Dual-Hose Cleaning Device for Navigating Flexible Air Ducts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional cleaning devices for air ducts and drains are labor-intensive due to the difficulty in navigating rigid hoses through flexible and turning ducts, often requiring multiple tools and passes, and can get stuck, making it challenging to reach the end of the ducts effectively.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning device with multiple tools integrated into one assembly, featuring a dual-hose configuration with independently controllable air chambers, a drive tool coupler for propulsion, and interchangeable tools like air whips and cameras, allowing for efficient navigation and cleaning of ducts with reduced tangling and kinking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid hoses are used for cleaning tools, then the tools can be structurally stable and effective at cleaning, but it becomes difficult to navigate them through flexible and turning ducts
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the hose assembly into multiple segments including an inner hose and outer hose that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the rigid cleaning tool to maintain structural stability while the flexible hose segments navigate turns and flexibilities in the ductwork.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner hose is nested within the outer hose, creating a telescoping arrangement that allows the rigid cleaning tool to pass through while the outer hose provides flexibility for navigation. The nested structure enables independent movement of each hose layer to accommodate duct geometry.
2Productivity
If multiple tools are used to effectively clean air ducts, then cleaning thoroughness improves, but the process becomes more labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple cleaning tools are merged into a single integrated assembly that can be propelled through the duct in one operation. The assembly includes various cleaning components that work simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple separate passes with different tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device is designed as a universal multi-functional tool that can perform multiple cleaning tasks simultaneously through its integrated assembly of different cleaning components, allowing one tool to replace multiple specialized tools.
3Length of moving object
If hoses are forced down ducts to reach further locations, then reach distance improves, but binding issues and tangling increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hose assembly employs dynamic characteristics where the inner and outer hoses can move independently and adapt to duct geometry. This dynamic flexibility allows the system to reach further distances while maintaining stability by conforming to turns and preventing binding.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer hose acts as a flexible shell that envelops the inner hose and cleaning tool, providing protection and flexibility for navigating through ducts. The flexible shell structure prevents tangling and binding while allowing the rigid tool to reach further locations.
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
Enables efficient cleaning of air ducts and other hard-to-reach areas by propelling the device and attached tools through ducts, reducing the need for multiple passes and minimizing binding issues, allowing for effective agitation and inspection in a single operation.
Implementation Method 1
blaster balls which use high pressure air to propel themselves down the duct lines by blasting air backwards towards the technician
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2
AI summary
A device including an outer hose segment, an inner hose segment, a first air chamber for accommodating a first air flow, a second air chamber for accommodating a second air flow, a drive tool coupler into engagement with a first end portion of the outer hose segment and inner hose segment, a cleaning end section that is configured to allow tools to be attached and detached to and from said device, and a hose coupler into engagement with a second end portion of the outer and inner hose segments, wherein the hose coupler is configured to control the first and second flow of air into the first and second air chambers independently.