Two-Part Hose Nut with Retractable Rotary Handle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tool-free union nuts for hose fittings require a larger diameter to apply sufficient torque, occupying more space and being vulnerable to mechanical damage, while also needing a tool for operation.
Innovation Solution
A two-part nut design with a rotary handle that can be positioned in two ways, allowing for efficient torque application without tools and reduced size, featuring axial grooves and projections for resilient construction and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the nut is designed with a profiled outer diameter featuring grip recesses for tool-free operation, then ease of operation is improved, but the nut requires a larger diameter and occupies more installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The nut is divided into two functional parts: a compact nut body for sealing and a separate rotary handle for torque application. This segmentation allows the nut body to remain small while the handle provides the necessary gripping surface for tool-free operation, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and installation space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary handle extends axially from the nut body, utilizing the axial dimension rather than increasing the radial diameter. This dimensional change allows the gripping surface to be positioned away from the nut body, providing tool-free operability without increasing the nut's footprint or installation space requirements.
2Force
If the nut is designed with a larger diameter to apply sufficient torque, then the torque transmission is improved, but the installation space and vulnerability to mechanical damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the torque application function (rotary handle) from the sealing function (nut body), the design allows sufficient torque to be applied through the extended handle without increasing the diameter of the nut body. This resolves the contradiction between torque transmission capability and vulnerability to mechanical damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary handle acts as an intermediary between the user's hand and the nut body. It provides the necessary leverage for torque application while protecting the nut body from direct mechanical contact and potential damage, resolving the contradiction between torque transmission and mechanical damage vulnerability.
3Ease of operation
If the rotary handle permanently projects beyond the nut, then accessibility for hand operation is improved, but the housing becomes less smooth and more vulnerable to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary handle is designed to be movable relative to the nut body, allowing it to extend axially during operation for accessibility and then retract when not in use to maintain a smooth contour. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between accessibility and smooth contour.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary handle can be positioned in advance in the extended state when operation is needed, and retracted when not needed. This preliminary positioning allows the system to maintain both accessibility and smooth contour at different times, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
A two-part nut for a hose fitting is described, in which a rotary handle is axially displaceable from the nut itself. This allows the rotary handle to be easily operated by hand. Once the hose fitting is complete, the rotary handle is preferably pushed axially relative to the nut into a recess in a housing, thus protecting it from damage. Furthermore, the design according to the invention also has the advantage of requiring minimal installation space.