Self-Sealing Converter Hose for Clamp-Free Faucet Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a converter hose that can easily convert any size shower head or faucet into a hose for safe and effective rinsing, without requiring clamping or mechanical fasteners, and can maintain a tight seal to prevent significant water leakage.
Innovation Solution
A flexible thermoplastic elastomer connector with self-sealing properties, allowing it to stretch over shower heads or faucets and couple with a hose, providing a secure seal without the need for clamps or additional securing means, while allowing free flow of water and accommodating various fixture sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a converter hose uses clamps or mechanical fasteners to secure the connector to the shower head or faucet, then the connection stability is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed to self-seal around the shower head or faucet through the elastic recovery of the thermoplastic elastomer material. The material naturally contracts to form a tight seal without requiring external clamps or fasteners, making the system self-securing and eliminating additional components
Solution Approach 2:
The thermoplastic elastomer material undergoes parameter changes in its physical properties - it becomes more pliable at higher temperatures during installation and then recovers its elastic form at room temperature to create the sealing pressure, transforming the material state to achieve both ease of installation and secure connection
2Reliability
If the connector is made from rigid material to maintain seal integrity, then the sealing performance is improved, but the adaptability to different fixture sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector transitions from a rigid state during sealing to a flexible state during installation and removal. The thermoplastic elastomer allows the connector to dynamically adapt its shape and size to fit various shower heads and faucets, then maintains rigid sealing pressure when engaged
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is constructed as a flexible shell made of thermoplastic elastomer that can stretch and conform to different fixture geometries. This flexible shell structure allows the same connector to adapt to multiple sizes and shapes while maintaining seal integrity through elastic recovery
3Adaptability or versatility
If the connector material is made highly elastic to accommodate various sizes, then the adaptability is improved, but the sealing reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The thermoplastic elastomer represents a composite material system that combines the elasticity of rubber with the processability and sealing properties of plastics. This composite nature provides both the stretchability needed for adaptability and the recovery force needed for reliable sealing
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 solution effectively converts shower heads and faucets into hoses for versatile rinsing applications, minimizing water loss and maintaining a secure seal across different sizes and types of fixtures, ensuring efficient water use and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible thermoplastic elastomer connector with self-sealing properties, allowing it to stretch over shower heads or faucets and couple with a hose, providing a secure seal
Data Source
AI summary
A converter hose includes a self-sealing connector coupled to a hose. Related methods include attaching the converter hose to a shower head, faucet or spigot.