Twist-Lock Garden Hose Connector to Prevent Accidental Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing garden fluid flow connectors, such as push fit and quick-connect systems, often experience accidental disconnection issues due to wear and unintentional release mechanisms, leading to unreliable connections.
Innovation Solution
A garden fluid flow connector arrangement featuring a twist-lock mechanism with a rotatable locking portion and engaging portion that interlock to prevent axial separation, enhancing connection security and usability while maintaining compatibility with standard quick-connect systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a push fit connection system is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to accidental disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into two independent but complementary mechanisms: a push-fit mechanism for ease of connection and a twist-lock mechanism for security. The push-fit portion allows quick insertion while the twist-lock portion provides rotational locking to prevent accidental disconnection, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines two different connection mechanisms (push-fit and twist-lock) into a single integrated connector system. The male connector includes both push-fit engagement features and twist-lock features, while the female connector has corresponding receiving features, merging the advantages of both mechanisms to simultaneously achieve ease of operation and connection security
2Ease of operation
If a quick-connect system with release mechanism is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to accidental release
Solution Approach 1:
The twist-lock mechanism uses a dynamic rotational movement to engage and disengage the locking portions. The locking portion can rotate between a locked position (providing security) and an unlocked position (allowing disconnection), creating a controlled dynamic system that prevents accidental release while maintaining ease of intentional disconnection
Solution Approach 2:
The connector system uses composite structural features combining resilient engaging fingers with rigid locking portions. The resilient fingers provide initial capture and sealing, while the rigid twist-lock portions provide secure mechanical interlocking, creating a composite connection system that resists unwanted separation
3Reliability
If additional locking mechanism is added, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking portion serves multiple functions: it provides rotational locking to prevent disconnection, it guides the engagement process through its geometric features, and it provides mechanical advantage through its lever arm design. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, maintaining simplicity while improving reliability
4Reliability
If twist-lock mechanism is implemented, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to additional rotation step
Solution Approach 1:
The push-fit mechanism performs preliminary engagement and alignment before the twist-lock mechanism is activated. The push-fit portion initially captures the connectors and aligns them, so that only a small rotational movement is needed to engage the twist-lock portions, minimizing the additional time required while ensuring reliable connection
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A garden fluid flow connector arrangement comprising a first and a second connector portion 1, 2 arranged to inter-engage to form a fluid path through the connector arrangement. The first connector portion 1 comprises a first body portion 1B and a locking portion 105 mounted on the first body portion 1B for rotation about an axis of the first body portion and the second connector portion 2 comprises a second body portion 2B carrying an engaging portion 106 and wherein the locking portion 105 is rotatable relative to the first body portion 1B and the engaging portion 106 between a first position in which the first and second connector portions 1, 2 are engaged and held against axial separation by interaction of the locking portion 105 and the engaging portion 106 and a second position for allowing axial separation of the first and second connector portions 1, 2.