Fire Hose Handling Tool with Integrated Guide and Remote Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The labor-intensive process of storing a fire hose after use requires two operators to manage the hose reel and hose alignment, consuming valuable manpower that could be allocated to other maintenance tasks in fire fighting vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A hose handling tool with a trough-shaped guide and remote control functionality allows a single operator to guide and wind the hose onto the reel, utilizing a low-friction guide and a push button to control the motor-driven hose reel, enabling synchronized operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two operators are used to store the fire hose (one operating the hose reel drive and the other guiding the hose), then the hose can be properly wound and cleaned, but the operation becomes labor intensive and consumes valuable manpower
Solution Approach 1:
The hose handling tool enables one operator to perform both guiding and cleaning functions simultaneously through the integrated trough-shaped guide conduct and push-button control mechanism, making the system self-sufficient without requiring a second operator
Solution Approach 2:
The single operator uses the hose handling tool to perform multiple functions (guiding hose alignment and cleaning hose surface) at the same time, making one person multi-functional in the hose storage operation
2Ease of manufacture
If the hose is manually guided through a cloth while drawn upon the hose reel, then the hose surface can be cleaned, but the process requires coordination between two persons and is time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding and cleaning functions are merged into a single integrated tool where the trough-shaped guide conduct both directs hose alignment and facilitates cleaning through its smooth inner surface, eliminating the need for separate operations
Solution Approach 2:
The hose can be continuously guided and cleaned in one smooth operation through the trough-shaped guide conduct without interruption or coordination delays, maintaining continuous useful action throughout the storage process
3Ease of operation
If a trough-shaped guide conduct with low friction resistance is used, then the hose can slide smoothly along the guide, but the guide must be precisely positioned to prevent lateral sliding
Solution Approach 1:
The trough-shaped guide conduct has different surface properties in different locations: the inner surface has low friction for smooth sliding, while the lateral walls provide containment to prevent sideways movement, applying local quality variations to solve the contradiction
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
This solution reduces the manpower required for post-operation hose storage, allowing a single operator to efficiently manage the hose winding and cleaning process, thereby saving time and resources.
Implementation Method 1
The inner surface of this guide conduct 14 is smooth and has a low friction resistance with respect to the outer surface of the hose 12, so that the hose 12 can slide in its longitudinal direction
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention refers to a hose handling tool (10) for handling a fire hose, comprising a gorge-shaped guide conduct (14) to be attached laterally to the outer surface of the hose (12), a handling portion (16) disposed opposite to the guide conduct (14) and a remote control for controlling a motor-driven hose reel, wherein the remote control comprises an operating switch (28) disposed at or near the handling portion (16) opposite to the guide conduct (14).