Fire Hose Shoulder Support for High-Pressure Nozzle Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handling a fire hose and nozzle under high pressure is difficult and dangerous, especially in confined spaces, often requiring multiple individuals to support and brace the hose, which is inefficient and risky for firefighters.
Innovation Solution
A Fire Hose Shoulder Support Accessory with a nozzle holder and shoulder stock assembly, allowing one person to manage high-pressure hoses safely by transferring the shock load to the shoulder, featuring adjustable length and cushioning for comfort and secure attachment mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple individuals are used to support and brace the hose, then the hose can be handled safely under high pressure, but the operational efficiency and response time are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shoulder support assembly acts as an intermediary device between the firefighter and the high-pressure hose. It transfers and distributes the shock load from the hose nozzle through the firefighter's shoulder, allowing safe handling of high-pressure hoses by a single person without requiring multiple individuals to brace the hose
2Force
If multiple individuals are required to handle the hose, then the shock load is distributed, but the complexity of the operational procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shoulder support assembly enables the firefighter to handle the high-pressure hose independently without requiring assistance from other individuals. The device self-adjusts to the firefighter's body and automatically manages the shock load distribution, simplifying the procedure from requiring multiple coordinated personnel to a single operator
3Force
If a rigid support structure is used to handle the hose, then the shock load is effectively transferred, but the comfort and adaptability to different firefighters is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shoulder support assembly incorporates dynamic elements including an adjustable stock tube that can be lengthened or shortened, and a cushioning element that deforms under load. This allows the rigid support structure to adapt to different firefighter body sizes and shapes while maintaining effective shock load transfer
Solution Approach 2:
The support assembly allows changing of physical parameters such as the length of the stock tube and the compression of the cushioning element to match different firefighter anatomies and load conditions, enabling the same device to effectively serve operators of various sizes
4Weight of moving object
If lightweight materials are used for the support accessory, then the burden on the firefighter is reduced, but the strength and durability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The shoulder support assembly utilizes composite construction combining lightweight aluminum or polymer materials for the stock tube and support structure, with reinforced connection points and a cushioning element. This composite approach maintains overall lightness while providing sufficient strength and durability to handle high-pressure hose loads
Data Source
AI summary
A fire hose shoulder support accessory, also called support accessory, having a forward support and a rear support is presented. The support accessory allows one person to safely handle a fire hose and nozzle under high pressure by having a nozzle holder incorporated in the forward support that is connected to a shoulder stock assembly (i.e., a rear support) using a coupling hub. The rear support has a connector part and a support part with the support part sized and shaped to rest against an individual's shoulder. The connector part may extend from and retract back into the support part adjusting the length of the support accessory. The support accessory may have one or more clamps that hold the fire hose and nozzle in the support accessory.