Pull-Out Hose Rotary Lock for Position Holding Without Manual Latching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pull-out hose devices require users to manually hold the hose in an extended position to prevent retraction, lacking ease of use and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A pull-out hose device with a rotary lock mechanism where the pawl can be moved from an extension release position to a retraction locking position by rotating the ratchet wheel in the retraction direction, allowing the hose to be locked in any desired position by slight retraction and unlocked by slight extension, without requiring additional actuating elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rotary lock mechanism is added to prevent retraction, then the hose can be fixed in extended position, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary lock mechanism is integrated into the existing hose guide device, merging the locking function with the guide structure. The pawl and ratchet wheel are incorporated as additional components within the same housing, eliminating the need for a separate locking device and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary lock mechanism operates automatically based on hose movement. When the hose is extended, the pawl engages with the ratchet wheel teeth to prevent retraction. When the hose is retracted, the pawl disengages automatically, allowing the mechanism to serve itself without user intervention for locking/unlocking operations.
2Reliability
If the pawl is pre-tensioned against the ratchet wheel, then the locking is more reliable, but the force required to operate the mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pawl is designed with elastic pre-tensioning that allows dynamic adjustment of the locking force. The elastic element maintains constant pressure on the ratchet wheel teeth during normal operation, ensuring reliable locking. When unlocking is needed, the user simply needs to overcome the elastic force temporarily, after which the pawl automatically re-engages with the teeth.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-tensioning force of the pawl can be adjusted by modifying the elastic element properties (spring constant, pre-compression). This allows optimization of the balance between locking reliability and operating force requirement, enabling the mechanism to adapt to different hose weights and extension positions.
3Reliability
If the pawl blocks rotation in retraction direction, then the hose remains fixed, but the ease of operation decreases as users must manually release the lock
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary lock mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on hose movement direction. Extension of the hose automatically triggers the pawl to engage with the ratchet wheel, preventing retraction. Retraction of the hose automatically causes the pawl to disengage, eliminating the need for manual locking/unlocking operations and greatly simplifying user interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the user to actively engage a lock to prevent retraction, the system inverts the logic: the default state allows free movement, and the locking action occurs automatically when the hose is extended. This inversion transforms a manual locking operation into an automatic function triggered by normal hose usage.
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
Provides high user-friendliness and reliable functionality, enabling intuitive locking and unlocking of the hose in any position with minimal effort, enhancing ease of use and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a pawl (4) which is elastically pre-tensioned against the locking wheel (3) and pivotable about a pawl axis (5)
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~7
Figure 8~10
AI summary
1. Extension hose device. 2.1. The invention relates to an extension hose device comprising a hose holder, an extension hose which is extended by an extension movement in an extension direction to an extension end position and retracted by a retraction movement opposite to the extension movement to an extension end position, and a rotary lock with a rotatable ratchet wheel (3) and a pawl (4) elastically pre-tensioned against the ratchet wheel and pivotable about a pawl axis (5). The ratchet wheel is coupled to the extension hose in such a way that it rotates with the extension movement of the extension hose in an extension direction (DA) and with the retraction movement of the extension hose in a retraction direction opposite to the extension direction (DE).In an extension-release position (AF), the pawl releases the ratchet wheel in its extension direction. 2.2. According to the invention, the pawl can be moved from the ratchet wheel by a rotation in its retraction direction from the extension-release position (AF) to a retraction-locking position, in which it blocks further rotation of the ratchet wheel in its retraction direction, and by a rotation in its extension direction from the retraction-locking position to a retraction-release position, in which it releases the ratchet wheel in its retraction direction. 2.3. Use, for example, as a sanitary pull-out hose device at showers, washbasins, and bathtubs.