Storz Fire Hose Coupling Bumper Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Storz fire fighting hose couplings are prone to damage during deployment and operation due to being dropped or dragged, leading to deformation and breach of the anodized coating, which can result in failure under pressure and inability to connect with other fittings in emergencies.
Innovation Solution
A bumper system comprising a laterally extending protective material, such as a rubber or rubber-steel collar, is securely attached to the Storz fitting to elevate the anodized surfaces and prevent ground contact, thereby protecting the coupling from damage and abrasion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the Storz coupling is made lightweight using aluminum with anodized coating, then the weight is reduced and corrosion resistance is improved, but the coupling becomes susceptible to damage from dropping and abrasion during deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining aluminum (lightweight, corrosion-resistant) with a rubber bumper (shock-absorbent, abrasion-resistant). The rubber bumper is attached to the aluminum coupling, creating a composite structure that leverages the advantages of both materials: the aluminum provides lightweight construction and corrosion resistance through anodized coating, while the rubber bumper provides protection against impact and abrasion damage during deployment operations
2Reliability
If the coupling is protected with a rubber bumper, then the damage resistance and reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional attachment components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the protective system into separate components: the aluminum coupling body and the rubber bumper as a distinct attached element. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the coupling for its structural and corrosion-resistant properties, and the bumper for its shock-absorbent properties - while simplifying the overall design compared to creating a fully integrated complex structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing the rubber bumper as a mediating element between the coupling and the external environment (ground, obstacles). The bumper acts as a buffer that absorbs and distributes impact forces, protecting the coupling from direct contact with harmful external factors during deployment operations
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for protecting Storz fire fighting fittings from damage associated with being dropped, or dragged, or from colliding with other equipment or the like during deployment and operation, and including a bumper.