Concrete Hose Support Structure for Surface Protection and Hose Motion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing concrete slurry delivery systems face challenges in supporting hoses during operation, leading to strain on operators and potential damage to surfaces due to the back-and-forth motion of hoses, especially when navigating uneven terrain or obstacles.

Innovation Solution

A hose support system with concave and convex surfaces that can receive and support concrete slurry hoses, allowing them to slide over surfaces while reducing lateral movement and strain, and featuring a reversible design to accommodate different orientations and protect surfaces from damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the hose is allowed to move freely during pumping operation, then the hose can accommodate back-and-forth motion from pulsed slurry flow, but the hose causes strain on operators and potential damage to surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehose motion accommodationVSAvoidsurface damage and operator strain

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A support device acts as an intermediary between the hose and the surface. The device includes a support surface that contacts the pavement and a hose-receiving structure with a concave surface that holds the hose. This intermediary structure allows the hose to move vertically within the concave surface while preventing lateral movement that would damage the pavement or strain operators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The support device segments the hose into discrete supported positions along the pumping path. By placing multiple support devices at intervals, the hose is divided into segments that are individually controlled, allowing localized adjustment and reducing overall strain on the system while preventing surface damage at critical points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the hose support structure is made rigid to prevent lateral movement, then surface damage is prevented, but the hose cannot accommodate the back-and-forth motion from pulsed slurry flow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface damage preventionVSAvoidhose motion accommodation

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support device applies different degrees of constraint at different locations. The support surface provides rigid contact with the pavement to prevent lateral movement and surface damage, while the concave surface that receives the hose allows vertical movement to accommodate pulsed flow. This local differentiation of constraint quality resolves the contradiction between stability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The support device transitions from a completely rigid structure to a dynamic system where the hose can move vertically within the concave receiving surface. The concave geometry provides controlled movement freedom while maintaining lateral stability, allowing the system to adapt to dynamic pumping conditions while preventing harmful lateral displacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the hose support device is designed to protect surfaces from damage, then pavement and curbs are protected, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface protectionVSAvoidsupport structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support device utilizes a simple curved concave surface geometry rather than complex mechanical components. This shell-like structure naturally guides and protects the hose while maintaining simplicity in design and manufacture. The concave surface acts as a passive protective element that prevents the hose from contacting and damaging surfaces without requiring active control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Object-affected harmful factors

If the hose is supported above the pavement to prevent surface damage, then surface protection is improved, but operator strain increases due to elevated hose position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface protectionVSAvoidoperator strain

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support device positions the hose at an elevated but not excessive height, creating an equipotential zone where the hose is protected from surface damage while remaining accessible to operators. The concave surface geometry and support surface positioning work together to maintain the hose at an optimal elevation that balances surface protection with operator comfort and accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #12Equipotentiality

Data Source

PatentUS12049972B2Concrete pump hose support

Publication Date: 2024.07.30 KACKSTETTER CY RICHARD

AI summary

A hose support includes: a body defining at least one concave surface configured to receive a concrete slurry hose, the body including at least one support surface configured to rest on pavement; where the at least one concave surface is displaced from the at least one support surface to support the concrete slurry hose above the pavement; and where: the at least one concave surface is configured to slidably receive the concrete slurry hose; or the at least one support surface is configured to slidably rest on the pavement while the body receives the concrete slurry hose; or a combination thereof.