Hose Connecting Assembly With Removable Clamp for Damage-Free Joining

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional methods for connecting hose segments in maple tree sap harvesting systems are cumbersome, costly, and prone to damage, requiring specialized tools and causing issues with hose and connector integrity.

Innovation Solution

A connecting assembly featuring a main body with insert portions and bulges that allow secure, removable attachment of hose segments using a securing device, enabling easy connection and disconnection without damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If barb connectors are used to connect hose segments, then the connection can be made securely, but the process becomes long, tedious and costly requiring special tooling and specialized workers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidconnection speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into separate components: a barbless insert portion that fits inside the hose and a separate securing device (collar or clamp) that fastens the hose to the connector body. This segmentation allows for simpler, faster assembly without requiring specialized tools or workers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insert portion is pre-formed without barbs, eliminating the need for aggressive deformation during assembly. The hose is simply inserted and secured, making the process quick and straightforward while maintaining connection security through the securing device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If barb connectors are used with aggressive deformation, then the hose segments can be securely attached, but the hose segments are often damaged during extraction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidhose damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using barbs that aggressively deform and damage the hose during extraction, the invention inverts the approach by using a barbless insert with a separate securing device that holds the hose without deformation. This eliminates hose damage while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The barbless insert portion acts as an intermediary between the connector body and the hose. It provides a secure mounting point inside the hose without requiring aggressive barbs, and the securing device acts as a mediator to fasten the hose securely without causing damage during installation or extraction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If barb connectors are used, then the hose segments can be connected tightly, but the connectors themselves can break when it is time to dismantle the harvesting system

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection tightnessVSAvoidconnector durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the connector into a barbless insert portion and a separate securing device, the design eliminates stress concentration points that would cause breaking during dismantling. The secure connection is maintained through the securing device rather than relying on fragile barbed structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The barbless insert portion can be designed as a simpler, more durable component that does not rely on fragile barbed structures. The overall system becomes more durable and reusable, reducing the need for repair and replacement during seasonal dismantling and reassembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Reliability

If traditional connecting methods are used, then the hose segments can be connected securely, but special tooling and specialized workers are required increasing costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidassembly simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is segmented into a barbless insert portion and a separate securing device, allowing for simple assembly that can be performed without special tooling or specialized workers. The hose is inserted and secured using basic hand operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The securing device is designed to be self-fastening or easily operable by hand, eliminating the need for specialized tools or trained workers. The simple design allows any worker to assemble and disassemble the connection quickly and securely.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20260009484A1Connecting assembly for connecting hose segments together, and maple tree sap harvesting system provided with the same

Publication Date: 2026.01.08 LES EQUIP LAPIERRE INC

AI summary

A connecting assembly for operatively and fluidly connecting at least first and second hose segments together. The connecting assembly includes at least one insert portion, and corresponding bulge(s), securing device(s) and fluid passage(s). The securing device is removably mounted onto and displaceable about a portion of a given length span of the insert portion, and configured for operation between a first release mode, where the securing device being is drawn away from the bulge and thus an extremity of the hosing segment is releasable, and a second connecting mode, where the securing device is removably and selectively displaced over an outward overlapping of the extremity of the hosing segment extending over the bulge, so as to securely maintain said extremity of the hosing segment in place, operatively against the bulge and thus, prevent the first extremity of the first hosing segment from being removed from the bulge. Quick and easy.