Pivoting Hose Coupling for Fast Secure Connection in Tight Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hose couplings require significant effort to connect the coupling element and counter-element, especially under cramped conditions, due to their rotationally fixed nature, making it difficult to achieve a secure and quick connection.
Innovation Solution
The hose coupling design allows for a pivoting mechanism between the coupling element and counter-element, with a ball head and spherical joint socket for a liquid-tight connection, eliminating the need for a screw connection and incorporating a retaining profile and securing devices for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a screw connection is used to connect the coupling element and coupling counter-element, then the connection is secure and fluid-tight, but the connection process requires considerable effort and time, especially in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element is designed with a ball head that can pivot relative to the coupling counter-element. This dynamic pivoting mechanism allows the coupling to self-align and connect without requiring precise rotational alignment, significantly reducing the effort needed to establish a secure connection while maintaining connection reliability through the ball-and-socket joint geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling head is designed as a ball head (spherical shape) that fits into a corresponding receptacle. This spherical geometry enables the coupling element to pivot and self-align during connection, eliminating the need for precise rotational positioning required by traditional screw connections, thereby reducing connection effort while ensuring secure attachment
2Stability of the object's composition
If the coupling element is rigidly connected to the flexible hose, then the connection is stable, but the rigid structure resists rotation and makes connection difficult in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid coupling element is designed with a pivoting ball head that can rotate and self-align before final connection. This dynamic pivoting capability allows the coupling to adapt to confined spaces and difficult angles, while the ball-and-socket joint maintains stable connection once engaged, resolving the conflict between rigidity and rotational flexibility
3Productivity
If a simple connection mechanism is used, then the connection is quick and easy, but the connection may not be secure or fluid-tight
Solution Approach 1:
The ball head and receptacle geometry provides both quick connection through self-alignment and secure attachment through the spherical joint. The curved surfaces guide the coupling elements into proper alignment automatically, enabling fast connection while the interlocking spherical geometry ensures mechanical security and fluid-tight sealing
Solution Approach 2:
The ball head acts as an intermediary element between the coupling element and coupling counter-element. This spherical mediator enables both quick connection through easy insertion and secure attachment through the mechanical interlock of the ball-and-socket joint, while also facilitating fluid-tight sealing
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~8
Figure 9
AI summary
The invention relates to a hose coupling (1), comprising: a coupling element (3), which is provided at a hose end of a flexible hose line (2); and a coupling counter-element (4), which can be detachably connected to the coupling element (3), wherein, in each of the coupling element (3) and the coupling counter-element (4), at least one fluid channel (5, 6) extends, and wherein the fluid channels (5, 6) of the coupling element (3) and of the coupling counter-element (4) connected to the coupling element are interconnected liquid-tight in a retaining position of the coupling element (3) and the coupling counter-element (4). The hose coupling according to the invention is characterized in that the coupling element (3) or the coupling counter-element (4) has a coupling head (7), which, in a pivoted position, can be inserted into a coupling-head receptacle of the other element (4; 3) of the hose coupling (1), and in that the coupling element (3) and the coupling counter-element (4) can be pivoted relative to each other between the pivoted position and the retaining position, in which retaining position the coupling head (7) is retained in the coupling-head receptacle (8) (see figure 9).