Annular-Pleated Circular Braid for Retractable Hose Covers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retractable hoses have limited extension ratios and wear issues due to their fixed maximum length and diameter, leading to inefficient use and premature wear, especially when subjected to varying tensions and pressures.
Innovation Solution
The development of an annularly pleated circular braid structure for the outer cover, which allows for significant longitudinal and radial expansion, reducing friction and wear between the inner elastic tube and the outer cover, while maintaining a smooth and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a standard braided cover is used, then the hose structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the extension ratio is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The braided cover is segmented into multiple layers with different braid angles and orientations. The first braid layer has strands at approximately 45 degrees, while the second braid layer has strands at approximately 135 degrees, creating distinct functional zones that enable both high extension ratio and ease of manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
The cover uses a composite braid structure combining two different braid layers with complementary orientations. This composite construction allows the cover to achieve extension ratios exceeding 6:1 while maintaining manufacturability through standardized braiding processes
2Manufacturing precision
If the outer cover maintains fixed maximum length and diameter, then the manufacturing precision is easier to control, but the hose experiences increased friction and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The outer cover transitions from a fixed-dimensional structure to a dynamic structure that adapts its length and diameter based on operational conditions. The double-braid construction allows the cover to elongate and expand radially when the inner tube extends, reducing friction and wear while maintaining manufacturing precision through controlled braid geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The cover's physical parameters (length, diameter, wall thickness) are allowed to change dynamically during operation. The braid structure enables parameter changes in response to extension forces, with the cover becoming thinner and longer as it extends, thereby reducing contact pressure and wear on the inner tube
3Ease of operation
If the outer cover folds when the hose retracts, then the retraction function is achieved, but the appearance becomes uneven and less aesthetically pleasing
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is pre-formed with a double-braid structure that anticipates the retraction motion. The specific braid angles and strand arrangements are designed in advance to guide the cover's folding behavior during retraction, creating a more uniform and aesthetically pleasing appearance while maintaining full retraction functionality
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
This design achieves higher extension ratios, reduces wear, and provides a durable, flexible outer cover that can adapt to changing tensions and pressures, extending the useful life of the hose while maintaining a consistent and visually appealing form.
Implementation Method 1
the disclosed outer cover 36 can extend and contract lengthwise (longitudinally), and also expand and contract width-wise (radially)
Implementation Method 2
provides greater extension ratios, better environmental wear resistance (i.e. friction with ground) and/or lower stresses between inner elastic tubes 34 and 44, and outer cover 36
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of this disclosure can be used to implement a braided cover comprising a plurality of left handed fibers and a plurality of right-handed fibers braided into a hollow tube of fabric. Such a braided cover may be adapted to form a plurality of annular ridges and annular valleys along the longitudinal length of the braided cover when compressed from an extended length to a compressed length.