Quick Connect Coupling Device for Faucet Hoses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick connect coupling devices for hoses and faucets are difficult for individuals with limited manual dexterity to use and often require resilient washers that wear out or get lost, leading to water leakage and multiple piece separation issues.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device comprising a tubular connector, clamp, and actuating assembly that securely attaches to a faucet or hose using a pivoting mechanism and elastomeric sleeve to form a fluid-tight seal without the need for external threading, ensuring ease of use and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an internally threaded female connector is used to connect to an externally threaded faucet spout, then a water-tight interface can be formed using a resilient washer, but the connector becomes difficult to assemble for persons with limited manual dexterity and the washer may wear out or get lost causing leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the resilient washer from the connector assembly. Instead of using a separate washer component that can wear out or get lost, the sealing function is integrated directly into the connector body through a radially expandable resilient ring that forms a seal with the faucet spout surface when the connector is screwed onto the spout.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the sealing function with the connector structure by integrating the radially expandable resilient ring into the connector body. This combination eliminates the need for a separate washer component and ensures the sealing capability is permanently attached to the connector, preventing loss or separation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pieces are used to form the connector, then the connector can be designed with separate functional components, but the multiple pieces may get separated, lost or broken rendering the connector useless
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functional components into a single integrated connector body. The connector includes an internally threaded female portion, a radially expandable resilient ring for sealing, and a barbed portion for hose attachment, all formed as one unified structure that cannot separate or get lost.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is constructed using composite materials, combining a rigid body structure with an integrated radially expandable resilient ring. This composite construction provides both structural integrity and sealing capability within a single piece, eliminating the need for multiple separate components.
3Ease of operation
If a quick connect coupler is used to enable quick coupling, then ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases and may require additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for separate quick-connect mechanisms, latches, or locking components. The quick coupling is achieved through the simple act of screwing the connector onto the faucet spout, which simultaneously secures the connector and forms the water-tight seal through the integrated radially expandable resilient ring.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the quick-connect function with the basic screw-on connector design. The radially expandable resilient ring provides both the sealing function and the quick-connect capability in a single integrated structure, eliminating the need for additional quick-connect 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
The device provides a simple, cost-effective, and leak-proof connection for hoses to faucets, suitable for users with varying dexterity, eliminating the need for washers and reducing the risk of parts separation.
Implementation Method 1
The elastomeric sleeve is configured to be compressed onto the external threads of the faucet... the elastomeric material making up the sleeve will be compressed by the operation of the clamp assembly such that the external threads will dig into the inner surface of the elastomeric sleeve
Implementation Method 2
the elastomeric material making up the sleeve will be compressed by the operation of the clamp assembly such that the external threads will dig into the inner surface of the elastomeric sleeve thereby forming a good fluid-tight interface
Implementation Method 3
A lever is pivotally connected to the housing and to the clamp assembly such that pivoting of the lever from its handle 102... will cause the clamp assembly to be actuated
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling device is provided for mounting onto a faucet having an externally threaded portion terminating in a free end. The device includes a pair clam-shell shaped members pivotably connected to each other to form a housing enclosing a tubular connector member having a connector at one end for connection to a hose. A pair of opposed shoes, a washer and a pressure applying member are located within the housing. An actuator lever is coupled to the clam-shells to pivot them with respect to each other into various positions. In one position the shoes are brought into engagement with the externally threaded end portion to mount the coupling device on the faucet. In another position the pressure applying member moves the tubular connector member into engagement with the washer to compress the washer between it and the free end surface of the faucet to couple the faucet to it in a fluid-tight interface.