Magnetic Quick Connect for Single-Handed Hydration System Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydration systems face challenges such as difficulty in quickly and safely disconnecting components, dangling drink tubes, cumbersome filling mechanisms, and inefficient fluid delivery methods, particularly during physical exertion or hazardous activities.
Innovation Solution
A hydration system incorporating a magnetic quick connect with male and female coupling members, a headset support structure, and a wireless actuation system, allowing for easy attachment and detachment of components with a single hand, preventing tube snagging, and enabling hands-free fluid delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional friction-fit connectors are used to secure hydration components, then fluid-tight seals are achieved, but component interchange and disconnection become difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate male and female components that can be independently assembled and disassembled. The male connector includes a coupling member with external threading, while the female connector has a receiving portion with internal threading, allowing for modular assembly that maintains sealing while enabling easy interchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional friction-fit mechanical connections with a threaded engagement system. The external threads on the male connector mate with internal threads in the female connector, providing a more reliable mechanical interface that ensures both fluid-tight sealing and straightforward assembly/disassembly operations.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical quick connects are used to allow quick disconnection, then component interchange is improved, but safety concerns arise from accidental disconnection during physical activities
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates a locking mechanism that automatically engages when the male and female components are assembled. This preliminary locking action secures the connection before physical activity begins, preventing accidental disconnection while still allowing intentional quick release when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design changes the engagement parameter from simple friction-fit to threaded engagement with locked positioning. This parameter change increases the connection stability factor, requiring deliberate action to disconnect while maintaining the ability for quick intentional interchange.
3Ease of operation
If the drink tube is left dangling for easy access, then convenience is improved, but the tube is prone to snagging and injury during activities
Solution Approach 1:
The drink tube is nested within a protective sheath or conduit that prevents external objects from snagging the tube. The tube remains accessible for hydration while the protective covering eliminates the hazard of snagging during physical activities, effectively nesting the vulnerable tube within a protective structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A protective conduit or sheath acts as an intermediary between the drink tube and the external environment. This intermediary structure allows the tube to maintain accessibility while preventing direct contact with potential snagging objects, thus eliminating the harmful factor without compromising convenience.
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
Enhances safety and convenience by allowing single-handed connection/disconnection, preventing tube snagging, and enabling hands-free fluid delivery, ensuring regular hydration even during strenuous activities or emergencies.
Implementation Method 1
The coupling members are configured so that when the male and female coupling members are coupled together, they are detachably held together by magnetic attraction.
Data Source
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AI summary
A hydration system including a fluid reservoir, a fluid path in communication with the reservoir, and a magnetic quick connect interposed in the fluid path is disclosed. A fluid delivery system for a hydration system is also disclosed that includes a magnetic quick connect interposed in a fluid delivery path of the delivery system. The magnetic quick connect can also be used in a wide variety of fluid delivery systems. A kit for forming a fluid delivery system for a hydration system is also disclosed, as are various components of a hydration system.