Telescoping Suction Hose for Refuse Tank Trucks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tank trucks for collecting and transporting flowable refuse materials face challenges in efficiently adjusting the length of the suction hose between the tank and the pick-up nozzle, affecting operational efficiency, space utilization, and maintenance due to the large diameter of the hose.

Innovation Solution

A retractable boom and telescoping suction hose assembly with a drive assembly that allows for adjustable vertical and horizontal extension of the hose, combined with a telescoping catch basin nozzle, to enhance the flexibility and functionality of the hose and boom system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If extensible suction hoses, storage reels, or insertable hose sections are used to accommodate variable length, then the suction hose length can be adjusted, but the large diameter of the hose creates problems with efficient operation, space utilization, and maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuction hose length adjustabilityVSAvoidoperational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The suction hose is designed as a telescoping assembly with multiple nested sections that can dynamically extend and retract. The inner section slides within the outer section, allowing the hose length to vary from retracted to fully extended positions. This dynamic configuration enables the hose to adapt to different operational distances while maintaining efficient operation and optimal space utilization on the truck.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the suction hose is made extensible or uses insertable sections to vary length, then the hose can reach different positions, but the large diameter creates space utilization problems on the tank truck

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuction hose length adjustabilityVSAvoidspace utilization on truck
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The suction hose is constructed as a telescoping assembly where the inner hose section is nested within the outer hose section. When retracted, the inner section slides completely inside the outer section, minimizing the space occupied on the truck. When extended, the inner section slides outward to provide the necessary reach. This nested configuration allows significant length adjustment while optimizing space utilization on the tank truck.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Device complexity

If traditional suction hose arrangements are used, then the hose can be simple in structure, but the hose cannot be positioned precisely or operated at various angles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehose assembly structureVSAvoidpositioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The boom assembly is designed as a telescoping structure with multiple sections that can extend and retract independently. The inner boom section slides within the outer boom section, allowing precise control of the nozzle position. This dynamic telescoping mechanism enables the nozzle to reach various positions and operate at different angles while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that integrates with the truck platform.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS7712481B1Suction hose arrangement for refuse tank trucks
Publication Date: 2010.05.11 VACTORGUZZLER MFG
  • US7712481B1 patent drawing
  • US7712481B1 patent drawing
  • US7712481B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A tank truck is provided for collecting and transporting flowable material. The tank truck may include a tank configured to store flowable material, a retractable suction hose assembly connected to the tank and supported by a retractable boom, the suction hose assembly including an arrangement of telescoping tubes and a hose, and a drive assembly for selectively adjusting the horizontal and vertical position of the suction hose.