Self-Tightening Hose Connector Claws for Pull-Out Reliability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hose connectors lack functional reliability due to reduced holding force caused by heat-cold-impact and alternating bending loads, leading to accidental hose disconnection, and they often require additional components that increase costs.
Innovation Solution
A hose connector design featuring a body with concentric portions creating a gap for the hose, a clamping element with radially tiltable claws, and a clamping nut that applies force to the claws, ensuring increased holding force and preventing accidental disconnection, with cost-neutral manufacturing techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional hose connectors use a clamping nut and clamping element design, then the hose can be quickly coupled with the water supply source, but the holding force reduces due to heat-cold-impact and alternating bending loads causing the hose to slip off
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping element is designed with movable clamping claws that can dynamically adjust their position. The claws are capable of radial movement toward and away from the hose, allowing the clamping mechanism to adapt to varying load conditions and maintain reliable connection despite thermal expansion/contraction and bending loads
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping element is divided into multiple independent clamping claws instead of a single rigid structure. This segmentation allows each claw to independently respond to forces applied to the hose, distributing the load and preventing slippage under alternating bending loads
2Reliability
If separate movable claws are added to increase holding force, then the reliability improves, but the component cost and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping claws are integrated into a single clamping element body rather than being separate components. This merging reduces the number of parts to be assembled while maintaining the multi-claw structure that provides reliable holding force under various loads
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 hose connector provides improved holding force and reliability by automatically increasing clamping force when the hose is pulled, preventing accidental release and simplifying assembly and disassembly, while reducing manufacturing and installation costs.
Implementation Method 1
The clamping nut includes a tail portion such that in an engaged position of the clamping nut, the tail portion is adapted to apply force on the clamping element
Implementation Method 2
By turning the nut into an attachment direction, the clamping element is movable radially toward the connecting piece
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A hose connector (100, 800, 1100) has a body (102). The body (102) includes a first body portion (106) and a second body portion (112, 812, 1112) disposed concentrically around the first body portion (106). The first body portion (106) and the second body portion (112, 812, 1112) define a gap (114) therebetween such that the gap (114) is adapted to receive a hose (108) therein. The hose connector (100, 800, 1100) also includes a clamping element (124, 824, 124) coupled to the second body portion (112, 812, 1112). The clamping element (124, 824, 1124) includes a number of clamping claws (126). The hose connector (100, 800, 1100) further includes a clamping nut (140, 1140) threadably coupled to the second body portion (112, 812, 1112). The clamping nut (140, 1140) includes a tail portion (142) such that in an engaged position of the clamping nut (140, 1140), the tail portion (142) is adapted to apply force on the clamping element (124, 824, 1124). Further, the clamping element (124, 824, 1124) is associated with the second body portion (112, 812, 1112) by at least one of a slidable connection, a form-fit connection, and a hinged connection.