Multi-Chamber Hose Connector With Expanding Rivet Clamp

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hose line designs for multi-chamber applications are complex and costly due to the need for multiple hose lines to route separate fluids, with current connectors requiring significant effort for assembly and manufacturing, especially when using flexible materials and crimpable ferrules.

Innovation Solution

A two-chamber or multi-chamber hose line design featuring a cup-shaped outer part with a sleeve-shaped section for secure clamping of inner hoses, utilizing a pull-through rivet inner part that expands to securely hold each inner hose within the outer hose, reducing assembly and manufacturing complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple separate hose lines are used to route different fluids, then fluid separation is achieved, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid separationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements nesting by placing multiple inner hoses (each carrying different fluids) inside a single outer hose. The first inner hose and second inner hose are both received within the outer hose, creating a compact multi-chamber configuration that maintains fluid separation while reducing overall system complexity and space requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple fluid transport functions into a single integrated hose assembly. By merging the first hose, second hose, and outer hose into one multi-chamber structure with a common connector, the design achieves fluid separation reliability while eliminating the need for multiple separate hose lines and their associated connectors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If traditional turned or cast connectors with crimpable ferrules are used, then secure connection is achieved, but manufacturing effort and production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidmanufacturing effort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the manufacturing parameters of the connector by using injection-molded plastic material instead of traditional turned or cast metal components. The connector is formed as a single integrated piece with built-in clamping features that engage the hoses through friction and geometric interlocking, eliminating the need for separate crimping operations and reducing manufacturing steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functions of multiple separate components (inner part, outer part, crimpable ferrule, retaining profile) into a single integrated connector body. The connector includes both the reception cavity for the outer hose and the clamping features for inner hoses as integral parts, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining secure connection reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If inner part is designed with insertion cone to allow insertion into hose, then ease of assembly is improved, but inner part diameter must be reduced causing protrusion beyond hose circumference and reducing free cross-sectional area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidfree cross-sectional area
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing the insertion cone only on the first inner part where it is needed for insertion, while the second inner part has a different geometry (cylindrical shape) suited for its function. This localized approach allows easy assembly for the first hose while maintaining adequate cross-sectional area for the second hose within the same connector body

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Adaptability or versatility

If two-chamber or multi-chamber hose assembly is designed, then multiple fluid channels are achieved, but manufacturing complexity and production effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-fluid capabilityVSAvoidproduction effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple hose connections and fluid channels into a single integrated multi-chamber hose assembly with one connector body that receives both the first inner hose and second inner hose. This unified design achieves multi-fluid capability while simplifying production by reducing the number of separate manufacturing operations and assembly steps compared to traditional multi-connector designs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design allows for easy assembly and reduced production costs while maintaining secure fluid separation and connection, with each inner hose being tightly held within the outer hose, facilitating efficient routing of multiple fluids.

Implementation Method 1

The inner part is deformable between an initial shape, which can be inserted into the clear cross-section of the hose end region, and an expansion shape. In the expansion shape corresponding to the operating position, the inner part clamps the at least one hose tightly and securely between itself and the outer part.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadial expansion: Deformation

Data Source

PatentEP3973218B1Hose line
Publication Date: 2023.04.26 NEOPERL GMBH
  • EP3973218B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3973218B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a hose connector (5) which can be fixed to the hose end region of at least one flexible hose (6) and comprises for this purpose an outer part (7), which surrounds the hose end region of the at least one hose (6), and an inner part (8), which can be inserted into the clear cross section of the hose. The hose connector according to the invention is characterised in that the inner part (8) is in the form of a hollow rivet and is deformable between an initial form, which can be inserted into the clear cross section of the hose of the hose end region, and a flared form, which sealingly and fixingly clamps the at least one hose between the inner part (8) and the outer part (7). The invention also relates to a hose line that can also be formed for example as a two-chamber or multi-chamber hose line. Moreover, the invention relates to a method for producing a hose connector on the hose end region of a flexible hose.