Self-Retaining Hose Clip for Secure, Detachable Connections

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hose connections are difficult to produce, handle, and detach, making them inefficient for connecting and replacing hose ends.

Innovation Solution

A self-retaining clip system that passes through hose receptacles, featuring locking webs and a support surface, allows for easy attachment and detachment of hose ends without adhesives, using elastic materials for secure engagement with the hose holder or housing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If adhesive screw connections or metal locking plates are used to connect hose ends to hose receptacles, then the connection is secure, but the connection becomes complex to produce, difficult to handle, and difficult or impossible to undo

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidease of connection and detachment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is divided into separate functional elements: the hose receptacle with integrated locking mechanism, the hose end with receptacle, and the clip as a separate fastening component. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized independently and facilitates easy assembly and disassembly without requiring complex multi-component systems like adhesive screws or metal locking plates

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the clip that passes through both the hose receptacle and hose end receptacle. The elastic material of the clip provides self-retaining force automatically upon insertion, eliminating the need for additional fastening actions or tools. The connection secures itself through the inherent elasticity and geometry of the clip and receptacles

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If complex connection mechanisms like adhesive screw connections or metal locking plates are used, then the connection is secure, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and handling becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is merged directly into the hose receptacle structure, eliminating the need for separate complex fastening components. The clip design integrates the locking function into a single elastic element that works with the receptacle geometry, simplifying manufacturing compared to adhesive screws or metal locking plates that require multiple parts and assembly steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection mechanism utilizes changes in the elastic properties of the clip material to achieve secure locking. The elastic material deforms during insertion and then maintains constant retaining force through its elastic recovery, providing reliable connection without complex mechanical structures. This parameter-based approach simplifies manufacturing while ensuring connection security

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 the connection and replacement of hose ends by providing a secure, adhesive-free mechanism that simplifies the process and ensures secure holding of multiple hose ends in hose receptacles.

Implementation Method 1

the clip is formed from an elastic material. The elastic properties of the clip allow it to be connected to the hose receptacle or housing in a form-fitting manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4208660B1Water drain clip
Publication Date: 2024.03.27 NEOPERL GMBH
  • EP4208660B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4208660B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4208660B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a hose connection (1) having at least one hose receptacle (3a), into which a hose end (4a) can be introduced, wherein a clip (6) extends through the at least one hose receptacle (3a) in order to engage into a clip receptacle (9a) of the hose end (4a), the clip (6) being designed at the at least one hose receptacle (3a) to be self-retaining.