Segmented Hose Wall Expansion Ratio and Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hoses are heavy, difficult to handle, and hard to store, and recent lightweight expanding and contracting hoses lack durability and abrasion resistance, especially under high fluid pressure.
Innovation Solution
A hose with a segmented tubular wall that expands and contracts under fluid pressure, featuring a bias mechanism to maintain a collapsed state without pressure, utilizing a combination of intrinsic, internal, or external biases to manage segment angles and expansion ratios, allowing for durable and lightweight operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional hard rubber hoses are used, then durability and abrasion resistance are maintained, but weight increases and ease of handling decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The hose wall is divided into multiple discrete segments along its length, with each segment capable of independent expansion and contraction. This segmentation allows the hose to achieve lightweight construction while maintaining structural integrity through the coordinated movement of segments, resolving the contradiction between durability and weight reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The hose transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic structure where wall segments can change position and configuration in response to fluid pressure. This dynamic capability enables the hose to adapt its form factor, achieving both weight reduction and durability through controlled segment movement rather than relying solely on heavy rigid materials.
2Ease of operation
If lightweight expanding hoses are used, then ease of handling improves, but durability and abrasion resistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the hose wall into discrete units that can expand and contract independently, the hose achieves lightweight construction that improves handling while the segmented structure itself provides durability through distributed stress management and controlled deformation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The hose utilizes changes in wall segment configuration and orientation as a primary mechanism for expansion and contraction. By controlling the angular position and relative movement of segments, the hose achieves lightweight flexible handling while maintaining structural integrity and durability through controlled parameter changes rather than material compromise.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hose expands under fluid pressure, then functionality improves, but control over segment angles and expansion ratios becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The hose segments are designed to automatically expand and contract in response to fluid pressure without requiring external control mechanisms. The segments self-regulate their movement based on pressure differentials, achieving adaptable expansion capability while minimizing control complexity through inherent self-service behavior of the segmented structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical control systems with fluid pressure-driven segment movement. Instead of using motors, actuators, or mechanical linkages to control segment angles and expansion ratios, the system uses fluid pressure directly to drive segment configuration changes, reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
4Volume of moving object
If segmented tubular wall structure is used, then expansion ratio increases, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented tubular wall structure divides the hose into discrete manufacturing units that can be produced with standardized geometries. This segmentation allows for controlled expansion ratios through the number and configuration of segments, while managing manufacturing precision requirements through modular, repeatable segment designs rather than requiring high precision across a continuous structure.
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 hose achieves a significant expansion ratio of 3:1 to 10:1, maintaining durability and abrasion resistance while being lightweight and easy to handle, with the ability to withstand high fluid pressure and store compactly.
Implementation Method 1
a hose that expands and contracts in response to the amount of fluid pressure that is applied from within
Implementation Method 2
A bias is provided to keep said first wall segment and second wall segment on the same side of the transverse plane in a contracted state. The bias may be a memory force built into the segmented tubular wall
Data Source
AI summary
An expandable and contractible hose, the hose includes a segmented tubular wall circumscribing an interior. The segmented tubular wall is made up of a plurality of contiguous segments. Each contiguous segment expands along the length of the hose with the application of pressure from within. A bias holds the contiguous segments in a collapsed state when no pressure is applied from within the interior. A pressurized fluid passing within the interior overcomes the bias and causes the contiguous segments to expand into an expanded state.