Visible Removable Hose Filter for Tool-Free Water Connector Maintenance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water tools with filters are cumbersome for users due to low access and lack of recognizability, leading to inadequate filter maintenance, often requiring tools for removal and increasing maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A hose connector with a visibly distinguishable, removably engaged filter made as a single plastic unit, featuring a flange portion with protrusions for easy engagement and disengagement, and a cleaning needle for maintenance, allowing for filter cleaning without complex tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the filter is integrated inside the water tool, then the device structure is compact, but the filter becomes difficult to access and recognize for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is segmented from the main connector body, allowing it to be a separate removable component. This enables the filter to be easily accessed and maintained independently while the connector remains compact when the filter is not attached.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter is extracted from the internal integration and positioned as an external removable component. This extraction allows users to easily access and remove the filter for cleaning while maintaining a compact connector design.
2Ease of operation
If the filter is made removable for easy maintenance, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional engagement mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement mechanism is segmented into simple geometric features (protrusions and recesses) rather than complex mechanical components. This segmentation allows for easy filter removal and attachment without requiring tools or complex operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex locking mechanisms that require tools to operate, the design uses simple protrusion-recess geometry that naturally guides engagement and allows easy manual removal. The complexity is inverted from active locking to passive geometric engagement.
3Device complexity
If conventional filters are used without visible identification, then the device structure remains simple, but users fail to recognize and maintain the filter properly
Solution Approach 1:
The filter incorporates a colored band or visual identifier that makes it easily recognizable. This visual cue helps users quickly locate and identify the filter for maintenance without adding mechanical complexity to the structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual identification feature is segmented as a separate element (such as a colored band or ring) on the filter, allowing the structural simplicity to be maintained while adding recognizability through a distinct visual marker.
4Reliability
If the filter requires special tools for removal, then the connection reliability improves, but the ease of repair deteriorates due to increased maintenance complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using secure locking mechanisms that require tools for removal, the design uses simple geometric protrusions and recesses that provide adequate connection reliability while allowing tool-free manual removal. The approach inverts the traditional method of securing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter engagement mechanism is designed to be self-servicing, allowing users to easily attach and remove the filter without requiring special tools or technical expertise. The protrusion-recess geometry provides reliable connection while enabling user-friendly maintenance.
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
Facilitates regular and timely maintenance of the filter, reducing maintenance costs and complexity, while ensuring effective filtration and easy replacement, enhancing user convenience and filter accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
The flange portion has at least one protrusion adapted to engage the at least one recess
Implementation Method 2
Watering tools generally include a filter to check any undesired particles such as impurities and the like present in water
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A hose connector (100) for water filtering includes a connector port (102) adapted to receive water at an inlet (104). The hose connector (100) includes an outlet (106) to allow water to leave the connector port (102). The hose connector (100) includes a filter (110) coupled to the connector port (102) at the inlet (104). The hose connector (100) is characterized in that the filter (110) is adapted to be inserted inside the inlet (104). The hose connector (100) includes at least one recess (112). The filter (110) has a first end (302) and a second end (304). Further, the filter (110) includes a flange portion (306) towards the first end (302), such that the flange portion (306) has at least one protrusion (308) adapted to engage the at least one recess (112).