Hookah Closure System Form-Fit Latching Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking systems for water pipes, such as shisha or hookahs, are not secure and firm, leading to potential injuries from hot charcoal and noise issues, especially in public spaces where durability and ease of use are concerns due to limescale deposits and worn-out threads.
Innovation Solution
A closure system with two matched closure elements that engage via a form-fit mechanism, using a cylindrical section with notches and movable latching elements, providing a secure and easy-to-operate connection that can be released with an actuating element, and optionally incorporating a spring device for automatic latching and a non-return valve for air control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a plug-in closure with rubber seals is used, then the closure is simple to operate, but the connection strength is insufficient and accidental loosening occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The closure head is divided into two separate closure elements: a first closure element that remains on the water tank and a second closure element that attaches to the smoke hose. These elements connect through a form-fit mechanism with latching elements, providing both ease of operation and strong connection without requiring threads that wear out or limescale buildup.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanism is extracted from the traditional threaded connection and implemented as movable latching elements that engage with corresponding notches in the closure elements. This separation allows the closure to maintain strength while remaining easy to operate, as the latching elements automatically engage when the closure elements are assembled.
2Strength
If a bayonet quick-release fastener is used, then the connection strength is improved, but unintentional loosening cannot be ruled out and reliability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system merges the advantages of both plug-in and bayonet closures by combining a form-fit mechanism (like bayonet) with automatic latching elements (like plug-in). The latching elements automatically engage when the closure elements are assembled, providing reliable locking that prevents unintentional loosening while maintaining quick and easy operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching elements are designed to automatically engage with the notches when the closure elements are assembled, without requiring additional manual intervention. This self-latching mechanism ensures reliable connection while maintaining ease of operation, as the user simply needs to assemble the closure elements and the latching occurs automatically.
3Strength
If screw caps are used between the water tank and cap head, then the connection strength is improved, but the device becomes cumbersome and time-consuming to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded mechanical connection is replaced with a form-fit connection mechanism using latching elements and notches. This substitution eliminates the need for threading operations, making the closure quick and easy to operate while maintaining strong connection strength through the form-fit mechanism and automatic latching.
4Strength
If screw threads are used for durable connection, then connection strength is improved, but noise is generated due to limescale deposits and worn threads
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded connection mechanism is extracted and replaced with a form-fit connection using latching elements and notches. This eliminates the source of noise (thread interaction with limescale and wear) while maintaining connection strength through the alternative form-fit and latching mechanism.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a closure system for a water pipe (01) comprising a first closure element (13) that can be attached to the water reservoir (02) of the water pipe (01), and a second closure element (16) that has at least one connection opening for at least one smoke hose (12) and at least one through opening (22) for an air-permeable connection between the water reservoir (02) and a smoke tube (07) arranged directly or indirectly on the second closure element (16), wherein the second closure element (16) can be inserted into a recess in the first closure element (13) with a substantially cylindrical section (18) that is complementary in form and function, wherein the cylindrical section (18) has at least one notch (31) in the area of its outer wall, into which at least one movable locking element (35) provided in the inner wall of the recess can be releasably engaged.