Hose End Adaptor Structure for Expandable Hose Coupling Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hoses with expandable designs often suffer from coupler failure and require dedicated tooling for different hose end components, leading to inefficiencies and limitations in versatility and durability.
Innovation Solution
A hose arrangement featuring a common or spaced support portion for both inner and outer tubes, with adaptable connectors and clamping mechanisms that allow for independent mounting and fluid communication control, enabling secure attachment and fluid flow without restriction, and facilitating use with various hose end components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If dedicated couplers are used to join inner and outer tubes, then connection strength is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to requiring dedicated tooling for each hose end component type
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate different types of hose end components (nozzles, spray guns, connectors) without requiring dedicated tooling for each type. The adaptor's insertion portion can be clamped by various hose connector portions, making it a multi-functional component that replaces multiple specialized couplers.
2Reliability
If traditional couplers are used to attach hose ends, then connection reliability is improved, but adaptability to different hose end components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor serves multiple functions: it provides a reliable clamped connection like traditional couplers while simultaneously being compatible with various hose end component types including nozzles, spray guns, and connectors, thus achieving both reliability and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The hose assembly is segmented into modular components: the hose assembly with inner and outer tubes, the adaptor with support portions, and the hose end components. This segmentation allows the adaptor to be designed as an independent universal interface that can be easily replaced or adapted for different applications.
3Ease of manufacture
If inner and outer tubes are clamped together at the same location, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but strain on components increases leading to potential failure
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping locations are segmented into two distinct positions: a first support portion for clamping the outer tube and a second support portion for clamping the inner tube. This spatial segmentation distributes the mechanical strain across different locations, preventing stress concentration and potential failure while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
4Productivity
If hoses are designed to expand under pressure, then functional performance is improved, but structural stability in contracted state deteriorates due to crumpling
Solution Approach 1:
The hose structure is segmented into an inner elastic tube for fluid flow and expansion, and an outer fabric-based tube for structural support. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specialized function: the inner tube expands under pressure for fluid delivery while the outer tube maintains structural integrity and prevents excessive crumpling in the contracted state.
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 enhances hose durability by reducing strain on components, allows for versatile use with different hose end fittings without dedicated tooling, and ensures reliable fluid flow and sealing, addressing issues of coupler failure and adaptability in existing designs.
Implementation Method 1
an inner tube constructed from an elastic material... water pressure is applied to the interior of the inner elastic tube
Implementation Method 2
an outer fabric based layer which can contract and in effect crumple as the hose contracts in a non-water filled state
Data Source
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AI summary
A hose end adaptor (5) for holding an inner component (12) to be nested within an outer tube (11) of a hose. The adaptor (5) comprises a first support portion (51) for receiving the outer tube (11), and a second support portion (52) on which a component (12) to be nested within the outer tube is mountable.