Retractable Hose Spring Biasing and Hydrophobic Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retractable hoses using elastic layers for retracting forces face issues such as water absorption, fraying of reinforcement layers, inner hose misalignment, permanent stretching due to thermal plastic elastomers, and excessive retracting force, leading to user discomfort and hose damage.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a hydrophobic coating for the reinforcement layer, periodic wear surfaces, bonding of the inner hose to the reinforcement tube to prevent misalignment, use of thermal set elastomers for resistance to thermal deformation, and a coiled spring for retracting force, along with increased inner hose diameter to reduce radial expansion and enhance longitudinal extension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If elastic layers are used to provide retracting forces, then the hose can retract linearly when internal pressure is removed, but the reinforcement layer absorbs water like a sponge making handling uncomfortable and the elastic layer may permanently lose its full elastic properties
Solution Approach 1:
A water-repellent coating is applied to the reinforcement layer to act as an intermediary barrier between the water and the water-absorbing fiber. This coating prevents water from penetrating into the reinforcement layer while allowing the elastic layer to maintain its retractability function.
Solution Approach 2:
The hose employs a composite structure combining a water-repellent coating layer with the reinforcement layer and elastic layer. This composite design allows the reinforcement layer to provide structural support while resisting water absorption, and the elastic layer to provide retracting force without the reinforcement compromising its function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the hose is designed to extend linearly when pressurized, then it provides benefits relative to conventional fixed length hoses, but the inner hose may be caught on the inner surface of the reinforcement cover raising the risk that the inner hose will stretch and snap
Solution Approach 1:
A lubricious coating is applied to the inner surface of the reinforcement cover to act as an intermediary that reduces friction between the inner hose and the reinforcement cover. This lubricious layer prevents the inner hose from being caught or snagged on the reinforcement cover surface during extension and retraction, thereby preventing stretching and potential snapping of the inner hose.
3Ease of manufacture
If thermal plastic elastomers are used for the elastic layer, then the hose can be manufactured easily, but the hose will permanently lose its full elastic properties if pressurized for long periods and/or heated while extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from using thermal plastic elastomers to thermoset elastomers for the elastic layer. This material parameter change fundamentally alters the curing process from reversible thermal softening to irreversible cross-linking, which prevents permanent deformation and maintains elastic properties under prolonged pressurization and heat exposure while still allowing for manufacturing through molding processes.
4Shape
If the elastic layer provides strong retracting force, then the hose returns to its original shape effectively, but the hose exerts a retracting force strong enough to prevent the hose from being conveniently used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the parameters of the elastic layer by using thermoset elastomers with controlled durometer ratings and cross-linking densities. This allows tuning the retracting force to be sufficient for shape recovery but not so strong as to make the hose difficult to handle or deploy. The cross-section geometry and wall thickness are also optimized to balance retracting force with usability.
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 prevents water absorption, protects the hose from wear, minimizes the risk of inner hose breakage, reduces the retracting force for easier handling, and allows for greater longitudinal extension without damage, improving user experience and hose durability.
Implementation Method 1
The reinforcement layer (144, 126) may be coated with a water repellant or other hydrophobic material (146, 128)
Implementation Method 2
When water pressure is released, the pressure inside hose 20 can return to atmospheric pressure and the elastic nature of inner hose 24 pulls hose 20 back to its retracted state
Implementation Method 3
A retractable hose may incorporate a coiled spring to provide a biasing force to retract the hose
Data Source
AI summary
An extendable and retractable pressure hose can be constructed comprising an input connector, an output connector, an elastic inner hose, an outer cover, and one or more portions of the elastic inner hose engaged with the outer cover and disposed between the first and second ends of the hose. In such a hose, the input connector and output connector can be connected to each end of elastic inner hose and outer cover.