Threaded Hose Fixing Ring for Leak-Resistant Nozzle Retention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing ring systems for hoses, such as GARDENA connectors and BarbLock, are expensive to produce and provide an insecure connection that can lead to leaks after sterilization or due to hose aging.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece fixing ring with a cylindrically shaped internal thread and a holder of smaller inner diameter, which presses the hose against a connector, and features a drive profile for easy rotation, elastic hooks for secure fitting, and a scale for indicating screw position, allowing the internal thread to be conically shaped for increased contact pressure and made from materials like plastic or metal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a two-part arrangement with gripping arms and retaining ring is used, then the hose can be retained on the nozzle, but the production cost increases and the connection becomes less secure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the retaining ring and connector into a single integrated component. The fixing ring comprises a one-piece structure that combines the functions of both the retaining element and the connector body, eliminating the need for separate gripping arms and retaining rings while providing more secure retention through direct threading into the hose wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing ring is designed with functionally segmented regions: a threaded section for securing to the hose, a holder section with smaller inner diameter for positioning, and an integration section that connects to the nozzle. This segmentation allows each region to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall simplicity.
2Force
If the internal thread is conically shaped, then contact pressure increases during screwing-on, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a conically shaped internal thread where the thread diameter decreases along the screwing direction. This parameter change creates increasing contact pressure as the fixing ring is screwed onto the hose, ensuring firm retention. The conical geometry is achieved through standard injection molding techniques, making it manufacturable despite the complex shape.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing ring is manufactured using two-component material injection molding, where the thread section consists of harder material than other parts of the fixing ring. This composite approach allows the conical thread to be formed with appropriate hardness for cutting into the hose while keeping the rest of the structure flexible and easy to manufacture.
3Shape
If the holder has a smaller inner diameter than the internal thread, then the hose is kept outside the threaded region, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The holder section with smaller inner diameter is positioned at the front end of the fixing ring to preliminarily position the hose before the threaded section engages. This preliminary action guides the hose into correct alignment and keeps it outside the threaded region during the screwing process, preventing damage and ensuring proper engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing ring features a nested structure where the holder section is concentrically positioned within the overall fixing ring structure. The holder's smaller inner diameter creates a nested configuration that guides and positions the hose, while the threaded section extends beyond the holder to engage the hose wall. This nested design achieves positioning functionality without requiring separate components.
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 secure, cost-effective, and leak-resistant connection by pressing the hose firmly against the connector, with the ability to rotate easily and indicate proper fitting, suitable for various hose materials and sizes.
Implementation Method 1
the internal thread presses an external thread into the soft hose material and thereby presses the hose against the nozzle of the connector
Implementation Method 2
The internal thread has at least one cylindrically shaped part which allows the hose to be pressed against a connector over the length of the cylindrically shaped thread section
Implementation Method 3
The fixing ring may be manufactured in a simple manner from plastic. The simple design makes it possible to produce the fixing ring as an injection-moulded part
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing ring can be pushed onto a hose in such a way that its outside is freely accessible and an inside is in contact with the hose. The inside includes a cylindrically shaped internal thread and the fixing ring includes a holder with an inner diameter, which is smaller than the inner diameter of the internal thread. This provides a reliable process, to fasten a hose on a nozzle of a connector via a fixing ring producible in a simple manner.