Breakaway Hose Support With Adjustable Cable Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dispensing systems often have hose support or retraction assemblies that impede the proper operation of breakaway hose assemblies, leading to potential fuel loss and component damage during drive-away events.
Innovation Solution
A fluid dispensing system with a support structure, a hose, and a support cable that is directly or indirectly coupled to the hose via an extension and retraction mechanism, allowing for adjustable length and a breakaway assembly that separates at a controlled force, minimizing fuel loss and component damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hose support or retraction assembly is used to support the hose during refueling, then the hose can be properly positioned and supported, but the breakaway hose assembly operation is impeded and proper breakaway function is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional segments: a support structure that provides hose support during normal operation, and a breakaway assembly that enables controlled separation when needed. The cable connects these segments and can be payed out or retracted as needed, allowing both support and breakaway functions to operate independently without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
A cable acts as an intermediary element between the support structure and the hose assembly. The cable can be extended to provide support during refueling, then payed out to allow the hose to break away cleanly from the support structure when a drive-away event occurs, preventing the support structure from interfering with the breakaway function.
2Ease of operation
If the hose is directly coupled to the support structure, then support is provided during refueling, but the hose cannot separate in a controlled manner during drive-away events
Solution Approach 1:
The breakaway assembly is pre-configured with a controlled separation mechanism that activates when tension exceeds a predetermined threshold. During normal refueling, the hose is supported through the cable system, but when a drive-away event occurs, the pre-designed breakaway mechanism enables controlled separation before fuel loss or damage can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a controlled breakaway mechanism that acts as a protective measure before harmful effects can occur. The cable system and breakaway assembly are designed to fail in a controlled manner at predetermined points, cushioning against the harmful effects of sudden, uncontrolled hose separation that would cause fuel loss and component damage.
3Device complexity
If a fixed-length support cable is used, then the structure is simpler, but the hose cannot be properly positioned at varying distances from the dispenser
Solution Approach 1:
The cable system transitions from a static, fixed-length design to a dynamic system where the cable can be payed out or retracted to varying lengths. This allows the hose to be positioned at different distances from the dispenser as needed, providing adaptability while maintaining operational simplicity through automated cable management.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid dispensing system including a support structure, a hose configured to dispense fluid therethrough, and a support cable coupled to the hose. The hose is directly or indirectly releasably coupled to the support structure via the cable. The system further includes an extension and refraction mechanism configured to provide an adjustable effective length to the support cable.