Telescoping Hose Coupler for Adjustable Replacement Length
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Solution Overview
Problem
In automotive collision repair, replacing hoses in the engine compartment often requires cutting hoses to precise lengths, which can be challenging due to the complex positioning of attachment points, leading to potential errors and unusable replacement hoses if measurements are incorrect.
Innovation Solution
An extendable hose coupler with an inner tube slidable within an outer tube, featuring a connector with tightening mechanisms to adjust the length, allowing for a variable and durable connection between hose attachment points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-length hose is used for replacement, then the hose structure is simple, but the hose cannot be adjusted to match varying distances between attachment points
Solution Approach 1:
The hose is divided into multiple telescoping segments (inner tube and outer tube) that can slide relative to each other, allowing the hose length to be adjusted while maintaining a relatively compact stored configuration. This segmentation enables the hose to adapt to different lengths without requiring completely different hose sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The hose transitions from a static fixed-length design to a dynamic telescoping design where the inner tube can slide within the outer tube. This dynamic structure allows the hose length to change based on the distance between attachment points, providing adaptability while maintaining structural integrity through controlled movement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a telescoping hose design is used, then the hose can be adjusted to various lengths, but the hose structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The inner tube is nested within the outer tube, with the connector components also nested within each other. This nesting arrangement allows the telescoping mechanism to be compact when retracted and provides a systematic way to manage the complexity of the adjustment mechanism while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector acts as an intermediary mechanism between the inner and outer tubes, providing the tightening function that secures the telescoped position. This intermediary component manages the complexity by concentrating the adjustment control in a specific element rather than distributing it throughout the entire hose structure.
3Strength
If traditional rubber hosing is used, then the hose is flexible and easy to install, but the hose lacks durability and is heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The hose incorporates a composite construction with an inner tube made of durable material (such as nylon or polyester) and an outer protective tube. This composite structure provides enhanced strength and durability compared to traditional single-material rubber hoses while maintaining flexibility and reducing weight through the use of high-strength-to-weight ratio materials.
Data Source
AI summary
An extendable hose coupler having an outer tube having a first end and a second end, and an inner tube having a first end and a second end, wherein the inner tube and first end of the inner tube is positioned within the outer tube, and the inner tube is slidable within the outer tube to provide a varying distance between ends of the inner and outer tubes to provide the extendable hose coupler with an adjustable length, a connector having a first end positioned over an end of the outer tube and a second end positioned over the inner tube, wherein the connector is tightly secured to the inner and outer tubes. A method of providing an extendable hose coupler having a variable length is also provided.