Self-centering conduit cleaner with recessed hose fitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-centering conduit cleaning devices are suboptimal due to their rigid axial length, which prevents them from navigating small radius bends and corners in conduits, as the rigid hose coupling contacts the internal wall, blocking further movement.
Innovation Solution
A conduit cleaning device with a central portion featuring a resilient elastomeric centering device and a hose fitting located within a mounting bore of the core, allowing the hose fitting to be recessed and reducing the rigid axial length, enabling the device to deflect and navigate tighter bends.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the device uses a rigid hose coupling connected to the rear end of the body, then the structural integrity and stability are improved, but the device cannot navigate small radius bends and corners in conduits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid hose coupling with a flexible hose coupling that allows the device to dynamically adapt its shape and orientation when navigating bends and corners in conduits, while maintaining structural integrity through the flexible connection
2Stability of the object's composition
If the device has a longer axial length to accommodate the rigid hose coupling, then the structural stability is improved, but the device cannot navigate certain bends or corners in conduits
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible hose coupling allows the effective rigid axial length to dynamically change during operation, shortening when navigating bends while maintaining structural stability when in straight sections
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible hose coupling instead of a rigid one, allowing the device to bend and flex to navigate tight corners and bends in conduits while maintaining structural integrity
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 device can now pass through smaller radius bends and corners due to its reduced rigid axial length, enhancing its ability to clean conduits with complex geometries without getting stuck.
Implementation Method 1
resilient radially enlarged elastomeric centering device
Implementation Method 2
emit a high-pressure liquid stream that propels the body forward in the conduit being cleaned
Implementation Method 3
high-pressure fluid stream is emitted for rotating the rotor and cleaning the inside of a conduit
Data Source
AI summary
A conduit cleaning device includes a body with a central portion, a forward portion comprising a neck, and a rear portion with a hose fitting adapted for connection to an associated hose. The body includes a main flow passage that extends through the hose fitting, through the central portion, and into the neck. A rotor is rotatably supported on the neck. The rotor includes at least one rotor nozzle orifice in fluid communication with the main flow passage. A centering device is secured to the central portion of the body. The centering device includes a core and a plurality of fins that project outwardly from the core. The core of the centering device includes a mounting bore that extends therethrough, wherein at least part of the hose fitting is located within the mounting bore of the core and an annular space is defined between the hose fitting and an inner surface of the mounting bore of the core.