Sliding Hose Support Structure for Concrete Pump Surface Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing concrete slurry delivery systems using line pumps and hoses face challenges in supporting the hose effectively, particularly when navigating uneven surfaces or protecting surfaces from damage, leading to operator strain and potential damage to the hose and surrounding objects.

Innovation Solution

A hose support system with a body featuring concave and convex surfaces that can receive and support the hose in multiple orientations, allowing it to slide over surfaces while reducing strain on operators and preventing damage to surfaces, made from materials softer than concrete, such as high-density polypropylene.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the hose is placed directly on the pavement, then the surface is protected from damage, but the hose cannot be properly supported and operators experience strain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator strainVSAvoidsurface damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The hose support body acts as an intermediary device between the hose and the pavement surface. It provides a protective interface that prevents direct contact between the hose and potentially damaging surfaces while simultaneously offering proper support to reduce operator strain during hose handling and positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The hose support is designed as a simple, lightweight device that can be easily moved and repositioned along the hose length as needed. Its simple construction makes it inexpensive and practical for temporary, mobile support applications rather than permanent fixed installations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Strength

If the hose support body is made of hard material, then it can support the hose effectively, but it may damage the pavement surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehose support capabilityVSAvoidpavement damage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The hose support body is made from high-density polypropylene, changing the material parameter from traditional hard materials like metal or rigid plastic to a high-density polymer that provides sufficient structural strength and hardness to support the hose while remaining softer than concrete pavement, thus preventing surface damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The use of high-density polypropylene represents a composite material solution that combines adequate mechanical strength for hose support with surface-protective properties. This material choice balances the conflicting requirements of structural integrity and surface compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Stability of the object's composition

If the hose support has fixed orientation, then it provides stable support, but it cannot accommodate uneven surfaces or different contours

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport stabilityVSAvoidsurface accommodation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The hose support is designed to be mobile rather than fixed, allowing it to be dynamically repositioned along the hose length. The support body can be moved to different locations and orientations to accommodate varying terrain contours and surface conditions while maintaining stability at each positioning point.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The hose support body is designed as a universal device that can function at multiple locations along the hose and accommodate various surface conditions. Its general-purpose design allows it to be used in diverse applications and environments, providing adaptable support regardless of specific terrain requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Length of stationary object

If the hose support body is large, then it can support the hose above the pavement effectively, but it is difficult to move and position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehose elevation heightVSAvoidease of positioning

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hose support utilizes high-density polypropylene material that provides high structural strength-to-weight ratio. This material parameter change allows the support body to be sufficiently large and tall to elevate the hose above the pavement while remaining lightweight enough for easy manual handling and repositioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11486516B2Concrete pump hose support

Publication Date: 2022.11.01 EARTH TEK CONSTR INC

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.