Integrated Irrigation Connector With Retractable Piercing Needle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing micro irrigation systems are difficult to set up and install due to the requirement of multiple components and time-consuming operations, making them cumbersome and unsafe for users.
Innovation Solution
A novel irrigation connector with a retaining portion, a hollow needle, and a drive mechanism that allows easy penetration of the hose, combined with a safety lock and a sealing clamp arrangement for secure connection, facilitating safe and convenient setup and use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a two-part connector with piercing element is used to tap into supply hose, then the connector can create fluid communication path, but the setup and installation becomes time-consuming and fiddly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated connector device. The connector integrates the retaining portion for holding the supply hose, the hollow needle for piercing, the needle drive arrangement, and the sealing clamp arrangement all in one unit. This eliminates the need for multiple separate components and operations, making installation quick and straightforward while maintaining reliable fluid communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle is provided in a retracted position within the needle housing portion before use, with the distal end concealed. The needle drive arrangement is pre-configured to automatically drive the needle from retracted to extended position when activated. This preliminary preparation allows the connector to be installed quickly without requiring manual needle insertion or complex assembly steps.
2Reliability
If the needle is extended to penetrate the hose, then fluid communication is established, but the risk of accidental needle retraction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a detent portion in the needle housing portion that engages with the drive collar to prevent accidental retraction of the needle. This detent mechanism acts as a preliminary protective measure, creating mechanical resistance against unintended needle movement. The detent portion only releases when properly actuated, ensuring the needle remains securely in its extended position once penetration is achieved.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the needle is retracted to conceal the distal end, then safety is improved, but the ability to penetrate the hose is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic needle positioning system where the needle can move between retracted and extended positions. The needle drive arrangement allows the needle to be driven from the retracted position (where the distal end is concealed for safety) to the extended position (where it penetrates the hose for operation). This dynamic capability enables the connector to switch between safe storage mode and active penetration mode as needed.
4Reliability
If multiple components are used to set up the irrigation system, then the system can be effective, but the setup becomes difficult and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple previously separate components into a single integrated connector device. The retaining portion, hollow needle, needle drive arrangement, and sealing clamp arrangement are all combined in one unit. This integration maintains the effectiveness of each component while eliminating the complexity of assembling and coordinating multiple separate parts, making the irrigation system setup simple and straightforward.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed as a multi-functional device that performs multiple operations: holding the supply hose, piercing it with the needle, driving the needle to create fluid communication, and sealing the connection. This universal design allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require several different components, simplifying the overall system while maintaining full functionality.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An irrigation connector (4) for tapping into a water supply hose (1). The connector (4) comprises a retaining portion (41) for holding a supply hose (1) in a hose receiving region of the retaining portion and a hollow needle (6) mounted for movement relative to the retaining portion. The needle (6) can move between a retracted position and an extended position in which the needle (6) extends into the hose receiving region for penetrating a supply hose (1) held in the retaining portion to create a fluid communication path between an interior of the needle (6) and an interior of a supply hose (1) held in the retaining portion. The connector (4) comprises a needle drive arrangement (4b, 421) for driving the needle (6) towards the extended position.