Rotary Coupling for Sewer Pipe Flushing Head
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rotating flushing hoses in sewers is labor-intensive and causes high wear due to the need for manual or mechanical torque transmission over long lengths, leading to uncontrollable rotation and stress on the hose.
Innovation Solution
A rotary device with a water inlet and outlet connected to the flushing hose, allowing for targeted rotation of the flushing head with reduced torque requirements, featuring a compact, rotationally symmetrical design with self-sealing connections and a drive mechanism that minimizes hose twisting, enabling efficient rotation of the flushing hose without extensive modifications to existing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the entire flushing hose is rotated on the reel to change direction, then the flushing head can be positioned in different locations, but the torque transmitted over the entire hose causes high wear and stress especially on the first few meters near the reel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the rotation function into segments: only the front section of the hose (from the flushing head to approximately 5-10 meters back) is designed to rotate freely, while the rest of the hose remains stationary on the reel. This is achieved through a rotating coupling element at the hose end that allows controlled rotation without transmitting torque along the entire hose length, thereby reducing stress and wear on the hose material.
2Ease of operation
If manual rotation of the flushing hose is performed by hand or clamping device, then the flushing head can be rotated, but it is particularly tedious for hoses located in the sewer over lengths of several tens of meters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service rotation through a freely rotating coupling element at the hose end that automatically rotates without requiring manual intervention. The coupling element is designed with low-friction bearings and a streamlined shape that allows it to rotate passively as the flushing head moves or changes direction, eliminating the need for operators to manually rotate long hoses and significantly reducing operation time.
3Ease of operation
If the reel is suspended in a rotatable manner to turn the entire flushing hose, then the flushing head can be repositioned, but the rotation is not sufficiently controllable due to twisting of the hose that cannot be ruled out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent limits rotation to only the front section of the hose by using a rotating coupling element located at the hose end near the flushing head. This segmented approach allows controlled rotation of only the necessary portion (5-10 meters) while keeping the rest of the hose stationary, preventing uncontrolled twisting along the entire hose length and improving rotational controllability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating coupling element acts as an intermediary between the flushing head and the stationary hose reel. It provides a controlled rotation interface that allows the flushing head to change direction while preventing torque transmission to the entire hose, thereby maintaining controllability and preventing unwanted twisting.
4Strength
If a rotating device is placed close to the flushing head for targeted rotation, then less torque is required and hose wear is reduced, but the device must be compact enough to traverse narrow house connection channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places a compact rotating coupling element at the end of the hose, segmented from the main hose body and reel system. This small rotating section (only 5-10 meters of hose length) is sufficient to reduce torque requirements and protect the main hose from stress, while its compact size allows it to navigate narrow channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating coupling element is designed with a streamlined, rotationally symmetrical shape that minimizes its volume while maintaining rotational functionality. The curved, aerodynamic form allows it to rotate smoothly with minimal drag and fits within the constraints of narrow sewer channels, achieving the balance between rotational effectiveness and compact size.
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 allows for more controlled and efficient rotation of the flushing hose with reduced effort and stress, minimizing hose wear and enabling easier navigation through narrow channels and branches, while maintaining effective flushing and inspection capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
A rotary device (1) for rotation of at least a part (18) of a flushing head (3) to be connected to a flushing hose (4)... a drive device (24, 39) for the rotary movement... the rotating part (18)... can be rotated about an axis of rotation by means of the drive device (24, 39)
Implementation Method 2
at least one water outlet (11, 41) that is conductively connected to the water inlet... another cleaning or rinsing fluid can also be used instead of water
Implementation Method 3
self-sealing connections... The inlet end (14) is arranged in an inlet pan (16)... Under the pressure in the flushing hose or in the rotary device (1), the inlet spout (9) is slightly displaced in the socket, which leads to a self-sealing contact
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a rotating device for rotating at least part of a flushing head (3) that can be connected to a flushing hose, said flushing head being usable for inspecting and cleaning rain, service and sewer pipes (5). The rotating device (1) comprises: a port for the flushing hose, which port has a water inlet and is designed to support a torque on the flushing hose; at least one water outlet which is connected to the water inlet via a line; and a drive device, a rotating part (18) of the rotating device (1) having the water outlet being rotatable about a rotational axis (26) relative to a connecting part (19) of the rotating device (1) having the port by means of the drive device. The invention also relates to a pipe flushing and inspection device having a flushing head (3), a flushing hose and a rotating device (1).