Plastic Hose Connection Device With Self-Aligning Treatment Body

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for connecting the end sections of plastic hoses used for labeling containers require manual precision and can result in misalignment or tilting, making the process cumbersome and prone to errors.

Innovation Solution

A device with a movable treatment body that can be positioned both longitudinally and perpendicularly to a storage surface, allowing for precise alignment and connection of hose ends, featuring a roller for strengthening the connection and a system for automatic feeding and alignment, eliminating the need for manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If manual connection methods are used to connect end sections of plastic hoses, then the connection process can be performed with simple equipment, but the manufacturing precision and reliability of the connection deteriorate due to manual precision requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of connection equipmentVSAvoidprecision of hose end alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The device enables self-alignment and self-connection of plastic hose ends through automated mechanisms. The hose ends are automatically positioned, aligned, and connected without requiring manual intervention for precision alignment, thereby improving manufacturing precision while maintaining ease of operation through automated self-service functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with automated mechanical systems. The device uses automated positioning mechanisms, alignment guides, and connection apparatus to substitute manual precision alignment, thereby improving manufacturing precision while keeping the equipment relatively simple through automated mechanical processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If manual connection operations are performed, then the device complexity remains low, but the reliability of the connection process deteriorates due to operator precision requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomplexity of connection deviceVSAvoidreliability of connection process
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs self-alignment and self-connection operations automatically, eliminating reliance on operator precision. The automated positioning and alignment mechanisms ensure consistent, reliable connections without varying with operator skill level, thereby improving reliability while keeping device complexity manageable through self-service automation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor and adjust the connection process in real-time. Alignment sensors and positioning systems provide continuous feedback to ensure precise alignment and proper connection, thereby improving reliability through automated feedback control while maintaining reasonable device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If automated connection systems are implemented, then the manufacturing precision and reliability improve, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of hose end alignmentVSAvoidcomplexity of connection device
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into distinct functional modules: positioning unit, alignment mechanism, connection apparatus, and control system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function with optimized simplicity, thereby achieving high manufacturing precision through coordinated modular functions while keeping overall device complexity manageable through clear functional separation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs the connection device with multi-functional capabilities that reduce overall complexity. The same positioning mechanism handles both alignment and connection operations, and the control system integrates multiple functions including monitoring, adjustment, and coordination. This universality improves manufacturing precision through integrated automated operations while avoiding the complexity increase that would result from separate dedicated components for each function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2062721B1Device for connecting plastic tubes
Publication Date: 2014.04.09 KRONES AG
  • EP2062721B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP2062721B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2062721B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device (1) for joining plastic hoses (5, 15), a system for joining plastic hoses (5, 15), a preparation unit (50) for preparing plastic hoses (5, 15) to be joined, and a method for joining plastic hoses (5, 15). The device for joining plastic hoses (5, 15) comprises a treatment body (10) which is arranged above a storage surface (2) of the device (1) and is guided over a connecting section of the plastic hoses during the joining process.