Flexible hose with compact storage configuration and a cleaning apparatus using the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible hoses for surface cleaning devices have a limited stretch ratio, resulting in a loose appearance when stored and requiring more force to extend, which obstructs the passageway and reduces aesthetic appeal and usability.
Innovation Solution
A flexible hose with a support structure that allows for a locking mechanism to collapse into a storage configuration and easily transition to an in-use configuration, featuring a helical or concentric ring design with collapsible sections that extend into the passageway, enabling a higher stretch ratio and reduced visible length when stored.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the hose is made with a limited stretch ratio, then the hose maintains structural stability, but the hose appears loose when stored and requires more force to extend
Solution Approach 1:
The hose is divided into multiple collapsible sections that can be independently compressed and locked. Each section contains internal structures (such as ribs or partitions) that segment the hose interior, allowing the hose to collapse into a compact storage configuration while maintaining structural integrity. This segmentation enables the hose to transition between extended and compressed states without requiring excessive force.
Solution Approach 2:
The hose incorporates dynamic elements including springs or elastic components within the collapsible sections that allow the hose to naturally extend when pulled and automatically return to a compressed state when released. This dynamic behavior reduces the force required for extension while maintaining structural stability during storage.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the hose is made with a limited stretch ratio, then the hose maintains structural stability, but the hose appears loose when stored reducing aesthetic appeal
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the hose into multiple collapsible sections with internal structural elements, the hose achieves a neat, organized appearance when stored. Each section can be uniformly compressed, creating a tidy bundled configuration that eliminates the loose, disheveled appearance of conventional hoses while preserving structural stability through the segmented internal design.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the hose is made with a limited stretch ratio, then the hose maintains structural stability, but the hose requires more force to extend increasing operational difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The incorporation of springs or elastic elements within the collapsible sections provides mechanical assistance during extension. These dynamic components store and release energy to aid the extension process, significantly reducing the force required by the user while the segmented structure maintains structural stability throughout the motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented design allows the hose to extend in a controlled, progressive manner through individual sections rather than as a single rigid unit. This reduces the peak force required for extension while maintaining overall structural stability through the distributed internal support structures in each section.
4Volume of moving object
If the hose is made with collapsible sections extending into the passageway, then the hose achieves compact storage configuration, but the hose may obstruct the passageway when not stretched
Solution Approach 1:
The collapsible sections are designed with dynamic characteristics that cause them to automatically extend when the hose is pulled or pressurized. The sections transition from a compressed state (during storage) to an extended state (during use), ensuring the passageway remains clear when the hose is in operation while achieving compact storage when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented internal structure allows each section to independently respond to extension forces. When the hose is pulled, the sections unfold in sequence, progressively clearing the passageway without creating obstructions. This segmented approach distributes the extension action throughout the hose length, preventing localized blockages.
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
The hose can be easily extended to reach surfaces with minimal force, maintaining a compact storage appearance and increasing usability on various surfaces, including floors, walls, and ceilings, while reducing the overall footprint.
Implementation Method 1
the support structure is compressible to transition the hose into a storage configuration to shorten the overall length of the hose
Implementation Method 2
A flexible hose with a support structure that allows for a locking mechanism to collapse into a storage configuration and easily transition to an in-use configuration, featuring a helical or concentric ring design
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible hose for use with surface cleaning devices is disclosed that includes a support structure that allows a user to collapse and lock the same into a storage configuration, and then easily unlock the same using a relatively minor amount of force, e.g., a user-applied pulling force or mechanical force. Thus, in a general sense, a hose consistent with the present disclosure may include two relatively stable/steady-state configurations, namely a storage configuration and an in-use configuration. Thus, the hose allows a user to collapse and lock the hose when not in use, and to transition the hose to an in-use configuration to target various types of surfaces to clean including, for instance, floors, walls and ceilings which may be many feet (e.g., up to 5 feet or more) from the surface cleaning apparatus.