Rotatable Multi-Port Hose Connector for Kink-Free Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-port connectors for hoses are bulky, cumbersome, and difficult to install and use, often resulting in awkward attachment angles that can cause kinking and reduce the lifespan of hoses due to insufficient clearance and rigidity.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable multi-port connector with rotatable couplings and flow control mechanisms, allowing for flexible configuration and easy attachment to spigots, reducing kinking and improving water flow by enabling adjustments without ceasing fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional rigid multi-port connector is used, then the connector provides stable fluid connection, but it causes insufficient clearance for rotation and creates awkward attachment angles
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body is made rotatable relative to the spigot connection, allowing the user to rotate the connector to achieve proper attachment angles for multiple hoses. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by enabling movement during installation while maintaining stable connections once positioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into separable components including a rotatable connector body, detachable hose couplings, and a spigot interface. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each component's orientation, providing flexibility in clearance requirements while maintaining stable fluid connections through threaded interfaces.
2Ease of operation
If a conventional rigid connector with fixed port orientation is used, then the structure is simple, but it forces hoses into awkward angles and bends causing kinking
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body can be rotated independently from the spigot connection, and each hose coupling can be oriented separately. This dynamic adjustability allows hoses to attach at optimal angles without kinking, while the underlying threaded connection structure remains relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple hose couplings are integrated into a single rotatable connector body that attaches to one spigot. This merging of multiple connection points into one adjustable unit provides flexibility in hose routing while maintaining a compact overall structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional one-to-many connector is used, then multiple hoses can be connected to a single spigot, but the connector becomes bulky and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple hose couplings are arranged in a compact, nested configuration within the connector body. The couplings can be positioned close to the central spigot connection, reducing the overall volume while still accommodating multiple hoses. The rotatable design allows compact arrangement without compromising accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector body serves multiple functions: it provides the spigot interface, houses multiple hose couplings, and acts as a rotatable mounting platform. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate components into a single compact unit, reducing overall size while maintaining versatility.
4Ease of operation
If a conventional connector requires cessation of fluid flow for adjustment, then the connection is stable, but it results in loss of time and reduced productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable connector body and adjustable couplings can be repositioned while water is flowing through the system. The threaded connections maintain seal integrity during adjustment, allowing users to optimize hose angles and positions without shutting off the water supply, thus saving time and maintaining productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-fitting rotatable fluid connection apparatus comprising a fluid entry fitting and first and second fluid discharge fittings. The fluid entry fitting comprises a first end connector threaded for attachment to a fluid source, and first and second distribution connectors. The first fluid discharge fitting has a first intake connector which receives fluid from the first distribution connector. A first rotation member is coupled between the first intake connector and the first distribution connector such that the first fluid discharge fitting is rotatable about a first axis of rotation. The second fluid discharge fitting has a second intake connector which receives fluid from the second distribution connector. A second rotation member is coupled between the second intake connector and the second distribution connector such that the second fluid discharge fitting is rotatable about a second axis of rotation.