Pump Hose Connector with Resilient Locking for Easy Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing connectors for pumps are cumbersome and time-consuming to assemble or disassemble, often requiring excessive effort and lacking mechanisms to prevent accidental movement or ensure secure engagement during coupling.
Innovation Solution
A connector with a resilient portion featuring a connection mechanism that moves between closed and open positions, utilizing a stop pin to limit movement and ensure simultaneous action of protrusions, along with annular portions and lockers for secure engagement, and optionally manufactured via 3D printing for versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional connector is used for coupling hoses with a pump, then the connection can be established, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming requiring excessive effort
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two separate portions: a first connector portion that couples to the pump outlet and a second connector portion that couples to the hose. This segmentation allows each portion to be independently optimized and simplifies the overall coupling process by enabling modular assembly and disassembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism incorporates a resilient portion that can dynamically change between a closed position (for secure coupling) and an open position (for easy decoupling). This dynamic capability allows the connector to adapt its state based on operational requirements, making assembly quick and disassembly effortless without excessive force.
2Reliability
If a secure connection mechanism is implemented, then reliable engagement is achieved, but the structure becomes more complex requiring additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism merges multiple functions into a single integrated resilient portion that simultaneously provides locking, sealing, and positioning capabilities. The first and second protrusions work together with their corresponding recesses to achieve secure engagement without requiring separate locking mechanisms or multiple fastening components.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient portion is designed to automatically engage and lock the first and second connector portions together through its own elastic deformation. The protrusions and recesses self-align and self-lock without requiring external actuators, adjustment mechanisms, or additional fastening operations, thereby achieving reliable connection with minimal structural complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the connector allows easy disassembly, then convenience is improved, but the connection security and stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient portion provides dynamic stability by maintaining a closed locked position during normal operation through its elastic memory, ensuring connection stability. When disassembly is required, the same resilient portion can be easily opened by applying minimal force to the protrusions, allowing smooth transition between stable operation and easy disassembly states without compromising either requirement.
4Reliability
If the protrusions are designed to move simultaneously for secure locking, then engagement reliability is improved, but the mechanism requires additional components to coordinate movement
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient portion acts as an intermediary element that mechanically couples the first and second protrusions. When one protrusion moves, the resilient portion's elastic deformation automatically coordinates the movement of the other protrusion, ensuring simultaneous engagement with their corresponding recesses without requiring separate coordination mechanisms or additional control components.
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
Facilitates efficient and convenient coupling and uncoupling of hoses with the pump, reducing assembly and disassembly efforts, even with stiff hoses or torsion forces, while ensuring a secure and water-tight connection.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient portion of the connection mechanism is movable between a closed position and an open position based on actuation of the resilient portion of the connection mechanism
Data Source
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AI summary
A connector (210) for a pump (100) includes a first connector portion (214) and a second connector portion (216). A first end (222) of the second connector portion (216) is coupled to a second end (220) of the first connector portion (214). A connection mechanism couples the second end (220) of the first connector portion (214) and the first end (222) of the second connector portion (216). The connector (210) is characterized in that the connection mechanism is movable between a closed position and an open position based on actuation of a resilient portion (226). Further, the second connector portion (216) remains coupled with the first connector portion (214) in the closed position of the connection mechanism. The second connector portion (216) can be uncoupled with the first connector portion (214) in the open position of the connection mechanism. A stop pin (237) is located on the resilient portion (226).