Universal device for the replacement of worn or lacerated parts of connecting conduits between components of climate control, cooling or hydraulic systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
The frequent wear and tear of rubber hoses in climate control and hydraulic systems due to vibrations and material defects lead to leaks and breakages, necessitating frequent replacements and storage of various coupling types, resulting in lengthy repair times and high costs.
Innovation Solution
A universal device comprising a metal sleeve with a coupling and a fitting for connecting a flexible hose, allowing easy replacement of worn or lacerated conduits without welding, adaptable to different conduit sizes and types, ensuring a secure seal under high pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of assembled hoses and couplings are stored for different vehicle models, then repair coverage is improved, but storage space requirements and inventory costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal coupling device that can connect to multiple types of connectors (direct connection, angled connection, and L-shaped connection types) through a single standardized interface. The metal sleeve coupling incorporates multiple connection configurations that can adapt to different connector orientations and types, allowing one universal part to replace multiple model-specific parts, thereby reducing storage space while maintaining broad repair coverage across different vehicle models
2Loss of substance
If model-specific assembled hoses are ordered for each repair, then inventory costs are reduced, but repair time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The universal coupling device is pre-designed and pre-assembled with standardized interfaces that can accommodate multiple connector types. By preparing this universal solution in advance rather than ordering model-specific parts at the time of repair, the system eliminates waiting time for custom orders while keeping inventory costs low, as the same universal part can serve multiple vehicle models
3Ease of operation
If rubber hoses are used in vibrating environments, then flexibility is improved, but wear and laceration resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite construction where a rubber hose is combined with a metal reinforcement layer (such as braided wire mesh or spiral winding) embedded within the hose wall. This composite structure provides both the flexibility needed for vibration absorption and the mechanical strength to resist wear and laceration from contact with metal couplings, solving the contradiction between softness and durability
Data Source
AI summary
A universal device for replacing worn or lacerated parts of connecting conduits between components of climate control or cooling or hydraulic systems for the connection between components of new climate control or cooling or hydraulic systems, comprising a metal sleeve provided at an end of a coupling for pipes joined to it in a sealed fashion, designed to be fitted and clamped on a stretch of rigid pipe joined to a connector for connection of the connecting conduit to a component, and at the other end of a fitting for connection with a flexible hose designed to replace the worn or lacerated connecting conduit. The sleeve can be rectilinear or curved with angle of approximately 45° or approximately 90°. The previous device is prepared in a kit according to different sizes.