Blast Hose Carrier Assembly for Thrust Redistribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Abrasive blasting operations cause musculoskeletal strain and fatigue due to the need for operators to manually control and manage the thrust of blast hoses, leading to unsafe handling and reduced productivity.
Innovation Solution
A thrust management system for abrasive blasting that includes a carrier assembly with a deadman assembly and a pad mount, which redistributes the thrust to more endurance-friendly areas of the body, reducing the need for direct manual control of the hose.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operator manually controls the blast hose to maintain operational flexibility, then the ability to position and direct the nozzle is improved, but the operator experiences musculoskeletal strain and fatigue from the high thrust force
Solution Approach 1:
A thrust management system is introduced as an intermediary device between the operator and the blast hose. The system includes a thrust management device with a thrust resistant member (such as a pad or platform) that the operator can push against, and a connection mechanism that links this device to the blast hose. This intermediary structure allows the operator to control the hose position and direction while the thrust resistant member absorbs and redirects the high thrust force, preventing it from being applied directly to the operator's hands and arms.
2Ease of operation
If the operator holds the blast hose in a comfortable position to reduce fatigue, then operator comfort is improved, but unsafe handling positions may be created that risk hose wear and operator injury
Solution Approach 1:
The thrust management device acts as a mediator that decouples the operator's holding position from the actual hose control function. The operator interacts with the thrust management device (which can be positioned comfortably) rather than directly holding the blast hose in potentially unsafe positions. The connection mechanism ensures that even when the operator is in a comfortable position, the thrust force is properly transmitted to control the hose, maintaining both safety and comfort.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the operator increases abrasive flow to decrease air flow and reduce back thrust, then the thrust force on the operator is reduced, but abrasive material waste and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the harmful thrust force into a beneficial feature by using the thrust resistant member to absorb and redirect the force. Instead of trying to reduce the thrust force by changing abrasive or air flow rates (which would increase material waste), the system accepts the high thrust force as expected and uses it to press the thrust resistant member against the operator's body or a support structure. This converts the harmful back thrust into a controllable force that can be managed through proper positioning and support, allowing normal abrasive and air flow rates to be maintained without excessive material waste.
Data Source
AI summary
A carrier assembly for holding a hose that includes a main body having a first portion movingly engaged with a second portion. There is a guide rail disposed on at least one of the first portion, and the second portion. Either the first portion or the second portion is configured with a gripper element, and a latch.