Pipe Connection Assembly With Claw Retention for Inflatable Hoses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inflatable products, such as SPA pools, face issues with loose or detached hose connections due to complex and costly rigid rubber-coated joints, which are prone to detachment during use, transportation, and folding.
Innovation Solution
A pipe connection assembly featuring a first pipe with a protrusion and a fixing member with claws or threaded connectors that securely engage with the hose, providing a stable and sealed connection by forming a holding space and utilizing a hoop or steel wire hoop with a protective sleeve to prevent detachment and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid rubber-coated joint and nut are used to clamp the hose, then the connection strength is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection assembly is divided into distinct functional segments: the insertion end with radial protrusion for sealing, the fixing member with claws for mechanical retention, and the protective sleeve for external protection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall structure manageable and cost-effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing member is sleeved around the outer periphery of the first pipe, and the protective sleeve is wrapped around the outer periphery of the fixing member, creating a nested structure. This nesting approach consolidates multiple protective and fixing functions into a compact arrangement, reducing overall complexity while maintaining connection strength.
2Strength
If a rigid rubber-coated joint and nut are used to clamp the hose, then the connection strength is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing member uses simple claw structures that can be manufactured from inexpensive materials such as plastic or thin metal, replacing the need for expensive rubber-coated joints and nuts. While the claws may wear over time, they can be easily replaced, making the overall system more cost-effective for inflatable products with limited service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from rigid metal fasteners to more flexible materials suitable for inflatable applications. The claws are designed with appropriate flexibility and gripping force parameters that are sufficient for the application while using cheaper materials, thereby reducing manufacturing cost without sacrificing adequate connection strength.
3Reliability
If the hose is accidentally pulled during transportation or use, then the connection reliability deteriorates, but using complex rigid connections increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The claws of the fixing member are pre-positioned to engage with the outer periphery of the first pipe, creating preliminary mechanical resistance against pulling forces. The protective sleeve is pre-installed to provide external protection before any damage can occur. This preliminary anti-action prevents detachment during accidental pulling without requiring complex rigid connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective sleeve wrapped around the fixing member provides beforehand cushioning and protection against external forces and damage. This protective layer absorbs or distributes pulling forces before they can compromise the connection, enhancing reliability while maintaining structural simplicity.
4Reliability
If the hose connection is loose or detaches during long-term use, then the connection reliability deteriorates, but increasing connection strength with rigid joints increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The connection assembly incorporates dynamic elements: the claws are designed to flex and adapt to the pipe surface, maintaining continuous contact and gripping force. The protective sleeve can move slightly with the hose, allowing for thermal expansion and contraction while maintaining connection integrity. This dynamic design ensures long-term reliability without rigid fixed connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing member and protective sleeve are designed with material and geometric parameters that allow for slight deformations and adjustments during long-term use. The claws can flex to accommodate pipe movement, and the protective sleeve can expand or contract with temperature changes, maintaining connection reliability under varying conditions without requiring complex rigid structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe connection assembly is provided including a first pipe having a first end and a second end; a second pipe including an insertion end extending in a lengthwise direction of the second pipe; and a fixing member. The second pipe includes a first protrusion protruding radially outward from the insertion end, and the insertion end is inserted into the second end of the first pipe such that the first protrusion presses radially outward on the first pipe thereby creating a second protrusion protruding radially outward from a pipe wall of the first pipe. The fixing member is sleeved around an outer periphery of the first pipe and is disposed in the lengthwise direction between the second protrusion and the second end of the first pipe.