Retractable Hose Guide Foot Pedal Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retractable hose guides require users to bend over or crouch to actuate the release mechanism, as they need to rotate a key to align with a keyhole and overcome the spring bias, making them inconvenient for extension and retraction.
Innovation Solution
A retractable hose guide with a pop-up device actuated by a generally linear motion, using a shell assembly and guide rod assembly with a biasing device and cam surfaces that allow the guide rod to extend or retract with foot-operated linear motion, eliminating the need for manual bending or crouching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spring-biased extendable post with a keyed slot and key is used, then the extendable post can be locked in position without manual pulling, but the user must bend over or crouch to rotate the key through the keyhole to actuate the release
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a rotational key actuation mechanism to a linear foot-pedal mechanism. The release mechanism is actuated by linear motion of a foot pedal rather than rotational motion of a key, allowing users to operate the system from a standing position without bending over or crouching. This dimensional change in actuation motion resolves the contradiction by improving ease of operation while maintaining reasonable mechanism complexity.
2Reliability
If a keyed slot and key mechanism is used for locking, then the extendable post can be secured in position, but the user is required to rotate the key through the key hole which demands manual manipulation and bending
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional rotational key-based mechanical locking system with a linear actuation system using a foot pedal. The foot pedal engages with a cam mechanism that linearly actuates the release, substituting the manual rotational key operation with a simpler linear foot-operated mechanism. This maintains reliable locking while dramatically improving ease of actuation by eliminating the need for manual bending and key rotation.
3Strength
If the extendable post requires overcoming spring bias and rotating the key, then the locking feature is secure, but the user must exert additional force and manual effort to actuate the release
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a foot pedal as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the release mechanism. The foot pedal converts linear foot motion into the actuation force needed to overcome the spring bias and engage the release mechanism. This intermediary device allows users to apply force through a convenient linear foot-pedal motion rather than requiring manual bending and key rotation, reducing the overall effort required while maintaining secure locking strength.
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
Enables easy extension and retraction of the hose guide without requiring users to bend over, using a spring-biased mechanism that locks the guide rod in place with a simple linear motion, enhancing user convenience and reducing physical effort.
Implementation Method 1
A pop-up device includes components on both the shell assembly and the guide rod assembly that act in concert to lock the guide rod assembly in either the first or second position. The pop-up device preferably includes a biasing device structured to bias the guide rod assembly toward the second, extended position.
Data Source
AI summary
A retractable hose guide includes a shell assembly that is structured to be embedded into the ground. The shell assembly defines an enclosed space that is open at the top. A guide rod assembly is movably disposed within the shell assembly and structured to move between a first, retracted position, wherein the guide rod assembly is substantially disposed within the shell assembly enclosed space, and a second, extended position, wherein the guide rod assembly extends substantially above the shell assembly enclosed space. A pop-up device includes components on both the shell assembly and the guide rod assembly that act in concert to lock the guide rod assembly in either the first or second position. The pop-up device preferably includes a biasing device structured to bias the guide rod assembly toward the second, extended position. The pop-up device is structured to be actuated by a generally linear movement of the guide rod assembly.