Metal Outlet Valve Assembly for Leak-Resistant Hose End Timers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Irrigation devices, particularly hose end timers, suffer from damage and leakage due to deteriorated or damaged threaded ends, often caused by overtightening or rough handling, leading to a need for improved secure couplings that extend the device's lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A hose end timer design featuring a molded plastic body with a metal outlet body integrated through insert molding, utilizing a castellated insert with projections embedded in the plastic to create a secure and durable coupling, minimizing machining and reducing leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If threaded ends are made from molded plastic for convenience of manufacturing, then ease of manufacture is improved, but strength and durability deteriorate due to damage from overtightening or rough handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining molded plastic body with metal insert components. The metal insert is embedded within the molded plastic housing, creating a composite structure that leverages the manufacturing ease of plastic molding while incorporating the strength and durability of metal threaded ends. This resolves the contradiction by having each material perform its strengths: plastic for ease of manufacture and metal for strength.
2Reliability
If threaded ends are overtightened to secure couplings, then reliability of connection is improved, but the threaded ends deteriorate or become damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by designing a coupling mechanism with a flexible diaphragm and controlled flow path. The diaphragm acts as a cushioning element that absorbs excess tightening force and prevents direct transmission of overtightening stress to the threaded ends. This allows secure coupling without damaging the threaded components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary mechanism - a flexible diaphragm - between the coupling threads and the internal valve components. This diaphragm mediates the connection by providing a compliant interface that secures the coupling while protecting the threaded ends from damage caused by overtightening or rough handling.
3Reliability
If constant tightening is applied to avoid leakage, then reliability is improved, but wear and tear increases leading to shortened lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible diaphragm serves as a cushioning element that prevents wear and tear by absorbing tightening forces. This allows the device to achieve reliable leakage-free operation without requiring constant tightening, thereby extending the duration of action and lifespan of the stationary object.
Data Source
AI summary
An irrigation valve assembly is provided, such as for use in a hose end timer or other irrigation device. In one form, the irrigation valve assembly includes an inlet, an outlet, and a molded valve body coupled to the inlet and the outlet and defining a flow passage from the inlet to the outlet. The inlet couples the irrigation valve assembly to a water source. The outlet includes a metal outlet body including a threaded portion, such as for coupling to a house. The metal outlet body includes at least one projection embedded at least partially into the molded valve body for coupling the metal outlet body to the molded valve body. An irrigation device and an outlet for an irrigation device are also provided.