Modular Hose Positioner Assembly for Friction and Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic hoses in bundles used in mining and oil well drilling applications are prone to friction and degradation due to movement and vibrations, leading to premature wear and the need for frequent replacement, as existing solutions do not adequately address the fragility and excessive movement within the bundles.
Innovation Solution
A hose positioner comprising an arch-shaped body with a cylindrical passageway and a connecting member that can be releasably retained by a connector, allowing for secure spacing of hoses to prevent contact and reduce wear, featuring adjustable fasteners like zip ties and a frustoconical connecting member for interference fit with a complementary connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hoses are attached to a support structure in a bundle to minimise movement and vibrations, then the hoses are secured and movement is reduced, but the fragility and excessive movement of the hoses within the bundle still occur leading to friction and degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the hose bundle into individual compartments using separate positioners for each hose. Each positioner is a独立的 component that secures a single hose, preventing contact between hoses and with the support structure. This segmentation eliminates friction and wear while maintaining hose security through individualized support.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioner acts as an intermediary component between the hose and the support structure. It provides a protective interface that prevents direct contact between the hose and potentially harmful surfaces, thereby eliminating friction and wear while still securing the hose in place through its retaining features.
2Stability of the object's composition
If hoses are secured in a bundle to minimise movement, then hose positioning is improved, but the hoses remain prone to friction between surrounding surfaces and other hoses
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates each hose into its own positioner compartment, preventing contact between hoses. Each positioner maintains stable hose positioning through its retaining features while the physical separation eliminates friction between adjacent hoses in the bundle.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioners are arranged in a three-dimensional configuration around the support structure, spacing hoses apart in multiple dimensions. This spatial arrangement maintains stable positioning while eliminating friction by ensuring hoses do not contact each other or surrounding surfaces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a connector is used to retain hose positioners in a spaced apart relationship, then modular assembly is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed as a universal component that can retain multiple positioners in various configurations. This single multi-functional connector replaces the need for multiple specialized fastening mechanisms, enabling modular assembly while actually reducing overall device complexity through component consolidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines multiple retention functions into a single connector component that can secure several positioners simultaneously. This merging of functions simplifies the overall system by reducing the number of separate parts and assembly steps required for modular hose bundle configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A hose positioner having an body with a passageway extending therethrough. The body is adapted to receive a hose into the passageway. The hose positioner also includes a connecting member extending from the elongate body which is adapted to be releasably retained with a connector.