Hose Coupler Axial Tabs Prevent Dislodgment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hose couplers for fluid transfer in industrial machines are prone to dislodgment due to mechanical forces and vibrations, and the teeth can break under strong forces, leading to potential spills and leaks during fluid drainage operations.
Innovation Solution
A hose coupler design featuring a coupler body with a flange and axially offset tabs that engage with a clip, providing secure attachment to a port and reducing the risk of disengagement, while the flange's radial extension and tabs' design help distribute stress and prevent breakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If teeth are used to engage with the interlocking feature to attach the hose coupler to the baseplate, then the connection can be established, but the teeth may break when subjected to strong vibrations and/or mechanical forces
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is divided into multiple engagement points: the interlocking feature with teeth provides primary engagement, while the appendages with projections provide secondary engagement. This segmentation distributes mechanical stresses across multiple points, preventing any single feature (including the teeth) from bearing the full load that could cause breakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection is extended from a single-plane tooth engagement to a multi-dimensional arrangement by adding appendages that extend axially from the baseplate. These appendages engage with the hose coupler at a different spatial location and orientation, creating a three-dimensional connection structure that resists forces from multiple directions and reduces stress concentration on the teeth.
2Ease of operation
If appendages with projections are added to engage with the drain knob, then the hose coupler can be attached to the port, but mechanical forces and fluid pressure may still dislodge the hose coupler
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple engagement features (interlocking feature with teeth, and appendages with projections) are merged into a single integrated baseplate structure. This combination creates a compound connection system where the teeth and projections work together to secure the hose coupler, providing redundant engagement points that collectively resist dislodgment forces from mechanical loads and fluid pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement mechanism transitions from two-dimensional tooth-to-slot interaction to three-dimensional multi-point contact by extending appendages axially from the baseplate. These appendages engage with the hose coupler at a different axial position and orientation, creating a spatially distributed connection that resists dislodgment forces more effectively than planar engagement alone.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple connector design is used, then manufacturing is easier, but the connector may not withstand strong vibrations and mechanical forces during assembly and operation
Solution Approach 1:
The baseplate is designed with distinct, modular engagement features (interlocking feature with teeth, and separate appendages with projections) that can be manufactured using standard forming processes. Each feature is a discrete element that can be created independently, allowing for straightforward manufacturing while achieving complex functional requirements through the arrangement of these segmented features.
Solution Approach 2:
The baseplate serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, creates the interlocking connection through teeth, and secures the hose coupler through appendage engagement. This multi-functionality is achieved within a single component that can be manufactured as one piece, avoiding the need for multiple separate parts while still providing enhanced strength and vibration resistance.
Data Source
AI summary
A hose coupler includes a coupler body. The coupler body may extend from a proximal end to a distal end. The hose coupler may have a coupler bore extending through a length of the coupler body. The hose coupler may also have a flange disposed adjacent the distal end. The flange may project radially from the coupler body. The hose coupler may have a pair of tabs. The tabs may extend from the flange towards the proximal end of the coupler body.