Integral Polymer Hose Fitting Assembly with Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hose and fitting assemblies made of thermoplastic polymer materials suffer from inadequate mechanical and hydraulic sealing, leading to radial expansions, deformations, and fluid leakages, which worsen with material ageing and wear.
Innovation Solution
A hose and fitting assembly with reinforcement means of a third polymer material at the periphery of the hose, integrated with a central tubular projection and outer wall, providing enhanced mechanical and hydraulic sealing capabilities through integral coupling and reinforcement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If reinforcement means are added at the periphery of the hose end portion, then mechanical and hydraulic sealing capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses reinforcement means made of a third polymer material that is different from the hose material (first polymer) and fitting material (second polymer). This composite structure combines materials with different properties to achieve both flexibility of the hose and strength/sealing of the reinforcement, resolving the contradiction between reliability and simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement means is positioned specifically at the periphery of the end portion of the hose, separating the reinforcement function from the main hose body. This localized segmentation provides sealing where needed without adding complexity to the entire hose structure.
2Productivity
If integral coupling is used between fitting and hose, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but sealing capability deteriorates due to radial expansions and deformations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a third polymer material for reinforcement that is integrated into the integral coupling structure. This composite approach maintains the manufacturing efficiency of integral coupling while adding the sealing and deformation resistance properties of the reinforcement material.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement means is placed specifically at the periphery of the end portion where sealing and deformation resistance are most critical. This localized quality enhancement provides improved sealing capability at the critical interface without compromising the overall integral coupling design.
Data Source
AI summary
A hose and fitting assembly includes a hose of a first thermoplastic polymer material having an end portion with an inner surface and an outer surface and a fitting of a second polymer material for connection with an external point of use. The fitting has a central tubular projection with an axial fluid passageway. The central tubular projection has an inner wall which defines the fluid passageway and an outer wall, at least partly integrally coupled to the inner surface of the end portion of the hose. The hose and fitting assembly includes a reinforcement member of a third polymer material at the periphery of the end portion of the hose for restraining radial deformations of the hose and providing the assembly with a good mechanical and/or hydraulic sealing capability. A method of making such assembly.