Motor-Driven Hose Handling Device with Cable Element Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel dispensing unit hose handling systems are bulky, complex, and require excessive manual force to extract and retract hoses, leading to wear and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A device with a motor that feeds and retracts a cable element from both ends, guided by spring-suspended and fixed guiding means, reducing power requirements and friction, and featuring a control unit to manage tension and prevent unnecessary motor use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a longer hose is provided to reach vehicles parked at a distance, then the hose can reach the vehicle, but the hose may land on the ground when not used and get stuck in or damaged by passing vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
A cable element is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the motor and the hose. The cable element transmits the retracting force from the motor to the hose, enabling automated hose retraction without direct mechanical connection, thus preventing the hose from contacting the ground and avoiding damage from passing vehicles
2Reliability
If a returning mechanism is provided to prevent the hose from landing on the ground, then the hose safety is improved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motor-driven cable element serves multiple functions: it retracts the hose, controls hose extension, and prevents ground contact. By consolidating these functions into a single motor-cable system rather than separate mechanical components, the device complexity is reduced while maintaining hose safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical returning mechanisms (such as drums, pulleys, and spring systems) with a simpler motor-driven cable element system. The cable element acts as a flexible transmission medium that converts motor rotation into linear hose retraction, eliminating the need for bulky mechanical structures
3Ease of operation
If extensive manual force is required to extract the hose from the hose housing, then the hose can be pulled out, but the user effort and potential motor wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motor-driven cable element system performs the hose retraction automatically without requiring user effort. When the hose needs to be retracted, the motor activates the cable element which pulls the hose back into the housing, making the system self-serving and eliminating the need for users to apply force
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical force application with an automated motor-driven cable system. The motor converts electrical energy into mechanical motion through the cable element, substituting human muscular force with an automated actuation system that requires minimal user intervention
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 reduces the manual force needed to extract hoses, minimizes motor wear, and decreases the complexity and cost of the fuel dispensing unit while ensuring efficient and secure operation.
Implementation Method 1
a first guiding means of the plurality of guiding means is spring suspended such that the first guiding means having a first and a second position, wherein the position of the first guiding means depends on a tension of the cable element
Data Source
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AI summary
Device for handling a plurality of hoses (404) in a fuel dispensing unit (400), the device (100, 200) allowing the hose (404) to be pulled out from a hose storage space and return the hose to the hose storage space. In this device (100, 200), a cable element (104) is connected to a motor (102) for feeding and retracting the cable element (104), wherein when the cable element (104) is being retracted, each of the plurality of hoses (404) will be returned to the hose storage space, wherein when the cable element (104) is being fed, each of the plurality of hoses (404) will be allowed to be pulled out from the hose storage space. The cable element (104) is connected to the motor (102) in both ends of the cable element (104).