Modular Pipe Cleaning Assembly for Concrete-Clogged Hoses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe and hose cleaning tools are not easy to use and do not effectively clean industrial pipes or hoses, particularly those clogged with concrete, as they lack portability, light weight, and durability.
Innovation Solution
A pipe and hose cleaning tool featuring a durable and somewhat rigid rope, a handle, and a cleaning assembly with interchangeable washers and bristle units, allowing for effective cleaning of pipes and hoses by manually pushing the rope through the pipe while the cleaning assembly scrubs the interior surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing pipe cleaning tools are used, then cleaning function is provided, but portability and ease of use are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning tool is divided into separate modular components including a handle assembly, cleaning head with brushes, and a rope/cable connection system. This segmentation allows the tool to be disassembled for easy storage and transport while maintaining full functionality when assembled, directly addressing the portability and ease of use requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning heads and brush components can be detached and removed from the handle assembly. This extraction capability allows users to easily store only the essential handle and rope components during transport, while attaching cleaning components only when needed, thereby improving portability without compromising cleaning effectiveness.
2Reliability
If existing pipe cleaning tools are used, then cleaning function is provided, but effectiveness on concrete-clogged pipes is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning head incorporates multiple brush types with different bristle densities and hardness levels positioned at specific locations to address different types of clogs. Harder bristles target concrete and tough residues, while softer bristles clean general debris, allowing the tool to effectively handle concrete-clogged pipes while maintaining ease of operation through automatic brush selection based on clog type.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning tool combines multiple materials including rigid plastic for the handle, flexible rubber or nylon for the rope, and various bristle materials (wire, stiff plastic, soft foam) in the cleaning heads. This composite material approach enables the tool to effectively remove concrete and other tough materials while remaining easy to operate and maneuver through pipes.
3Strength
If existing pipe cleaning tools are used, then cleaning function is provided, but durability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The handle assembly integrates multiple functions including structural support, rope attachment mechanism, and cleaning head mounting system into a single robust component. This merging of functions into unified structures reduces the number of separate parts that could fail, thereby improving durability while maintaining reasonable device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rope or cable connecting the handle to the cleaning heads is made from highly durable, abrasion-resistant materials such as steel cable or heavy-duty nylon. This beforehand cushioning against wear and tear ensures the connection system can withstand the harsh conditions of industrial pipe cleaning, significantly improving overall tool durability.
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 tool is easily portable, lightweight, and durable, enabling effective cleaning of industrial pipes and hoses, particularly those clogged with concrete, with interchangeable components for versatility and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
a cleaning assembly with interchangeable washers and bristle units, allowing for effective cleaning of pipes and hoses by manually pushing the rope through the pipe while the cleaning assembly scrubs the interior surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe and hose cleaning tool is provided. The pipe and hose cleaning tool is especially useful in cleaning industrial pipes and hoses used in pouring, for example, concrete at construction sites. The pipe and hose cleaning tool has a durable and somewhat rigid rope, a handle and a cleaning assembly.