Hose Connection Geometry for Lower Push-On Force and Secure Fit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hose connections in motor vehicles and other systems require high push-on forces for secure assembly, which can be ergonomically challenging and increase the risk of accidental disconnection, while additional assembly steps like fastening clamps or ribs may complicate the process.

Innovation Solution

A hose connection design featuring a clamping section with a reduced inner diameter and a gradual transition area, allowing for a precise adjustment of push-on forces by creating a gap between the hose and connector outside the clamping section, thereby reducing assembly force requirements without compromising connection security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the inner diameter of the hose is made slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the connector to create a press fit, then the connection security is improved, but the required pushing force increases making assembly more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidassembly difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hose is divided into two distinct zones: a clamping section with reduced inner diameter for secure connection and a push-on area with normal inner diameter for easy assembly. This segmentation allows each zone to fulfill its specific function optimally without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hose exhibits different local properties: the clamping section has a reduced inner diameter (higher elasticity) for strong gripping, while the push-on area maintains the original inner diameter (lower resistance) for easy insertion. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between secure connection and easy assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If a clamp is used to press the hose against the connector, then the connection security is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional assembly steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidassembly steps
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hose's own elastic material serves as the clamping mechanism. The reduced inner diameter in the clamping section creates inherent elastic gripping force that secures the connection without requiring external clamps or additional fastening components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The separate clamp component is extracted and replaced by integrating the clamping function directly into the hose structure through the reduced inner diameter section, eliminating the need for additional parts and assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If holding ribs are provided on the connector, then the holding forces are increased, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholding forcesVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of adding ribs to the connector (external structure modification), the invention inverts the approach by modifying the hose's inner diameter to create the clamping effect. The securing function is achieved from the hose side rather than the connector side.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The holding function previously requiring separate ribs is merged into the hose wall structure itself through the reduced inner diameter section, combining the hose's structural integrity with its gripping function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This design reduces the required push-on forces during assembly while maintaining a secure connection, allowing for precise adjustment of forces and minimizing the risk of damage to the clamping section, thus enhancing ergonomic assembly and connection reliability.

Implementation Method 1

the hose has at least one clamping section (12) with a reduced inner diameter (d h_r) that is smaller than an outer diameter (d n_a) of the nozzle (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3869076B1Hose connection with adapted push-on force
Publication Date: 2024.10.16 CONTITECH TECHNO CHEMIE GMBH
  • EP3869076B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3869076B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3869076B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a hose (1) for sliding onto a fitting (2). The invention also relates to a fitting (2) for sliding onto a hose (1). The hose (1) has an outer diameter (dh_a) and an inner diameter (dh_i). The hose (1) has at least one clamping section (12) in a sliding area (10) with a reduced inner diameter (dh_r) that is smaller than the outer diameter (dn_a) of the fitting (2). The clamping section (12) can alternatively also be formed on the fitting (2).