Hose feeding device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hose feeding devices for geothermal applications are heavy, bulky, and require frequent maintenance, with known designs being inadequate for reliable operation and mobility, especially in winter conditions.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight hose feeding device with a compact DC electric motor, gearbox, and adjustable drive rollers, powered by a battery, which eliminates the need for a wheeled frame and enhances mobility and service life, while allowing easier handling in winter conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a heavy-duty construction with wheeled frame is used, then the device has sufficient strength and stability, but the weight increases significantly and mobility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separable components: the main feeding mechanism can be detached from the transport frame. This allows the heavy-duty frame to be used only when transport is needed, while the feeding mechanism itself remains lightweight for actual hose feeding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a static heavy frame to a dynamic configuration where the feeding mechanism can be independently positioned and operated without being permanently attached to the transport frame, optimizing weight for each operational phase.
2Reliability
If detailed maintenance solutions are implemented, then reliability is improved, but the complexity of maintenance increases and service frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive wheels are designed to be self-adjusting through automatic tensioning mechanisms that maintain optimal grip on the hoses without requiring manual intervention. The system includes self-lubricating bearings and automatic debris ejection features that prevent buildup without maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The device includes pre-installed protective coatings on critical surfaces, sealed bearings that prevent contaminant ingress, and automatic tensioning systems that compensate for wear before it affects performance, extending service intervals.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple feeding principle with fewer components is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple drive wheels are combined into a single integrated drive assembly that operates in unison, providing redundant gripping points along the hose length. This merging of functions maintains manufacturing simplicity while improving reliability through distributed contact points.
4Ease of operation
If the device is designed for compact transport, then ease of operation is improved, but the feeding force may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The drive wheels feature curved, conformal contact surfaces that match the cylindrical shape of the hoses. This curvature distribution increases the effective contact area and frictional grip, enabling compact wheel designs that still generate sufficient feeding force through optimized surface geometry.
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 solution results in a more manageable, cost-effective, and flexible device that reduces maintenance needs and improves handling and reliability, even in harsh winter conditions, by minimizing weight and requiring less space for transport.
Implementation Method 1
a battery unit (40) which drives a motor (41) which in turn drives a gearbox (42)
Implementation Method 2
drive rollers (60), whose rotation axes (45, 67) are arranged transversely in relation to the longitudinal extent of the housing body (5), whereby resp. shaft end is connected with a resp. side wall (50)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a hose feeding device for lowering hoses 3 for geothermal heating or the like into a borehole 2 in the ground, whereby the hose feeding device 1 has a housing body 5 supporting a drive device 4 comprising a drive shaft 43, which drives at least one drive package 6 comprising a plurality in a feed line one after the other rotatable, separate drive rollers 60, which exert a feeding force on a pair of hoses 3, wherein said plurality of separate drive rollers 60 comprise a first drive roller 60 driven by said shaft 43 and at least one of said driven drive roller 60 via at least one drive belt 61 driven second drive roller 60 which exerts said feed force directly on said pair of hoses 3, whereby said casing body 5 comprises a bottom plate 51 which connects two side plates 50 between which said drive rollers 60 are arranged above said bottom plate 51 and that the fastening devices of the drive rollers 60 are arranged in said side plates 50 and thereby reinforces the casing body 5.