Spring-Clamped Foam Cleaner for Hoses and Cords
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning devices for hoses and cords are inefficient and hazardous due to their difficulty in securing and releasing hoses, leading to inadequate sanitation and potential health risks.
Innovation Solution
A handheld device with semicylindrical enclosing pieces and filter foams, leveraging a pressure-based clamping mechanism, and torsion spring for easy and secure attachment and detachment of hoses or cords.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a housing made up of two halves encloses a section of the cable to be cleaned, then the cleaning coverage is improved, but the ease of securing and releasing the hose deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate enclosing pieces that can be independently positioned around the hose. Each piece has its own leverage handle and filter foam, allowing the hose to be secured in segments rather than requiring a single complex clamping mechanism. This segmentation enables easier attachment and detachment while maintaining comprehensive cleaning coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs a dynamic leverage handle mechanism that transitions between applied and released states. When leverage is applied, the enclosing pieces open to allow hose insertion; when leverage is released, the spring returns the pieces to a closed clamping position. This dynamic mechanism simplifies the securing and releasing process compared to static housings.
2Ease of operation
If a pressure-based leverage clamping mechanism is used, then the ease of securing and releasing the hose is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The leverage handle mechanism is designed to be self-operating through user-applied pressure. The spring-loaded system automatically clamps when leverage is released and automatically opens when leverage is applied, eliminating the need for additional actuators, motors, or complex control systems. The device serves itself through the simple mechanical advantage provided by the leverage handles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic or hydraulic clamping systems with a simple mechanical leverage mechanism. The spring-loaded hinges and leverage handles create a purely mechanical system that achieves secure clamping and easy release through basic mechanical advantage, avoiding the need for motors, sensors, or control electronics.
3Reliability
If filter foams are used to clean the hose, then the cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs porous filter foams with controlled pore structures that effectively trap debris and contaminants on the hose surface. The foam's porous nature allows it to conform to the hose shape while maintaining cleaning effectiveness. The simplicity of using passive porous materials avoids the need for active cleaning systems like motors or pumps.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter foams are designed with specific pore density parameters (e.g., 20 pores per inch) that optimize cleaning effectiveness. By adjusting the pore size and density parameters of the foam material, the device achieves reliable cleaning without requiring complex mechanical or electronic systems. The parameter optimization is achieved through material selection rather than system complexity.
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
Enhances safety by preventing hand injuries and ensures efficient, thorough cleaning while minimizing contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
a torsion spring, a spring leg guide, four mandrel holders, and a mandrel
Implementation Method 2
The semicylindrical shape of the upper filter foam and the lower filter foam comprises a convex exterior, a concave interior, two ends, and two sides. According to some embodiments, the purpose of the filter foam is to clean the hose or cord that is being guided through the present invention.
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld cleaning device for hoses and cords includes an upper enclosing piece and a lower enclosing piece, each housing a corresponding semicylindrical filter foam. The enclosing pieces are connected via mandrel holders and a cylindrical mandrel, with a torsion spring positioned between them to bias the device toward a closed position. Upper and lower leverage handles are attached to the enclosing pieces and connected to the spring legs, allowing manual actuation between open and closed positions. The filter foam compresses around a hose or cord inserted through the interior cavity, enabling efficient and hygienic cleaning while reducing risk of user injury. The device is designed to securely envelop and clean hoses or cords of varying diameters by accommodating their shape and size through the flexible foam components.