CPAP Hose Hanger With Trough For Soaking And Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cleaning CPAP hoses are messy and cumbersome due to the length of the hose, making it difficult to effectively soak, rinse, and dry the internal surface, which can lead to mold and sediment buildup.
Innovation Solution
A hose hanger apparatus with a trough and side wall brackets that allows the hose to be securely positioned for soaking and drying, featuring removably attachable hooks and suction cups for easy installation, and end caps for sealing cleaning solutions, facilitating efficient cleaning and drying processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional cleaning methods (sloshing, soaking, brushing) are used for CPAP hoses, then cleaning can be performed, but the process is messy and cumbersome due to the length of the hose
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning apparatus is divided into distinct functional segments: a trough for holding the hose, side wall brackets for support, and removably attachable hooks or suction cups for suspension. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, making the overall cleaning process simpler despite the hose length
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus transitions the cleaning process from a horizontal tabletop operation to a vertical hanging configuration. By suspending the hose vertically in the trough using hooks or suction cups, the length of the hose becomes an advantage rather than a disadvantage, allowing thorough soaking and drainage without spilling
2Reliability
If the hose is soaked in cleaning solution, then internal surface cleaning is achieved, but drying the hose becomes difficult due to its length
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of trying to dry the hose horizontally where water pools and is difficult to remove, the apparatus inverts the drying process by hanging the hose vertically after removal from the trough. Gravity naturally drains water from the hose, and the vertical orientation allows air circulation around the entire length, making drying straightforward
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical hanging configuration allows the hose to dry itself through natural gravity-driven drainage and air circulation. The apparatus provides the hanging mechanism, but the hose's own weight and environmental air flow perform the drying function without requiring additional active drying equipment or manual manipulation
3Ease of manufacture
If the hose is cleaned using brushes or soaking methods, then some cleaning is achieved, but the process remains cumbersome due to hose length
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus serves multiple functions within a single integrated design: the trough holds the hose during cleaning, the side wall brackets provide structural support, and the removably attachable hooks or suction cups enable suspension. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cleaning tools and steps, reducing overall cleaning time despite thoroughness
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is prepared in advance by attaching hooks or suction cups to the side wall brackets before the cleaning process begins. This preliminary setup allows the user to immediately hang and soak the hose without assembly delays during the cleaning process, reducing total time required
Data Source
AI summary
A tube cleaning apparatus for cleaning a CPAP hose or other hose including a trough for receiving a tube therein, the trough curving downwardly from an apex to an engagement mechanism associated with each opposite end portion of the trough for hanging the hose therefrom, the opposite end portion of the hose being engageable with the engagement mechanism for allowing the hose to soak with a cleaning solution therein, and the hose being receivable within the trough with its opposite end portions extending downwardly from the apex for drying purposes.