Hose Coupling Geometry for One-Handed Release and High-Pressure Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling systems for hoses and cleaning machines require significant force to uncouple, making it difficult to use with one hand and often result in poor sealing properties, leading to potential leakage during high-pressure cleaning processes.
Innovation Solution
A coupling design featuring a pillar with angled slopes and a thickening section that balances ease of use and resistance, allowing for one-handed coupling and uncoupling while maintaining effective sealing, utilizing a silicone tube and elbow fitting for improved flexibility and sealing properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the hose is coupled tightly to the pillar to resist high pressures, then the sealing properties are improved, but it becomes difficult to uncouple the hose and requires two hands
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into distinct functional segments: a guidance part for alignment, a thickening section with slopes for controlled engagement/disengagement, and a sealing section. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally while resolving the contradiction between secure coupling and easy uncoupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism transitions from a static tight connection to a dynamic system with controlled movement. The slopes on the thickening section create a progressive engagement where the connector is guided onto the pillar and locked in place, but can be easily released by applying force in the opposite direction, enabling one-handed operation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the coupling requires significant force to uncouple, then the connection stability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the coupling system have different mechanical properties optimized for their specific functions. The guidance part has a gradual slope for easy alignment and engagement, while the thickening section has steeper slopes for secure locking. This local differentiation of mechanical properties allows the system to provide both ease of operation and connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The guidance part with its gradual slope performs the preliminary action of guiding and aligning the connector onto the pillar before the main engagement occurs at the thickening section. This preliminary alignment action reduces the force required for final coupling and ensures proper positioning, improving both ease of operation and connection stability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the slope angle is increased to prevent undesired shifting, then the resistance to movement is improved, but the ease of coupling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The slope structure is segmented into two distinct sections with different angles: a first gentle slope for easy coupling and a second steeper slope for preventing undesired shifting. This segmentation allows each slope to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between ease of coupling and resistance to shifting.
Solution Approach 2:
The angle parameter of the slopes is varied along the thickening section. The first slope has a smaller angle (15-25 degrees) to facilitate easy coupling, while the second slope has a larger angle (40-50 degrees) to provide resistance against undesired shifting. This parameter change along the structure allows both requirements to be met simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling for coupling one or more hoses to a cleaning machine including at least one connector for the connecting of a hose to be cleaned with a pillar and at least one pillar for the connection of the connector with a cleaning machine, wherein the pillar includes a longitudinal hollow body with at least two open ends including; a longitudinal guidance part, situated towards a first end; and a second end opposite to the first end in longitudinal direction; wherein the guidance part is provided with a thickening for the fixing of the connector to the guidance part, which thickening includes a first slope facing the first end, which slope has an angle with the guidance part between 5 and 45 degrees; and includes a second slope facing the second end, which slope has an angle with the guidance part between 30 and 60 degrees.