One-Piece Vent Hose Cap With Integrated Retention Ribs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vent hose cap designs are complex, leading to difficult installation and increased errors, while also allowing water intrusion.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece vent hose cap with a cylindrical housing and a hose retention system featuring radially extending ribs and a hose retention member, which allows for easier installation and reduced water intrusion by providing a secure hold on the hose and allowing airflow while preventing siphoning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple pieces are used in vent hose cap design, then water intrusion prevention is improved, but device complexity increases and installation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (cap body, retention system, mounting features) into a single unitarily formed housing. The housing integrates the cylindrical sidewall, endwall, opening, retention ribs, and mounting tabs as one piece, eliminating the need for multiple separate parts while maintaining water intrusion prevention capabilities through the integrated design
2Reliability
If multiple pieces are used in vent hose cap design, then water intrusion prevention is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The housing integrates multiple functional elements (retention ribs, mounting tabs, opening) into a single unitarily formed structure, allowing the entire vent hose cap to be installed as one piece rather than assembling multiple separate components, thereby significantly improving installation ease
Solution Approach 2:
The retention ribs and mounting tabs are pre-formed as integral parts of the housing during manufacturing. The retention ribs are already positioned to engage with the hose, and mounting tabs are pre-positioned for attachment, eliminating the need for field assembly or adjustment during installation
3Manufacturing precision
If hose retention system is added, then hose alignment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention ribs are strategically positioned at specific locations on the housing interior to provide localized hose engagement points. The ribs extend radially inward from the sidewall at positions that naturally guide and align the hose during insertion, achieving precise alignment without requiring a complex overall retention system structure
Solution Approach 2:
The retention ribs are arranged in an asymmetric pattern within the housing, with specific positioning that creates a natural alignment path for the hose. This asymmetric arrangement of three ribs provides effective hose guidance and centering without requiring symmetric or overly complex structural elements
Data Source
AI summary
A device for venting a hose is disclosed. In some embodiments, the device includes a housing having a cylindrical sidewall and an endwall, the sidewall defining an inner housing surface and an outer housing surface, an opening extending through the sidewall, and a hose retention system extending from the inner housing surface.