Hose Assembly with Field-Attachable Bend Restrictor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hose assemblies for marine vessel bulkheads require replacement when the hose is damaged or worn out due to the larger hose end fittings not fitting through the base plate holes, necessitating a complete assembly replacement.
Innovation Solution
A hose assembly with a releasably coupled bend restrictor that wraps coils around the hose, allowing for field installation after hose fittings are already attached, using a base plate that clamps onto the bend restrictor to restrict axial and rotational movement, and an annular insert to secure the hose, enabling the assembly to be updated without replacing the entire hose assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the hose end fittings are made larger to ensure secure connection, then the connection reliability is improved, but the hose assembly cannot be easily replaced in the field
Solution Approach 1:
The hose assembly is divided into separable components: the hose with end fittings remains permanently installed through the bulkhead, while the bend restrictor is made a separate, removable component that can be detached and reattached. This segmentation allows the hose to stay in place while the bend restrictor can be replaced in the field, resolving the contradiction between secure connection and field replaceability.
Solution Approach 2:
The base plate is designed with movable clamping arms that can open to allow insertion of the bend restrictor and close to secure it. This dynamic mechanism enables field installation and removal without requiring complete disassembly, maintaining both connection reliability and ease of repair.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the bend restrictor is permanently fixed to the base plate, then the structural stability is improved, but the maintenance cost increases due to complete assembly replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The bend restrictor is separated from the base plate into independent components that can be easily assembled and disassembled. The base plate includes clamping arms that secure the bend restrictor during operation, providing structural stability, but can be opened to allow removal and replacement of the bend restrictor, reducing maintenance costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows the bend restrictor to be removed and replaced when worn or damaged, while the base plate and hose remain in use. This enables selective replacement of only the necessary component, reducing waste and maintenance costs compared to replacing the entire assembly.
3Manufacturing precision
If the base plate through holes are made smaller to secure the hose, then the hose positioning accuracy is improved, but the hose fittings cannot be installed after the base plate is in place
Solution Approach 1:
The hose and end fittings are installed through the bulkhead first, before the base plate is attached. The base plate is then positioned over the already-installed hose fittings, and the clamping arms are closed to secure the hose. This preliminary action allows both accurate positioning and installation flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping arms of the base plate are designed to be movable, allowing the base plate to be opened for installation and then closed to secure the hose with precise positioning. This dynamic mechanism resolves the contradiction between small hole security and installation flexibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
An improved hose assembly comprises a hose having a first end with a first hose fitting and a second end with a second hose fitting. There is a base plate having an opening which receives the hose. The base plate is positioned on the hose between the first hose fitting and the second hose fitting. There is a bend restrictor releasably coupled to the base plate. The bend restrictor has coils which wrap around the hose. The base plate clamps onto the bend restrictor and the bend restrictor clamps onto the hose, thereby restricting relative axial and rotational movement of the hose.