Insulation Blowing Machine Hose Hub and Shredder Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insulation blowing machines are cumbersome and difficult to use, particularly due to lengthy and cumbersome distribution hoses, which complicate the distribution of compressed loosefill insulation material into insulation cavities.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a removable hose hub within a chute that stores the distribution hose, allowing for easy wrapping and unwrapping, and a lower unit with shredders and a discharge mechanism to condition the insulation material for efficient distribution into an airstream, along with a step plate for easy machine orientation and grip structures for transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a distribution hose is used to deliver insulation material, then the insulation material can be distributed into insulation cavities, but the hose becomes lengthy and cumbersome when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution hose is stored by wrapping it around a hose hub and securing it with a strap, nesting the hose within the compact hub structure. This eliminates the need for the hose to remain extended and cumbersome when not in use, while still allowing full hose length to be deployed during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The hose hub is pre-configured with a strap and winding structure that allows the hose to be quickly wrapped and secured before storage. This preliminary preparation ensures the hose is ready for immediate use without requiring lengthy setup or takedown procedures.
2Quantity of substance
If compressed insulation material is used for storage and transport, then storage and transportation efficiencies are improved, but the insulation material must be conditioned before distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The conditioning function is divided into multiple shredders arranged in series, with each shredder performing a specific function: the first shredder breaks apart compressed bales, the second shredder further divides the material, and the third shredder conditions the insulation to the desired density. This segmentation allows complex conditioning to be achieved through simple, modular components.
Solution Approach 2:
The shredders operate continuously as compressed insulation material moves through the system, with material flowing from the first shredder to the second, then to the third, maintaining continuous conditioning action without interruption. This ensures consistent insulation material preparation throughout operation.
3Ease of operation
If the insulation blowing machine is designed for ease of transport, then mobility is improved, but the machine must be configured for compact storage
Solution Approach 1:
The machine is divided into separate functional modules: a chute assembly for material delivery, a lower unit with shredders and discharge mechanism for conditioning, and a hose hub assembly for distribution. These modules can be independently positioned and compacted, reducing overall storage volume while maintaining full functionality and ease of transport.
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
This configuration simplifies the use of insulation blowing machines by reducing hose management complexity, facilitating efficient distribution of conditioned insulation material and enhancing transportability.
Implementation Method 1
a discharge mechanism configured to discharge the conditioned insulation material into an airstream
Data Source
AI summary
A machine for distributing insulation material from a package of compressed insulation material is provided. The machine includes a chute having an inlet end and outlet end. The inlet end is configured to receive the package of compressed insulation material. The chute further has a removable hose hub configured for wrapping with a distribution hose. The removable hose hub is further configured for engagement with opposing flange assemblies such that rotation of the hose hub results in rotation of the flange assemblies. A lower unit is configured to receive the compressed insulation material exiting the outlet end of the chute. The lower unit includes a plurality of shredders and a discharge mechanism. The discharge mechanism is configured to discharge conditioned insulation material into an airstream.