Integrated Filter Connector for Leak-Tight Washing Machine Fittings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe fittings for connecting washing machines or dishwashers to water supply taps are complex, expensive to produce, and prone to incorrect assembly and leakage due to the need for multiple separate components, including a filter and gasket.
Innovation Solution
A connector with a monolithically integrated filter and a bi-injection molded design that eliminates the need for a separate gasket, featuring a sealing distal surface and a form-fit connection to the pipe, ensuring leak-tightness and simplifying assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate filter and gasket components are used in the pipe fitting, then the sealing and filtration functions are provided, but the device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the filter and gasket into a single integrated connector component. The connector includes an integrated filter element and a sealing gasket as one monolithic structure, eliminating the need for separate filter and gasket components. This merging reduces the total number of parts from five (pipe, nut, connector, filter, gasket) to three (pipe, nut, integrated connector), simplifying assembly and reducing production costs while maintaining both filtration and sealing functions.
2Ease of operation
If multiple separate components are assembled, then the required functions are achieved, but the assembly difficulty and probability of incorrect installation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filter and gasket are merged into a single pre-assembled connector unit, reducing the assembly sequence from multiple discrete steps to a single insertion operation. The integrated connector is simply inserted into the pipe and secured with the nut, eliminating the need for separate filter insertion and gasket placement steps, thereby reducing assembly complexity and the risk of incorrect installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter and gasket are pre-assembled into the connector structure during manufacturing. The gasket is positioned in advance within the connector body, and the filter element is integrated into the same component. This preliminary assembly ensures correct positioning and orientation, eliminating assembly errors and simplifying the final installation process.
3Reliability
If separate gasket is used to prevent leakage, then sealing is achieved, but production costs and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket is integrated into the connector as a permanent feature rather than a separate component. The connector is manufactured as a single piece with the gasket molded or embedded during the same production process, eliminating the need for separate gasket manufacturing, inventory management, and assembly operations. This reduces production costs while maintaining leak prevention functionality.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The invention concerns a connector (1) connectable to a pipe (2) and a nut (3), which is configured to be positioned between a washing machine or a dishwasher and a tap or a faucet of a water supply of the washing machine/dishwasher, wherein the connector (1) is comprising a filter (4a) and a gasket (4b) as an integral element. The invention concerns also a pipe fitting with a nut (3) attachable to a washing machine or a dishwasher with a pipe (2) for routing a fluid, such as water, to a nut (3) or from the nut (3) away, further comprising such a connector (1).