Hose Reel Reciprocating Guide Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reels for spooling linear material face issues with quick wear and bulkiness due to reversing screws and complex gear mechanisms, leading to reduced performance and frequent replacements, and are prone to damage from exposure to elements.
Innovation Solution
A compact reciprocating mechanism featuring a worm gear, driven gear, lever, and elongate member that rotates about a first axis, producing a reciprocating motion to guide linear material uniformly across a rotating drum, with a housing that encloses the drum to protect moving parts and reduce wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rotating reversing screw is used to produce reciprocating motion of the guide, then the linear material can be wrapped uniformly around the drum, but the reversing screw wears out quickly and increases the size of the reel assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional rotating reversing screw mechanism with a worm gear and driven gear system. The worm gear, which has inherent self-locking properties, eliminates the need for a reversing mechanism while providing more reliable and durable operation. This substitution reduces wear and maintains compact dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the reversing mechanism from the traditional screw system. By using a worm gear that naturally provides one-way rotation control, the patent removes the need for complex reversing components, thereby reducing overall assembly size and improving reliability.
2Ease of operation
If a motor controls a rotating screw to produce reciprocating motion, then the guide can translate back and forth, but the repeated reversing increases spooling time and causes the motor to wear down sooner
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the motor-controlled reversing screw system with a pure mechanical worm gear and driven gear mechanism. This mechanical system continuously drives the guide along the drum without requiring motor reversal, eliminating idle time between reciprocating motions and reducing overall spooling time.
Solution Approach 2:
The worm gear mechanism provides continuous rotational motion that is continuously converted into reciprocating guide motion. There are no pauses or idle periods between reciprocating cycles, as the mechanical drive remains engaged and continuous, thereby reducing total spooling time compared to motor-based systems with reversal delays.
3Device complexity
If moving parts are exposed to the environment, then the reel structure can be simpler, but the moving parts become damaged due to exposure to sunlight and rain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a housing that encloses the moving parts (worm gear, driven gear, guide mechanism) to protect them from environmental elements such as sunlight and rain. This protective enclosure prevents degradation of mechanical components while maintaining a relatively simple overall reel structure.
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
The solution provides a compact, efficient, and durable reel assembly that maintains performance by reducing wear and exposure-related issues, allowing for uniform spooling with reduced power consumption and fewer parts, resulting in a smaller and more reliable spooling system.
Implementation Method 1
a worm gear extending along the first axis and coupled with respect to the element. The reciprocating mechanism also comprises a driven gear meshingly engaged with the worm gear
Implementation Method 2
A lever is coupled to and configured to rotate along with the driven gear about the driven gear axis, the lever having an elongated slot
Implementation Method 3
A guide member defines an encircling slot in a plane generally parallel to a plane within which the lever rotates
Data Source
AI summary
A reel assembly comprises a drum configured to rotate about a drum axis. The drum is configured to receive a linear material wrapped around a spool surface thereof as the drum rotates about the drum axis. A housing substantially encloses the drum, wherein a portion of the housing defines an aperture configured to receive the linear material therethrough. A reciprocating mechanism connects to the drum and reciprocatingly rotates the drum relative to the shell about a generally vertical axis as the drum rotates about the drum axis.