Removable Hose Trolley Liquid Connector for Ergonomic Multi-Outlet Use

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hose trolleys lack additional liquid units such as watering taps and sprinklers, requiring users to exert extra effort and assume unergonomic positions to connect accessories, and the fixed nature of these units occupies space during storage.

Innovation Solution

A liquid connector for hose trolleys with a body having an inlet and multiple outlets, featuring removable coupling elements that allow attachment to the trolley, enabling additional units like taps and sprinklers, and adjustable positioning for ergonomic use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If additional liquid units (watering tap, sprinkler) are integrated into the hose trolley, then the utility and functionality of the hose trolley is improved, but the device complexity and space occupation during storage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveutilityVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid connector is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently attached to or removed from the hose trolley. This segmentation allows the connector to provide additional functionality when needed while being storable separately when not in use, thus improving versatility without permanently increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The liquid connector serves multiple functions - it can connect to the hose trolley for water dispensing, and also has inlet/outlet ports that can connect to additional liquid units like watering taps and sprinklers. This multi-functionality allows a single component to provide diverse capabilities, improving overall system utility without requiring separate dedicated components for each function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional liquid units are fixed to the hose trolley, then the functionality is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to unergonomic positions required for connection

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling elements are designed to allow dynamic positioning of the liquid connector at various locations on the hose trolley. The connector can be attached at different heights and angles depending on the operational need, allowing users to optimize the position for ergonomic operation rather than being constrained to a fixed position that may require bending or reaching

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If additional liquid units are integrated into the hose trolley, then the utility is improved, but the loss of time for servicing and replacement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveutilityVSAvoidtime for servicing
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid connector is designed as a modular, separable component with standardized coupling elements. This segmentation allows the connector to be quickly detached and replaced without disassembling the entire hose trolley or additional liquid units, significantly reducing servicing time while maintaining the enhanced functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The liquid connector can be completely removed from the hose trolley when not needed or when servicing is required. This extraction capability allows maintenance personnel to access and service the connector independently without affecting the rest of the system, minimizing downtime and servicing time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP4419463B1Liquid connector for hose trolley
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 HUSQVARNA AB
  • EP4419463B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4419463B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4419463B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A liquid connector (160) for a hose trolley (100). The liquid connector (160) includes a body (162) defining an inlet (164) and a plurality of outlets (166, 166'). The body (162) allows flow of a liquid from the inlet (164) to one or more of the plurality of outlets (166, 166'). A fixing element (168) is adapted to allow coupling of the liquid connector (160) with the hose trolley (100). The inlet (164) of the body (162) has a coupling element (163) which allows coupling of a hose (165). The liquid connector (160) is characterized in that the fixing element (168) is one or more coupling elements (169) provided on the body (162). The one or more coupling elements (169) allow removable coupling of the liquid connector (160) with a corresponding structure.