Magnetic Bumper Plug for RV Sewer Hose Leak Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bumper plugs for RVs fail to prevent residual water or waste in the sewer hose from leaking into the bumper compartment when removed, leading to spills on the ground, and do not effectively secure the hose for easy retrieval.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic bumper plug with a coupler that securely attaches to the sewer hose adapter using lugs and bayonet fittings, and magnetically attaches to the bumper compartment, ensuring the hose is locked in place and preventing leaks while allowing airflow and insect prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional bumper plug is used to cover the bumper compartment opening, then the compartment is closed off, but the sewer hose adapter remains uncapped and residual water or waste can leak into the bumper compartment and spill onto the ground when the plug is removed
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper plug is divided into two distinct functional segments: a main body portion that closes the bumper compartment opening, and a separate coupler portion that attaches to the sewer hose adapter. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently, ensuring the adapter is capped while the compartment is closed, thereby preventing leaks without requiring a completely complex new design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the compartment closure function and the hose adapter capping function into a single integrated bumper plug assembly. By combining these two functions into one device, the patent eliminates the need for separate components while maintaining simplicity, thus improving reliability without significantly increasing device complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the bumper plug is designed to securely attach to the bumper compartment, then it remains in place during travel, but it becomes difficult to remove when hose retrieval is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism incorporates magnetic elements that provide strong holding force during normal conditions (stable attachment during travel), but can be easily overcome by deliberate user action (simple removal when needed). The magnetic force dynamically adjusts between maintaining secure attachment and allowing controlled removal, resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of operation.
3Reliability
If the bumper plug completely seals the bumper compartment opening, then it prevents all airflow, but this causes moisture and odor to accumulate inside the compartment
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper plug incorporates localized openings or perforations in specific areas of the plug body that allow controlled airflow. These local openings maintain the overall sealing effectiveness by preventing bulk water ingress while permitting vapor transmission to reduce moisture and odor accumulation. The quality of the seal is differentiated between liquid-tight and vapor-permeable regions.
4Ease of operation
If the sewer hose is left loose in the bumper compartment, then it is easily accessible, but it can move around and potential contamination occurs during retrieval
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler portion is pre-configured with connection features that automatically engage with the sewer hose adapter when the plug is installed. This preliminary action secures the hose in place before retrieval is needed, preventing movement and contamination. When removal is required, the hose is already positioned and ready for quick detachment, maintaining ease of operation while preventing harmful contamination.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The magnetic bumper plug effectively prevents leaks and spills by securely attaching to both the sewer hose adapter and the bumper compartment, facilitating easy hose retrieval and maintaining hygiene and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The attachment member includes at least one magnet disposed on an inner end of the body portion configured for engaging with the open end of the bumper compartment
Data Source
AI summary
A bumper plug for a vehicle having a generally hollow, tubular bumper compartment and a sewer hose having a sewer hose adapter at one end stored within the bumper compartment is provided. The bumper plug includes a body portion and a coupler portion. The coupler portion includes connection member(s) configured for securing the bumper plug to the sewer hose adapter of the sewer hose. The body portion includes attachment member(s) configured for securing the bumper plug on an open end of the bumper compartment. The connection member includes at least one lug disposed on the coupler portion configured for engaging with a bayonet fitting provided on the sewer hose adapter of the sewer hose. The attachment member includes at least one magnet disposed on an inner end of the body portion configured for securing the bumper plug to an open end of the bumper compartment.