Pull-out Hose Device with Integrated Fluid Connector

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pull-out hose devices require separate detachment of the fluid connector before removing the box housing, which complicates handling and maintenance, and do not effectively manage leaks or fluid collection.

Innovation Solution

A pull-out hose device with a removably attachable box housing and a fluid connector consisting of two connector parts that can be connected and disconnected in the same direction as the box housing, allowing simultaneous detachment and reconnection of the fluid connector with the box housing, and featuring a design that contains leaks within the box housing for fluid management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the fluid connector is detachably connected to the box housing separately, then the fluid connector can be disconnected independently, but the handling and maintenance become more complex due to separate detachment requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling convenienceVSAvoidconnector detachment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fluid connector is integrated with the box housing such that the connector housing forms part of the box housing structure. The detaching means is disposed on the box housing and acts directly on the fluid connector, allowing simultaneous detachment of both components through a single operation, thereby simplifying handling and reducing operational complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The box housing serves multiple functions: it contains the fluid connector, provides structural support, and incorporates the detaching means. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate detachment mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of repair

If the box housing is made removable for maintenance, then maintenance accessibility is improved, but the risk of fluid leakage increases during detachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance accessibilityVSAvoidfluid leakage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The closing member is configured to close the opening in the box housing before the fluid connector is fully detached. This prior action prevents fluid leakage by ensuring the opening is sealed in advance, allowing maintenance personnel to access the fluid connector for servicing without risking fluid escape into the surrounding environment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The detaching means is designed to first activate the closing member to seal the opening, and only then allow the fluid connector to be removed. This preliminary action of closing the opening before detachment eliminates fluid leakage risk while maintaining ease of repair

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If the fluid connector is integrated into the box housing, then the design becomes more compact, but the fluid connector cannot be replaced without removing the entire box housing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign compactnessVSAvoidconnector replacement ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The fluid connector is segmented into a separable component that can be detached from the box housing using the dedicated detaching means. This segmentation allows the connector to be replaced independently without removing the entire box housing, improving ease of repair while maintaining a compact integrated design during normal operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If separate detachment mechanisms are added for the fluid connector, then independent detachment is enabled, but the device complexity and number of parts increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetachment flexibilityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detaching means is integrated into the box housing structure rather than being a separate component. This merging provides detachment flexibility while minimizing the number of components, as the detaching means is disposed on the box housing and directly acts on the fluid connector without requiring additional independent mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10851527B2Pull-out hose device having a fluid connector and sanitary shower

Publication Date: 2020.12.01 HANS GROHE GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

A pull-out hose device includes a hose box with a box housing, a pull-out hose held on the box housing to be pulled out and having at least one hose bend accommodated in the box housing, and a fluid connector for the pull-out hose. According to an illustrative embodiment, the hose box has a box holding frame to which the box housing is removably attachable in a mounting direction and is detachable therefrom in a demounting direction. The fluid connector includes a first connector part disposed on the box housing, to which connector part the pull-out hose is connected with one hose end, and a second connector part disposed on the box holding frame. The first and the second connector parts are connectable to each other in a fluid-tight manner in the mounting direction and are disconnectable from each other in the demounting direction.