Hose and Pipe Tethering to Restrain Pressure-Disconnect Whipping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hoses and pipes under pressure can become dangerous when they disconnect, as they may whip violently, causing damage to personnel and equipment, and existing solutions do not adequately limit their movement.

Innovation Solution

A method involving an elongated tether with one end attached to each hose or pipe near their connection points, tightened around the hoses or pipes, and optionally anchored with a choke or basket hitch to restrict movement in case of disconnection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If hoses or pipes are disconnected under pressure, then pressure release occurs, but violent whipping movement causes damage to personnel and equipment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamage to personnel and equipmentVSAvoidmovement control of disconnected hose or pipe
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The tether is attached to the hose or pipe before disconnection occurs, establishing a restraining mechanism in advance. The tether is positioned and secured while the system is still connected, so that when disconnection happens, the pre-positioned tether immediately begins to limit whipping movement without requiring any additional action at the moment of disconnection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The tether acts as an intermediary element between the hose/pipe and the surrounding environment. Rather than directly controlling the disconnection process or the pressure release, the tether mediates the harmful effects by intercepting the whipping motion and transferring the force to the anchoring structure, thereby protecting personnel and equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If an elongated tether is used to limit movement of disconnected hoses or pipes, then damage risk is reduced, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamage risk from whippingVSAvoidtether attachment system
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tether system uses simple, inexpensive components that can be easily replaced if needed. The tether itself is a basic elongated element, and the anchoring structure can be a simple stake or attachment point. These are not complex, expensive systems but rather straightforward, replaceable components that provide effective protection without adding significant complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The tether system serves multiple functions: it limits whipping movement, provides anchoring, and can be applied to various types of hoses and pipes. The same basic tether design can be used across different applications and environments, reducing the need for specialized complex systems for each specific case.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3816496B1A method of controlling hoses and pipes that become disconnected under pressure
Publication Date: 2022.09.07 MAXINUS INC
  • EP3816496B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3816496B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3816496B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

A method of controlling hoses and pipes that become disconnected under pressure. A first elongated tether that has a first end and a second end is provided. The first end of the first elongated tether is attached to a first hose or pipe adjacent to a first hose or pipe connection end. The first end of the first elongated tether is tightened around the first hose or pipe. The second end of the first elongated ether is attached to a second hose or pipe adjacent a second hose or pipe connection end. The second end of the first elongated tether is tightened around the second hose or pipe.