Hose Locking Element With Arc Clamps for Secure Water Tank Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing household appliances face issues with hoses dislodging from their housings, leading to damage and inefficiencies in assembly and operation, as current locking solutions are not sufficiently secure or easy to mount.
Innovation Solution
A locking element with arc-shaped clamps that surround hoses, featuring a free, semi-free, and locking position, along with a connection element and joint, allows for secure mounting without additional components, facilitating assembly and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional locking solutions are used to secure hoses to housings, then hose dislodgment is prevented, but assembly complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: the arc-shaped clamp provides both the locking action and the positioning function, while the connection element integrates the linkage mechanism between opposite clamps. This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies assembly while maintaining reliable hose fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is segmented into distinct functional portions: the arc-shaped clamp portion that contacts the hose, the connection element that links opposite clamps, and the joint that enables rotation. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function while remaining part of an integrated assembly unit.
2Reliability
If multiple separate locking components are used to secure hoses, then reliable locking is achieved, but assembly time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element combines multiple locking functions into a single assembly unit that can be installed in one operation. The integrated design with pre-configured connection elements and joints allows the entire locking mechanism to be mounted simultaneously, eliminating sequential assembly steps and reducing assembly time while maintaining reliable locking.
3Reliability
If additional locking components are added to prevent hose dislodgment, then security is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed as an integrated component that can be manufactured as a single piece or pre-assembled unit, reducing the total number of parts that need to be produced, inventoried, and assembled. This consolidation lowers manufacturing complexity and cost while providing reliable hose mounting security through the combined action of the clamp and connection elements.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a household appliance (1) comprising a body (2), a water tank (5) that is disposed on the body (2) or inside the body (2) and used for purposes like regeneration or storing water, two or more hoses (4) that enable water to be transferred from the water tank (5) to the outside and to be delivered into the water tank (5), two or more housings (3) that are disposed on the water tank (5) and that enable the hoses (4) to be connected to the water tank (5), and two or more circular connection regions (12) wherein the hoses (4) are mounted to the housings (3).