Telescopic Lance With Flexible Inner Tube And Tab-Groove Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in adjusting the spraying direction of materials, such as water or paint, when using traditional lances in confined spaces, as existing solutions like stiff arms or physical bending are cumbersome and unsafe, especially when trying to reach areas like the underside of a car or high walls.
Innovation Solution
A bendable telescopic lance with a flexible inner tube and outer pipe, where the relative position of the inner tube and outer pipe determines the spatial position and length of the telescopic element, allowing for adjustable spraying angles by telescopic extension and contraction, facilitated by a tab and groove system for secure alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a stiff arm is attached to the end of the outlet hose to change spraying angle, then the spraying direction can be adjusted, but the device becomes more complex and cumbersome to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic element is nested within the outlet hose, with the telescopic element having a first portion and a second portion that can slide relative to each other. The tab-groove connection system integrates the telescopic mechanism directly into the hose structure, eliminating the need for separate stiff arms or external attachments. This nested design provides spraying angle adjustment while maintaining a compact, integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic element allows dynamic adjustment of the outlet hose's effective length and angle by sliding the first and second portions relative to each other. The tab can engage with different grooves along the telescopic element's length, enabling the user to dynamically change the spraying direction to match different operational requirements without being constrained by a fixed rigid structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the user lies on the ground to spray the underside of a car, then access to tight spaces is improved, but safety and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic element enables dynamic positioning of the outlet relative to the lance body, allowing the user to extend or retract the telescopic portion to reach undersides of vehicles, behind wheel wells, and other confined areas. This dynamic length adjustment provides access to tight spaces while the user can remain in a comfortable, safe position rather than lying on the ground.
3Length of moving object
If the telescopic element length is increased to reach higher areas, then accessibility is improved, but the device becomes longer and more difficult to maneuver
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic element employs a nested structure where the second portion can be extended from within the first portion, and vice versa. This nesting allows the lance to achieve an extended reach distance when needed while maintaining a compact, maneuverable size when the telescopic portions are retracted. The tab-groove system enables smooth extension and retraction without requiring complex external mechanisms.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A bendable telescopic lance device was disclosed. It is comprised of a flexible inner tube (1), a bendable telescopic element (2), and an outer pipe (4). These components are arranged such that sliding the outer pipe (4) with respect to the inner pipe (1) causes the telescope end element to either telescopically expand or retract. Bends in the components of the telescopic end element allow for the spraying angle to be changed. Associated methods for the adjustment of the spraying angle by adjusting relative the position of the inner tube (1) with respect to the outer pipe (4) were also disclosed.