Vacuum Cleaner Hose Coupling with Spring-Loaded Locking Bracket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hose coupling systems for vacuum cleaners require high pull-out force and large space for connector removal, leading to a bulky design and difficulty in achieving a secure yet easy-to-remove connection.
Innovation Solution
A hose coupling system with a spring-loaded retaining bracket and external actuating surface, allowing for a form-fitting connection that can be easily released, featuring a circumferential locking rim and retaining lugs for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conical connector is used with a corresponding conical inlet fitting, then air leakage is minimized, but high pull-out force is required and large space is needed for removal
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two functional parts: a conical sealing surface for airtight connection and a cylindrical body for easy locking/unlocking. This segmentation allows the sealing function and the locking function to be independent, resolving the contradiction between airtightness and ease of removal.
Solution Approach 2:
A retaining bracket with retaining lugs acts as an intermediary mechanism between the connector and the inlet fitting housing. The retaining lugs engage with grooves in the housing to provide mechanical locking, while the conical sealing surface maintains the airtight seal, thus eliminating the need for high pull-out forces.
2Reliability
If a conical connector is used with a corresponding conical inlet fitting, then air leakage is minimized, but large space is required in the inlet fitting area
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design separates the sealing function (conical surface) from the structural body (cylindrical shape), allowing the cylindrical connector to fit more compactly within the inlet fitting area while maintaining the airtight seal through the conical interface.
3Ease of operation
If the connector is made large enough to be grasped by hand, then it can be removed, but high pull-out force is still required and space is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining bracket with retaining lugs serves as an intermediary locking mechanism that eliminates the need for high pull-out forces. The retaining lugs engage with grooves in the housing to provide mechanical locking, allowing the connector to be securely held without requiring large size for manual removal.
4Force
If a locking mechanism is added to enable easy removal, then pull-out force is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining bracket is spring-loaded, allowing it to automatically engage with the retaining grooves when the connector is inserted and automatically disengage when sufficient force is applied. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex manual locking operations while providing secure connection.
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 system enables a compact vacuum cleaner design with a secure, airtight connection that is easy to remove, reducing the required force and space, thus improving usability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the locking element is designed as a spring-loaded retaining bracket
Implementation Method 2
leads to frictional engagement between the connector and the inlet fitting
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a hose coupling system comprising an inlet fitting, which is arranged or is to be arranged on a vacuum cleaner, and comprising a tubular connection piece, which is connected or is to be connected to a suction hose, the connection piece being designed to be inserted into the inlet fitting in the coaxial direction, and the hose coupling system comprising an actuatable catch element by means of which the connection piece can be held in the inlet fitting in a positively contacting manner, and can be released as required.