Hose Puller With Locking Grip for Ergonomic Handling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for pulling fuel oil hoses and nozzle assemblies are cumbersome, causing shoulder and back strain due to the weight distribution and potential for fuel leakage, leading to discomfort and safety issues during handling.
Innovation Solution
A device with a laterally-extending grip and lock mechanism that allows secure attachment and detachment of the hose and nozzle assembly, enabling it to be pulled from behind the back, reducing strain and preventing fuel leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the nozzle and hose are held over the shoulder and pulled manually, then the hose can be transported from the truck to the tank inlet, but significant forces are created at the shoulder, lower back and other body locations that can cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
A device with a lock mechanism and laterally-extending grip serves as an intermediary between the worker and the heavy hose assembly. The lock securely attaches to the nozzle while the grip provides a balanced handling interface, eliminating direct shoulder carrying and reducing body strain during hose transport.
2Ease of operation
If the nozzle and hose are held in front of the chest and pulled, then the hose can be transported, but the nozzle can leak fuel oil onto the workman or onto his or her clothes
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of holding the nozzle in traditional positions (over shoulder or in front of chest), the device enables the worker to hold the grip behind the back. This inverted positioning keeps the nozzle and potential fuel leakage away from the worker's body and clothing while maintaining secure transport capability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a lock mechanism is added to secure the hose assembly, then the hose can be pulled from behind the back reducing strain, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional components: a lock mechanism for secure attachment to the nozzle, a laterally-extending grip for balanced handling, and a structural body providing geometric stability. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall design manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism incorporates a keyhole-shaped aperture with different section properties: a narrow upper section for secure locking engagement and a wider lower section for tool insertion and release. This local variation in aperture geometry enables both secure attachment and easy release without requiring complex additional mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for pulling a hose and nozzle assembly comprises a laterally-extending grip manually engageable by one or both hands to grip the device and pull a hose and nozzle assembly attached thereto. A lock is spaced below the grip and is releasably engageable with the hose and nozzle assembly. The lock or hose and nozzle assembly is movable relative to the other between (i) a locked position, wherein the hose and nozzle assembly is secured by the lock to the device and the hose and nozzle assembly is supported therefrom, and (ii) an unlocked position, wherein the hose and nozzle assembly is released from the lock and detached from the device. In the locked position, the laterally-extending grip is manually engageable to pull the device, including in a position behind the back, and thereby pull the hose and nozzle assembly secured thereto.