Drinking Water Hose Adapter Locking Without Flow Restriction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hose arrangements for water supply systems face issues with reduced water flow and pressure due to connector-induced cross-sectional narrowing, and the use of metallic alloys is costly and requires complex processing, while plastic connectors often need individual adaptation for different geometries, limiting universal applicability.

Innovation Solution

A hose arrangement featuring an adapter with a form-fitting section and a separate locking part that secures the adapter to the hose without pressing, allowing for universal use across different connection geometries and maintaining optimal flow behavior, using high-performance plastics like polyphenylsulfone for durability and flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a connector is inserted into the hose end to create a positive connection, then the connection reliability is improved, but the flow cross-section is reduced and water pressure decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidwater pressure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a receiver as an intermediary component that receives the hose end without requiring insertion of a connector into the hose. The receiver has a receiving space that accommodates the hose end, and the locking element locks the hose end in this space, thereby avoiding direct connector-hose insertion and preserving the flow cross-section while achieving reliable connection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the connector from the hose end by using a separate receiver that receives the hose end directly. The locking element is provided separately and locks the hose end in the receiver without being inserted into the hose, thereby removing the problematic connector component that caused flow cross-section reduction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Strength

If metallic alloys are used for the connector, then the strength and durability are improved, but the raw material cost increases and manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from metallic alloy to plastic for both the receiver and locking element. This material substitution maintains sufficient strength while dramatically reducing raw material cost and eliminating complex material removal processes, making the manufacturing much simpler and more cost-effective

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If plastic material is used for the connector, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the connector needs to be individually adapted for different connection geometries

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidgeometric adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the hose end itself universal by providing it with a standardized locking section that can be received by different receivers. The hose end can be locked in various receivers with different connection geometries through the standardized locking mechanism, eliminating the need to produce different hose types for different geometries

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

4Stability of the object's composition

If the hose is crimped onto the connector, then the connection stability is improved, but the hose cross-section is permanently narrowed and flow rate is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidwater flow rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the receiver as an intermediary that receives the hose end without crimping. The locking element provides connection stability by locking the hose end in the receiver, while the hose end itself remains unc crimped and maintains its full flow cross-section

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent removes the crimping process entirely by using a locking mechanism that secures the hose end in the receiver without applying radial compression to the hose. This extraction of the crimping step preserves the hose cross-section and maintains optimal water flow rate

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3742034B1Hose assembly and use
Publication Date: 2023.10.18 UNIWELL ROHRSYSTEME GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3742034B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3742034B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3742034B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a hose assembly (1) for a water-carrying system, in particular for a drinking water line in a drinking water-carrying system. The hose assembly comprises a hose (2) and an adapter (9) with a receptacle (10) for the hose. The adapter can be secured to a first hose end (3) by a locking element and/or is designed such that the first hose end can be arranged within the receptacle. A second hose end (5) preferably has a fastening section (5A) formed integrally with the hose for connection to a consumer or a water supply. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an adapter arrangement for a hose assembly and to the use of a proposed hose assembly or adapter arrangement in a drinking water-carrying system.