Garden Hose Connector With Pivoting Clamp Lock for Easy Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing garden hose connectors require complex insertion mechanisms that can be difficult for elderly users or those with limited dexterity, and are prone to breakage if not positioned correctly.
Innovation Solution
A garden hose connector with pivotable clamping members that securely attach to the hose using a fastener, allowing easy attachment and detachment, and featuring multiple gripping points for enhanced stability and reduced likelihood of breakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If projections are used to secure the hose, then the connector can be attached to the hose, but it becomes difficult for elderly users and those with limited dexterity to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into a main body and a separate clamping member that can pivot independently. The clamping member segments the attachment function, allowing it to be operated separately from the main connector body, making it easier for users with limited dexterity to manipulate without affecting the entire connector assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping member is designed to pivot between open and closed positions, transforming from a static projection structure to a dynamic clamping mechanism. This dynamic movement allows users to easily open the clamping member to attach or remove the hose, then secure it in the closed position for reliable attachment.
2Reliability
If multiple projections are arranged in circular configuration, then the connector can grip the hose, but the projections are prone to breakage if not positioned correctly
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping function is segmented from the main connector body into a separate clamping member. This segmentation protects the main connector body from breakage while the clamping member, designed specifically for gripping, can be made with sufficient strength and flexibility to accommodate slight positioning variations without breaking.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping member is designed with pivotable geometry that allows it to adapt its gripping parameters. When pivoted to the closed position, the clamping member's geometry provides optimal gripping force distribution, reducing stress concentration that would lead to breakage while maintaining secure hose grip.
3Ease of operation
If a simple insertion mechanism is used, then the connector is easy to operate, but it cannot provide secure attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The connector uses a dynamic pivoting clamping member that transitions from an open position (easy insertion) to a closed position (secure attachment). This dynamic mechanism maintains ease of operation during insertion while providing secure attachment when closed, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and security.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping function is extracted as a separate, movable component from the main connector body. This extracted clamping member can be independently operated to provide secure attachment without complicating the basic insertion process, as users simply need to pivot the clamping member after inserting the hose.
Data Source
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AI summary
A garden hose connector (1001) comprises a main body (1002) having an insert (1101) over which a free end of a hose (1201) may be positioned by a user and a pair of clamping members (1003A, 1003B) attached to the main body (1002) and moveable between an open position and a closed position. When the clamping members (1003A, 1003B) are in their open position a user may position the insert (1101) inside a free end of a hose (1201) or remove the insert (1101) therefrom. When the clamping members (1003A, 1003B) are in their closed position the clamping members (1003A, 1003B) are effective to clamp a portion of the hose (1201) against the insert (1101). The connector (1001) further comprises a fastener (1004) configurable to releasably lock the clamping members (1003A, 1003B) in their closed position.