Snap Lock Duct Connection Eliminates Crevice Hygiene Risks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional flexible duct connections for material transfer in industries like dairy and pharmaceuticals often lead to hygiene issues due to crevice formation, which can trap materials and complicate cleaning, as they require removal and replacement of hose clamps for regular maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A snap lock arrangement using a resilient band or ferrule at the end of the flexible tube, which engages with a complementary recessed feature on the component, providing a flush seal and reducing crevice formation, allowing for easy cleaning and replacement without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional hose clamps are used to connect flexible ducts to rigid tubes, then the connection is secure and reliable, but crevices are formed that trap materials and create hygiene issues
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into a rigid tube component with integrated ferrule and a separate flexible duct with cuff assembly. The ferrule is segmented into engagement features that interface with complementary features on the flexible duct, allowing the connection to be made without encircling clamps that create crevices.
Solution Approach 2:
The cuff of the flexible duct is inserted into and nested within the ferrule of the rigid tube. The engagement features of the ferrule (protrusions or tabs) mate with complementary features on the cuff, creating a nested connection that eliminates external hose clamps and their associated crevices.
2Stability of the object's composition
If hose clamps are used to secure flexible ducts, then the connection is stable and prevents axial separation, but the clamps require removal and replacement for cleaning maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The connection is segmented into removable components - the flexible duct with cuff can be independently removed from the rigid tube with ferrule. This segmentation allows the flexible duct to be accessed for cleaning without affecting the rigid tube structure, eliminating the need to remove and replace hose clamps.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection transitions from a static clamp-based system to a dynamic insertable/removable system. The cuff can be inserted into the ferrule for stable operation, then easily removed for cleaning by pulling axial force, and reinserted when cleaning is complete. This dynamic capability provides both stability during operation and accessibility during maintenance.
3Ease of operation
If resilient bands or ferrules are used to create snap lock arrangements, then tool-free installation and removal is enabled, but the connection must still prevent axial separation under pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient cuff or ferrule utilizes elastic deformation dynamics. During installation, the cuff is compressed or deformed to fit over the ferrule, then springs back to its original shape, creating a snap lock engagement. The same resilient property allows easy removal by applying sufficient force to overcome the elastic retention. During normal operation, the resilient engagement provides sufficient axial separation resistance without requiring permanent fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the cuff changes between installation and operation phases. During installation, the cuff is in a deformed state that allows it to be fitted over the ferrule. Once fitted, it returns to its original shape, creating a tight snap lock engagement. The material properties and geometric parameters of the cuff are designed to provide appropriate retention force in the engaged state while still allowing controlled removal when needed.
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 ensures a more hygienic connection with reduced material buildup, improved sealing, and simplified maintenance by eliminating the need for hose clips, while also providing resistance to explosions and ensuring a secure fit without axial separation.
Implementation Method 1
the band or cuff is resilient so as to be deformable inwardly of its tube axis to facilitate insertion or removal of the flexible tube from the first tube but with sufficient return bias to or towards a more relaxed condition such that the rib between two rib engagement holds the tubes against axial separation
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~9
Figure 10~12
AI summary
In, as part of, or for apparatus to discharge, or to receive a discharge of, a particulate material, (A) a tube, conduit, duct or the like and (B) a flexible tube end received and snap fit inter-engaged within said tube, conduit, duct or the like. The snap fit is of a pair of outward circumferential forms each into a complementary receiving groove of a ferrule.