Hose dispensing system
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Solution Overview
Problem
The handling and manufacturing of hoses and other flexible materials packaged on spools are inefficient due to their bulkiness and variability in size, leading to labor-intensive changeovers between different hose types.
Innovation Solution
A hose dispensing carousel system with a rotatable spool support plate and locking mechanism, combined with a hose guide featuring rotatable bearing surfaces, allows for efficient positioning and alignment of spools with manufacturing tools, facilitating easy access and processing of hoses of varying sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If hoses are packaged in bulk on spools, then storage efficiency is improved, but handling difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bulk package is segmented into individual spools, each containing a specific hose type. The carousel system further segments the storage into multiple positions, allowing individual spools to be accessed independently without handling the entire bulk package.
Solution Approach 2:
The spool axle acts as an intermediary between the heavy spool and the user. By providing a standardized mounting interface with handles, the system mediates the interaction, allowing users to rotate and position spools without directly handling the heavy hose material.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple hose types are stored on a carousel, then versatility is improved, but changeover time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple spools with different hose types are pre-positioned on the carousel in accessible locations. The locking mechanism allows spools to be securely fixed in position, so when a hose type is needed, it is already prepared and readily accessible, eliminating the need for time-consuming setup or reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The carousel system is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable. Spools can be easily removed and replaced by rotating the support plate to different positions and using the locking mechanism, allowing rapid adaptation to different manufacturing requirements without fixed, time-consuming changeover procedures.
3Quantity of substance
If spools are made heavy for bulk packaging, then storage density is improved, but accessibility worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from vertical stacking or horizontal stacking of heavy spools to a radial arrangement on a carousel. This dimensional change allows heavy spools to be accessed by rotation rather than lifting or moving, reducing the operational impact of their weight while maintaining high storage density.
Solution Approach 2:
The spool axle and handle assembly acts as a mechanical intermediary that provides leverage and control when manipulating heavy spools. This allows operators to rotate and position heavy spools with minimal effort, making them accessible despite their weight being necessary for bulk packaging efficiency.
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 system significantly reduces the time and labor required for switching between different hose types, enhancing the efficiency of material handling and manufacturing processes by allowing for quick and precise dispensing and processing of hoses.
Implementation Method 1
The guide defines at least one rotatable bearing surface positioned at the opening, and is configured to align the hose with, and guide the hose toward, a tool for performing a manufacturing operation thereon
Data Source
AI summary
A system for dispensing a flexible hose includes a hose dispensing carousel having a frame, a spool support plate rotatably mounted to the frame and having a plurality of spool axles for rotatably supporting a plurality of spools of hose, and a lock adapted to fix a position of the spool support plate relative to the frame in a plurality of discrete positions. The system further includes a guide defining an opening adapted to receive a free end of a hose held on one of the plurality of spools. The guide defines at least one rotatable bearing surface positioned at the opening, and is adapted to guide the hose toward a tool for performing a manufacturing operation on the hose.