Carrier Assembly for Abrasive Blast Hose Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Abrasive blasting operations face challenges with hose handling due to the high thrust forces generated, leading to operator fatigue and potential safety hazards from hose wear and loss of control.
Innovation Solution
A carrier assembly that allows for rotational movement of the hose while preventing longitudinal movement, featuring a pliable member with a lock tab and receptacle for secure engagement, and a deadman assembly that can operate in multiple modes for enhanced control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the operator holds the blast hose in a fixed position to maintain control, then hose control is improved, but operator fatigue increases due to continuous thrust force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic hose support system with rollers and pivot points that allow the hose to move freely in response to thrust forces. The support assembly includes a pivotable arm that rotates to accommodate hose movement, transforming the static holding requirement into a dynamic tracking system that maintains control without operator strain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary hose support assembly that acts as a mediator between the operator and the high-thrust hose. This support system absorbs and redirects thrust forces through its mechanical structure, preventing direct transmission of force to the operator's arms and shoulders while maintaining hose controllability.
2Ease of operation
If the operator bends the blast hose against the body to manage hose position, then hose positioning is improved, but hose wear increases creating safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hose support assembly as an intermediary structure that provides proper support points for the hose along its path. This prevents the hose from being bent against the operator's body by providing dedicated support rollers and guides that maintain appropriate bend radii and eliminate contact with the operator's skin, thereby preventing wear and injury.
3Force
If the operator increases abrasive flow to reduce air flow and decrease back thrust, then back thrust is reduced, but abrasive material consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the hose support assembly dynamically adjusts to the actual thrust conditions during operation. The pivotable arms and rollers provide real-time mechanical feedback about hose tension and position, allowing the system to optimize the abrasive-to-air ratio based on actual operating conditions rather than using excessive abrasive flow as a preemptive measure.
4Strength
If the blast hose is made thicker to increase durability, then hose strength is improved, but hose rotation capability decreases increasing operator fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic support system with multiple pivot points and rollers that facilitate hose rotation even for thick, durable hoses. The support assembly includes articulated arms that can rotate and adjust their position, providing mechanical assistance for hose movement without compromising the hose's structural integrity and durability.
Data Source
AI summary
A carrier assembly for engaging a hose that includes a mount having an inside mount surface, and an outside mount surface. There is a pliable member having a member body configured with a member first end, and a member second end. The pliable member is engaged on or with the outside mount surface. To facilitate engagement of the assembly engaged with the hose, the first member end is engaged to the member second end.