Handheld Brush Positioning With Sensor-Based Retraction Stop

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tube cleaning systems rely on operator skill for brush retraction, leading to inconsistent positioning and increased cleaning time due to positioning errors, and previous retraction stop mechanisms cause metal fatigue and wear, posing safety risks.

Innovation Solution

A handheld brush positioner with retraction stop sensing that automatically detects when the brush is fully retracted, using mechanical or electronic sensors to control the drive motor, ensuring consistent retraction and positioning for efficient tube cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If operator skill-based brush retraction is used, then flexibility in operation is maintained, but positioning consistency deteriorates and cleaning time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrush positioning consistencyVSAvoidcleaning time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where a sensor detects the brush position and sends signals to automatically control the motor, creating a closed-loop system that ensures consistent positioning without relying on operator skill

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation with an automated electromechanical system using sensors and motor control to achieve consistent brush retraction and positioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If traditional retraction stop mechanisms are used, then brush retraction is halted, but metal fatigue and wear increase posing safety risks

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidmetal durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical stop mechanisms with sensor-based detection systems that use optical or electronic fields to detect brush position, eliminating continuous mechanical contact and associated wear

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces sensor intermediaries that detect brush position without direct mechanical contact, acting as mediators between the brush and control system to prevent metal-to-metal contact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If automated sensor control is implemented, then positioning consistency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrush positioning consistencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the sensing and control functions into separate modular components, simplifying the overall system design and making the complexity manageable through functional separation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP4653795A1Handheld brush positioner with retraction stop sensing

Publication Date: 2025.11.26 CROSSFORD INTERNATIONAL LLC

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AI summary

A tube cleaning apparatus has a handheld brush positioner and a control system for controlling operation of a drive unit, wherein the control system is operable to provide current to a drive motor to cause the drive motor to operate the drive unit to extend or retract a flexible shaft (24), sleeve (26) and brush (13); and to receive a stop signal from a stop sensor to terminate retraction thereof.