Snap Connector Assembly With Single-Seal Hose-to-Spigot Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional snap connectors for hoses and spigots require multiple sealing positions, potential leak points, and larger mounting space, which is disadvantageous in space-critical applications like e-mobility.

Innovation Solution

A compact connector assembly with a single sealing position is achieved by arranging tubular retaining members with an axial gap, allowing a sealing element to be sandwiched between them, thus eliminating the need for multiple sealing positions and reducing overall dimensions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional snap connectors use multiple sealing positions with O-rings at different positions, then reliable sealing is achieved, but the number of potential leak parts increases and mounting space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of sealing positions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the sealing function into a single sealing position located at the interface between the hose and spigot, eliminating the need for multiple separate O-rings at different positions. This is achieved by designing the connector assembly so that the hose and spigot form a direct sealing interface, reducing the number of sealing components while maintaining reliable sealing through proper geometric design of the connection interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If conventional snap connectors provide sealing at multiple positions, then comprehensive sealing coverage is achieved, but the axial mounting space and overall diameter increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing coverageVSAvoidaxial mounting space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple sealing functions into a single sealing position at the hose-spigot interface, eliminating the need for distributed sealing elements along the axial direction. This consolidation reduces the axial mounting space required while maintaining comprehensive sealing coverage through the direct interface between the hose and spigot components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If conventional snap connectors use multiple sealing elements, then multiple sealing positions are covered, but the overall diameter becomes considerably larger than the hose diameter

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing completenessVSAvoidoverall diameter
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges all sealing functionality into a single sealing position at the hose-spigot interface, eliminating the need for multiple sealing elements that would increase the overall diameter. The direct interface design allows comprehensive sealing coverage without requiring additional radial space, keeping the connector assembly diameter close to the hose diameter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If conventional snap connectors are designed with multiple sealing positions, then reliable fluid connection is achieved, but the number of components and potential leak parts increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid connection reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the sealing function into a single sealing position at the hose-spigot interface, eliminating the need for multiple separate sealing components such as multiple O-rings. This reduction in component count decreases the number of potential leak parts while maintaining reliable fluid connection through the simplified direct sealing interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 provides a reliable, compact, and space-efficient connection with reduced potential leak points, ensuring a secure fluid transfer in applications where space is limited.

Implementation Method 1

one sealing element can be axially interposed and thus form a seal directly between the hose and the spigot

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing:

Data Source

PatentEP3884195B1Multi-part connector assembly
Publication Date: 2025.04.23 OETIKER SCHWEIZ AG
  • EP3884195B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1d
  • EP3884195B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c

AI summary

A multi-part connector assembly is provided which realises a compact snap coupling between a hose (40) and a pipe socket (50) with only a single potential leaking position and requiring only a minimum number of parts:a first retaining member (10), a second retaining member (20) and a sealing element (30) sandwiched therebetween in the axial direction of the connector assembly.