Locking Hose Reel Spool for Controlled Deployment and Tension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hose reels are poorly suited for use with portable high pressure spray washers and air compressors, as they often result in hoses being loosely coiled or requiring manual carrying during repositioning, lacking effective locking and tensioning mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A hose reel assembly with a rotatable winding spool featuring a locking mechanism and tensioning system, including a clutch or ratcheting assembly, allowing selective locking and tensioning of the spool to manage hose deployment and storage, suitable for portable high pressure washers and air compressors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional hose reel with freely rotating spool is used, then hose deployment is simple, but the hose cannot be securely locked in position and may inadvertently unwind
Solution Approach 1:
The ratcheting mechanism automatically locks the spool in position when hose tension is applied, without requiring manual intervention. The ratchet pawl engages with the ratchet wheel to prevent reverse rotation, providing self-locking functionality that maintains spool position stability while allowing easy deployment when tension is released.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to the spool, then position stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted as a separate ratcheting mechanism that operates independently from the main spool rotation system. The ratchet pawl and ratchet wheel are distinct components that provide locking functionality without complicating the primary hose deployment operation, allowing the spool to rotate freely in the deployment direction while locking in the reverse direction.
3Ease of operation
If a tensioning mechanism is incorporated, then hose control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning function is merged with the existing ratcheting mechanism by using the same ratchet pawl and ratchet wheel components to provide both hose control and locking functions. The tensioning action that would normally require separate components is achieved through the ratcheting system, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective hose control capability.
4Volume of moving object
If the spool is designed for compact internal storage within pressure washer housing, then space utilization is improved, but hose deployment control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The spool is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to rotate smoothly within the compact housing while providing adequate hose deployment control. The bearing support system is optimized to reduce friction and enable easy rotation in the limited space available, while the ratcheting mechanism provides sufficient locking force to control hose deployment despite the compact dimensions.
Data Source
AI summary
A hose reel assembly for use in the storage and deployment of pressure washer or air compressor hoses includes a winding spool having a winding shaft about which a length of hose may be coiled or uncoiled. The winding spool is rotatably supported on support frame which internally positions the winding shaft substantially within the pressure or air compressor housing.