Expandable Hose Pressure Regulator for Burst Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional expandable hoses burst under high water pressure from spigots, and existing pressure regulation systems are inefficient, which are necessary for the operation of lawn and garden accessories like nozzles and sprinklers.
Innovation Solution
A hose design with a regulator assembly to reduce fluid pressure from spigot pressure to a manageable level, combined with a hose assembly comprising an inner and outer hose member, and connector assemblies to prevent rupture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional expandable hoses are used without pressure regulation, then the hose structure remains simple, but the hose bursts under high water pressure from spigots
Solution Approach 1:
The hose is divided into multiple functional segments: an inner hose member for fluid flow, an outer hose member for structural support, and a separate regulator assembly with valve mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function, improving overall reliability while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
A regulator assembly is introduced as an intermediary component between the spigot and the expandable hose. This regulator includes pressure relief valves and flow control mechanisms that mediate the high pressure from the spigot, preventing direct transmission of damaging forces to the hose while maintaining functional water flow.
2Reliability
If a regulator assembly is added to reduce fluid pressure, then the hose reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator assembly is merged with the hose connector assembly, integrating pressure relief valves, flow control mechanisms, and connection features into a single unified component. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies installation while maintaining the pressure regulation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: connecting the hose to the spigot, regulating water pressure, controlling flow rate, and providing structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, managing complexity while improving reliability.
3Productivity
If the hose is designed to expand under pressure, then the water flow capacity increases, but the hose becomes vulnerable to bursting
Solution Approach 1:
The hose features an inner hose member made of elastic material for expansion and an outer hose member made of stronger material for structural support. Different sections of the hose have different material properties optimized for their specific functions: the inner layer expands for flow capacity while the outer layer provides burst protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The regulator assembly includes pressure relief valves that activate before the hose reaches its maximum expansion capacity. These valves provide beforehand cushioning by releasing excess pressure that would otherwise cause the hose to burst, allowing the hose to safely expand for high flow capacity.
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 effectively regulates fluid pressure, preventing burst and ensuring reliable operation of lawn and garden accessories.
Implementation Method 1
a regulator assembly configured to regulate a flow of fluid through the hose to reduce a pressure of the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a hose including a first connector assembly including a regulator assembly, a second connector assembly, and a hose assembly coupled to the first and second connector assemblies. The hose assembly includes an inner hose member having first and second ends, an outer hose member having first and second ends, a first hose connector assembly coupled to the first ends of the inner hose member and outer hose member and the first connector assembly, and a second hose connector assembly coupled to the second ends of the inner hose member and outer hose member and the second connector assembly.