Fluid Hose Stabilizer with Variable-Stiffness Reinforcing Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid hose stabilization devices for cleaning devices are complex and costly, requiring high installation efforts, and often fail to prevent kinking or ground contact of the fluid hose during use.
Innovation Solution
A fluid hose stabilization device with an elongated, rod-shaped, elastically bendable reinforcing element featuring a changing modulus of elasticity along its length, which includes a mounting portion for attachment to a cleaning device, preventing kinking and ground contact by adjusting restoring forces and maintaining the hose at a predetermined height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex stabilization devices (booms, pipe systems, cables with springs or weights) are used, then hose stabilization is achieved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential stabilization function from complex mechanical systems (booms, pipe systems, cables) and implements it through a simple reinforcing element integrated into the hose structure. The reinforcing element alone provides the necessary stabilization without requiring additional mechanical support systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the hose by incorporating a reinforcing element with specific elastic properties. The element has a modulus of elasticity between 100 MPa and 10 Gpa, creating a composite structure that provides stabilization through material properties rather than complex mechanical mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If winding devices are used to release hose only to required length, then hose management is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the winding device mechanism entirely and replaces it with a reinforcing element that provides natural hose management through its elastic properties. The element enables the hose to self-regulate its position and prevent ground contact without active winding mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcing element provides self-service stabilization and hose management functions. The elastic properties of the element automatically regulate hose position and prevent kinking without requiring external control systems or active winding mechanisms.
3Ease of manufacture
If uniform modulus of elasticity is used throughout the device section, then manufacturing is simplified, but handling and deflection control become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the modulus of elasticity along the length of the reinforcing element. Different sections have different elastic properties, with the first section having higher stiffness for structural support and the second section having lower stiffness for flexible handling. This gradient allows the hose to be easy to handle while maintaining stabilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic elastic profile along the reinforcing element that adapts to different operational conditions. The varying modulus of elasticity allows the hose to be rigid when needed for stabilization and flexible when needed for handling, providing dynamic response to operational requirements.
4Device complexity
If restoring force is linear, then mechanical design is simplified, but hose handling becomes difficult as significant forces are always required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a non-linear restoring force profile through local variation in the modulus of elasticity. The first section with higher modulus provides strong restoring force for large deflections, while the second section with lower modulus provides gentle guidance for small deflections. This results in easy handling with minimal force required for normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the elastic parameters along the reinforcing element to create a non-linear force-deflection relationship. The varying modulus of elasticity produces a restoring force that is proportional to the degree of deflection, providing light assistance for small movements and strong restoration for large deflections.
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 device simplifies hose stabilization, reduces handling forces, prevents kinking, and ensures the hose remains elevated, even when deflected, thereby improving usability and reducing installation complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one reinforcing element forms at least partially or section by section the device section, and that the modulus of elasticity changes continuously and/or in at least one stage between the first and second ends
Data Source
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AI summary
The aim of the invention is to improve a fluid hose stabilization device for stabilizing a fluid hose of a cleaning device such that the fluid hose of the cleaning device can be stabilized in a simple manner. This is achieved in that the fluid hose stabilization device has at least one device portion with a first and a second end; the device portion has a modulus of elasticity; the modulus of elasticity changes from the first end in the direction of the second end of the device portion; the fluid hose stabilization device comprises at least one elongated, rod-shaped, and elastically flexible reinforcement element; and the at least one reinforcement element at least partly forms the device portion or forms at least some sections of the device portion. The invention further relates to improved fluid hoses and cleaning devices.