Magnetic Pneumatic Hose Coupling for Fast Airtight Vacuum Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing pneumatic tubes and hoses connected to vacuum generation units and utilization devices rely on purely mechanical connections, which are cumbersome, time-consuming, unreliable, and difficult to disconnect.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating magnetic elements into the sockets and ports of pneumatic tubes and hoses, allowing for secure connections via magnetic force in circumferential, radial, or axial directions, enabling fast, easy, and reliable attachment and detachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical connection (frictional force, snap-lock, or bayonet joint) is used to connect pneumatic tube to vacuum generation unit, then connection reliability is improved, but connection time and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidconnection time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical connection systems (frictional force, snap-lock, bayonet joint) with a magnetic connection system. The socket comprises a magnetic element that magnetically interacts with a magnetic element in the vacuum generation unit, enabling connection through magnetic force rather than mechanical means. This substitution reduces connection time while maintaining reliability, as the magnetic attraction provides secure attachment without requiring complex mechanical assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Strength

If mechanical connection is used to secure pneumatic tube, then connection strength is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in disconnection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidease of disconnection

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic connection system replaces mechanical fastening mechanisms, allowing the pneumatic tube to be securely attached through magnetic attraction while enabling easy disconnection by simply overcoming the magnetic force. This eliminates the need for tools or complex manual maneuvers required by mechanical connections, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining adequate connection strength for pneumatic applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If purely mechanical connection is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but device complexity increases due to multiple mechanical components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection structure complexityVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent simplifies the connection structure by replacing multiple mechanical components (fasteners, latches, alignment features) with a single magnetic element in the socket that interacts with a magnetic element in the vacuum generation unit. This magnetic system reduces structural complexity while improving operational simplicity, as users only need to bring the components close together for magnetic attraction to secure the connection automatically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This magnetic connection facilitates quick and secure attachment of pneumatic tubes to vacuum generation and utilization devices, improving usability and reliability by reducing the complexity and time required for connection, while allowing easy disconnection without the need for manual force.

Implementation Method 1

at least one magnetic element adapted for interaction with at least one other magnetic element in order to secure the socket to the pneumatic port by means of magnetic force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP4094660B1Pneumatic tube or hose for releasable airtight connection to a pneumatic port and respective pneumatic port

Publication Date: 2024.07.31 VALENTINI GUIDO

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AI summary

The invention refers to a pneumatic tube or hose (28) having a longitudinal axis (70) along a longitudinal extension of the pneumatic tube or hose (28) and having two ends each provided with a socket (30; 66) adapted for releasable airtight connection to a pneumatic port (26; 64) of a vacuum generation unit (2; 48) and/or to a pneumatic port (42; 64) of a vacuum utilization device (32; 44), respectively. It is suggested that at least one of the sockets (30; 66) of the pneumatic tube or hose (28) comprises at least one magnetic element (80) adapted for interaction with at least one respective magnetic element (78) provided in a vacuum generation unit (2; 48) and/or in a vacuum utilization device (32; 44) in order to secure the socket (30; 66) of the pneumatic tube or hose (28) to the pneumatic port (26; 42; 64) of the vacuum generation unit (2; 48) or of the vacuum utilization device (32; 44) by means of magnetic force (82; 94; 100). Further, the invention refers to a pneumatic port (26; 42; 64) of a vacuum generation unit (2; 48) and/or to a pneumatic port (42; 64) of a vacuum utilization device (32; 44), to which the socket (30; 66) can be releasably attached and secured by means of the magnetic force (82; 94; 100).