diameters for smooth water flow and firm coupling, along with a clamping nut for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the receptacle diameter is reduced to improve sealing, then sealing quality improves, but flow cross-section decreases and flow rate reduces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing qualityVSAvoidflow rate
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement portion is designed with a first part containing helix elements for sealing and a second part with a larger diameter for maintaining flow cross-section. This local differentiation allows the sealing function to be concentrated in the first part while the second part ensures adequate flow capacity, resolving the contradiction between sealing quality and flow rate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the receptacle diameter is reduced to improve sealing, then sealing quality improves, but coupling force requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing qualityVSAvoidcoupling force
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The helix elements provide a curved, progressive engagement surface that distributes coupling force along the threaded path. This curved geometry allows the hose to be gradually drawn onto the connector with reduced peak force requirements, while still achieving reliable sealing at the engagement interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Reliability

If helix elements extend smoothly into the planar surface, then manufacturing is difficult, but abrupt stopping provides better sealing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaterproof sealingVSAvoidmanufacturing difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement portion is segmented into a first part with helix elements and a second part with a planar surface. The helix elements extend only over the first part and stop abruptly at the boundary, creating a stepped configuration. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently - the helix elements provide sealing while the planar second part simplifies manufacturing and assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4229322B1Hose connector
Publication Date: 2024.02.21 HUSQVARNA AB
  • EP4229322B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4229322B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4229322B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A hose connector (200) for a hose (202) includes a body portion (204) defining an outer thread section (206). The hose connector (200) also includes an engagement portion (218) defined with the body portion (204). The engagement portion (218) allows the hose (202) to be pushed on. The hose connector (200) further includes one or more mating elements (236) defined on at least a part of the engagement portion (218). The one or more mating elements (236) allow engagement of the hose (202) with the hose connector (200). The hose connector (200) is characterized in that the one or more mating elements (236) is a helix element (236) defined on a first part (226) of the engagement portion (218). Further, a second part (228) of the engagement portion (218) has a diameter at least equal to an outermost diameter (D6) of the helix element (236).