Flexible hose with compact storage configuration and a cleaning apparatus using the same
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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 affects their usability and aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
A flexible hose with a support structure that allows for easy collapse and locking into a storage configuration, transitioning to an extended in-use configuration with a higher stretch ratio, using collapsible sections that can be unlocked with minimal force, and featuring internal or external locking mechanisms for secure storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a flexible hose uses a conventional internal spring structure, then it can retract to a compressed resting position, but it results in a limited stretch ratio and a loose appearance when stored
Solution Approach 1:
The hose is divided into multiple collapsible sections that can independently fold and compress. Each section contains flexible circuit boards with conductive traces that maintain electrical connectivity while allowing the hose to collapse into a compact configuration, achieving a higher stretch ratio without excessive structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The hose sections are designed to nest within each other when collapsed, with each collapsible section containing the next smaller section. This nesting arrangement allows the hose to achieve a compact stored configuration while maintaining the ability to extend to a full length, effectively increasing the stretch ratio
2Ease of operation
If a flexible hose is designed to extend fully for cleaning operations, then it provides adequate reach, but it requires more force to extend and creates a loose appearance when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The hose incorporates collapsible sections with dynamic locking mechanisms that allow the hose to transition between extended and collapsed states. When extended, the sections unfold smoothly; when collapsed, they lock into a compact configuration. This dynamic behavior enables easy extension during operation while maintaining a neat appearance during storage
Solution Approach 2:
The hose design changes its physical parameters (length, volume, shape) through the collapsible sections that can transition between expanded and compressed states. This parameter change capability allows the hose to be compact for storage yet easily extendable for use, improving both appearance and ease of operation
3Length of moving object
If a flexible hose uses a locking mechanism for compact storage, then it achieves a reduced visible length, but it may require force to unlock and extend
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-releasing when a small pulling force is applied to the hose end. The collapsible sections automatically unlock and unfold as the user pulls, eliminating the need for manual unlocking operations. This self-service feature reduces the force required to extend while maintaining compact storage capability
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 stored with a reduced visible length, providing a higher stretch ratio than conventional hoses, allowing efficient use on various surfaces with minimal user force, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics.
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
the hose includes a locking mechanism to hold the hose in a fixed position
Data Source
Figure 1~2C
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~6
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.