Motorized Hose Recovery Apparatus with Adjustable Drive Rollers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for recovering flexible fire hoses are inefficient, requiring substantial effort, time, and manpower, and are often complex, expensive, and difficult to operate, especially when dealing with large quantities and hose couplings.
Innovation Solution
A hose recovery apparatus featuring a lifting frame assembly with guide rollers, a motor-driven rotational drive system, and an adjustable support assembly, allowing a single operator to efficiently collect and store long lengths of coupled hose by manually lifting the hose couplings past the drive system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual rolling or folding of hose is used, then hose can be recovered for storage, but substantial effort, time and manpower are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated mechanical system. A motor-driven roller mechanism automatically feeds and winds the hose, eliminating the need for firefighters to manually roll or fold the hose. The system uses a drive roller, idler rollers, and a motor to create continuous automatic hose recovery, dramatically reducing operator effort and increasing recovery speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The hose recovery system is designed to operate with minimal human intervention. Once the hose is fed into the apparatus, the motor-driven mechanism automatically winds and stores the hose without requiring continuous manual manipulation. The system serves itself by maintaining continuous operation until the hose is fully recovered.
2Productivity
If complex pulley and sensing units are used, then hose recovery capability is improved, but device complexity and maintenance cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes complex pulley systems and sensing units from the hose recovery apparatus. Instead, it uses a simplified motor-driven roller mechanism that directly feeds and winds the hose. This extraction of unnecessary components reduces device complexity while maintaining effective hose recovery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive mechanical components such as rollers, chains, and motors that are easy to replace and maintain. Rather than using complex, expensive sensing units and pulley systems, the design favors straightforward mechanical elements that can be readily serviced or replaced if needed.
3Productivity
If hose couplings are forced through the apparatus, then continuous hose recovery is achieved, but couplings may get stuck causing damage or injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic roller system where the drive roller and idler rollers can adjust their positions and pressures. The rollers are designed to flexibly accommodate the transition from flexible hose to rigid couplings, allowing couplings to pass through smoothly without getting stuck. The mechanical system adapts its behavior based on what is being fed through.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller mechanism acts as an intermediary between the hose and the winding mechanism. The rollers gently guide and propel both the flexible hose and the rigid couplings through the apparatus without direct mechanical engagement that could cause damage. This intermediary system prevents harmful forces from being applied to the couplings.
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 the efficient recovery of up to 3000 feet of hose in 30 minutes using a single operator, with the system being economical, easy to maintain, and adjustable, reducing the risk of damage or injury.
Implementation Method 1
A motor is mounted atop the lifting frame assembly. The motor is coupled to a drive system comprising a cylindrical rotational drive roller
Implementation Method 2
In a first position, a hose is disposed between the rotational drive roller and the lower rollers. Upon actuation of the rotational drive roller, the hose feeds through the apparatus
Implementation Method 3
A biasing means such as a hinge allows for lowering the lifting frame arms into a first position and lifting the lifting frame arms into a second position
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for recovering hose, particularly coupled fire hose, comprises a lifting frame assembly, a lifting arm attached to the lifting frame assembly, a plurality of guide rollers, a motor mounted on the lifting frame assembly, an electric switch, a powered rotational drive roller, a plurality of lower rollers, and a detachable support assembly. A biasing means biases the lifting frame assembly to a plurality of guide roller mounts to allow lifting and lowering of the lifting frame assembly to and from at first and second position to allow passage of hose fitted with hose couplings. When using the relatively simple apparatus, a single operator can efficiently collect infinite quantities of hose fitted with hose couplings.