Polymeric Hose Ring Connection for Secure Low-Damage Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid connections in the automotive industry, such as hoses for coolants, face issues with heavy metal rings that increase production costs and times, and can damage the hose due to their rigidity, while screw-type or clip-type metallic systems prolong installation times.
Innovation Solution
A polymeric ring is used to secure the hose to a connector by deforming and exerting compression, eliminating the need for separate assembly and reducing production time and cost, while maintaining a secure connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metal ring is used to secure the hose to the connector, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the weight increases and production costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to polymeric material, transforming the ring from a rigid structure to a deformable one. This allows the ring to be compressed during assembly to secure the hose, then expand to maintain a reliable connection without the weight and cost of metal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite polymeric materials with specific mechanical properties - combining flexibility for assembly with sufficient strength for secure connection. The polymeric ring exhibits both deformability during installation and structural integrity during service, replacing metal while maintaining connection reliability
2Reliability
If a metal ring is used to secure the hose, then the connection is secure, but the production time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The polymeric ring is pre-formed with specific geometric characteristics that enable self-securing during assembly. The ring's deformable structure allows it to automatically engage and secure the hose as it is mounted on the connector, eliminating separate fastening operations required by metal rings
Solution Approach 2:
The polymeric ring performs self-securing through its inherent deformability and elastic recovery. As the hose is inserted, the ring deforms and then springs back to clamp the hose securely against the connector, requiring no additional assembly steps or tools
3Reliability
If a metal ring is used to fasten the hose, then the connection is secure, but the hose may be damaged due to the ring's rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical parameter of the ring from rigid to deformable by using polymeric material. This allows the ring to flex during assembly and conform to the hose geometry, distributing clamping forces evenly and preventing localized stress concentrations that could damage the hose
Solution Approach 2:
The polymeric ring acts as a flexible element that adapts to the hose's shape and size. Its flexibility allows it to apply uniform compression around the hose without creating sharp edges or concentrated forces that could cut or deform the hose material
4Reliability
If a screw-type or clip-type metallic system is used to fasten the hose, then the connection can be secured, but the installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fastening function from separate mechanical components (screws, clips) and integrates it into the polymeric ring itself. The ring's deformable structure provides both the securing mechanism and the connection element in one component, eliminating multiple assembly steps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of the fastening element and the connection element into a single polymeric ring. The ring simultaneously provides structural support, sealing surface, and fastening mechanism, reducing the number of parts and assembly operations compared to separate screw or clip systems
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The polymeric ring provides a lightweight, efficient, and cost-effective solution that does not damage the hose and ensures a secure fit without requiring additional assembly steps, thus reducing production time and costs.
Implementation Method 1
the ring, when mounted around the hose at the male portion, is deformed and exerts compression on the hose only because of such deformation
Data Source
AI summary
Connection for a fluid includes a hose configured for fluid to flow, has an outer layer of polymeric material, an inner layer of polymeric material, and at least one intermediate layer, interposed between the outer and inner layers, made from net, mesh, braid, spiral-wrapped wire, textile fibres, fabric, or non-woven fabric. A connector, in which the fluid is flowable is in fluidic communication with the hose. The hose is mounted around a male portion of the connector. A ring made of polymeric material, is mounted around the hose at the male portion of the connector. When mounted around the hose at the male portion, the ring is deformed and exerts compression on the hose because of such deformation.