Low-Profile Manure Hose Coupler for Secure Drag Hose Joining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hose couplers for high-strength, large-diameter drag hoses used in liquid manure application are inadequate in providing secure connections that withstand high pressures and abrasion, often interfering with hose winding and unwinding, and causing drag and interference with obstacles.
Innovation Solution
A hose coupler design featuring sloped transition half-ribs and grooves, two collars with a separating rib, and a low-profile clamp with a hinge and pin pivot, which securely engages the hose without stressing the hose sheath and minimizes protrusions to prevent damage and interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If prior art couplers are used with thicker, high-strength hoses, then the hose can withstand more abrasion and pressure, but the prior art couplers are unable to provide a desired strength of connection
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler design has been modified with changed parameters including rib geometry, groove depth, and collar configuration to provide adequate clamping force on thicker hoses while maintaining connection reliability under high tension and pressure conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler body is segmented into multiple functional elements (ribs, grooves, collars) that work together to distribute and manage the forces applied to the hose, with each element contributing to the overall connection strength
2Reliability
If couplers with metal portions protruding beyond the outer diameter of the hose are used, then the coupler can secure the hose, but the couplers can harm the hose during winding and unwinding and create drag and interference with obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler features curved, rounded contours instead of sharp protrusions, with the outer surface following a smooth arc that reduces interference with obstacles and prevents damage to the hose during winding and unwinding operations while maintaining adequate coupling security
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler design applies different surface qualities at different locations - the engagement surfaces have precise geometric features (ribs and grooves) for secure coupling, while the outer surface has a smooth, rounded profile to minimize drag and prevent hose damage
Data Source
AI summary
A hose coupler optimally configured for use with a liquid manure drag hose has a pair of hose coupler ends that are joined using a hose coupler having minimal protrusions and diameter. Each of the hose coupler ends is provided with a plurality of ribs and grooves. These ribs and grooves are arranged to mate with corresponding grooves and ribs formed in a collar. For each hose coupler end, a pair of collars are preferably used to secure a hose thereto. The ribs and grooves are preferably configured to secure the hose and distribute tension applied to the hose throughout the coupler end, while ensuring that the hose wall integrity is maintained. The resulting coupler is compatible with heavier drag hose, will not interfere with or harm the hose during winding and unreeling, and will produce less drag and be less likely to produce interference with obstacles in the field.