Nested Hose Connector Assembly for Separated Fluid Passages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hose arrangements with inner and outer hoses of different diameters are difficult to connect securely and efficiently to attachment devices, especially when one end is already connected, leading to complex assembly processes and potential errors.
Innovation Solution
An attachment device with a first line connector and a second line connector that are operationally fixedly connected, allowing the second connector to be pushed onto the first from a separated state, ensuring the inner hose remains accessible and simplifying the assembly by decoupling the connection process, which can be made from materials like plastic or metal with thermoforming capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the inner hose is connected to the attachment device while the outer hose is already connected, then the assembly process becomes complex and error-prone, but maintaining separate connection paths for inner and outer hoses is necessary for proper fluid passage separation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connection of the inner hose and outer hose into a single integrated attachment device. The inner hose connects to the first line connector while the outer hose connects to the second line connector, which is pushed onto the first line connector. This combining of connection operations into one unified device eliminates the need for separate connection steps and reduces assembly complexity while maintaining proper fluid passage separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment device employs a nested structure where the second line connector (for the outer hose) is pushed onto and surrounds the first line connector (for the inner hose). This nesting arrangement allows both hoses to be connected to the same attachment device without interference, with the inner hose connection being accessible while the outer hose connection encompasses it, thereby simplifying the assembly process.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the outer hose and attachment device prevent viewing the inner hose connection, then blind connection is required which increases error risk, but a compact attachment device design is needed for space efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges the hose connections in different spatial dimensions and orientations. The first hose connection and second hose connection are positioned at different locations and angles on the attachment device, allowing the inner hose to be connected with full visibility while the outer hose connection does not obstruct the view. This dimensional arrangement eliminates the need for blind connection while maintaining a compact overall device volume.
3Manufacturing precision
If the inner hose has a shorter length than the outer hose to accommodate protruding connecting surfaces, then proper connection geometry is achieved, but assembly becomes more difficult when one end is already connected
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device is pre-configured with the first line connector and second line connector in a fixed operational relationship before assembly. The second line connector is designed to be pushed onto the first line connector from a completely separated state, establishing proper alignment and geometry in advance. This preliminary configuration ensures correct connection surface alignment while simplifying the assembly process, as the connectors are already positioned correctly before the hoses are attached.
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment device, comprising a first line connector with a first fluid passage and a second line connector. The second line connector surrounds the first line connector such that a second fluid passage is created between the first line connector and the second line connector. The second fluid passage is fluidically separated from the first fluid passage. The second line connector can be pushed onto the first line connector from the end thereof situated opposite the hose attachment of the first line connector. The attachment is arranged in a line comprising the attachment device connected using a corresponding connection method.