Vertical Hose Cable Support Device for Tractor Trailer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for managing hoses and cables on tractor-trailer trucks are prone to deterioration and require frequent maintenance due to excessive stretching, bending, and flexing, leading to potential damage and safety concerns.

Innovation Solution

A vertically mounted hose and cable support device with elongated support members, trapezoidal fastener plates, and a universal head mount, designed to provide uniform support and guidance for hoses and cables, preventing contact with the tractor or trailer frames and allowing for the attachment of various accessories, while being modular and cost-effective for shipping and assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If tensioner devices with rubber components and extension spring mechanisms are used to manage hoses and cables, then the hoses and cables are supported and their movement is restricted, but the rubber components and springs are subject to deterioration, rapid fatigue, and wear due to excessive stretching, bending, and flexing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehose and cable support reliabilityVSAvoidservice life of rubber components and springs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical spring-based tensioner system with an overhead support structure that utilizes the tractor's existing vertical space. This eliminates the need for extension springs and rubber components that are subject to fatigue and deterioration, while still providing the necessary support and movement restriction for hoses and cables.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts and removes the problematic rubber components and spring mechanisms from the hose support system. By eliminating these deteriorating parts entirely and replacing them with a simpler overhead support structure, the system maintains reliability without the fatigue and wear issues associated with elastic materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If existing hose and cable attachment components are used, then the hoses and cables are secured, but the attachment components rapidly wear and require regular scheduled preventative maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment component reliabilityVSAvoidmaintenance time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces worn-prone attachment components with a clamp-based securing system that attaches hoses and cables to the overhead support structure. This simpler mechanical system reduces wear and eliminates the need for regular preventative maintenance while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs simple, easily replaceable clamp components that can be quickly installed and removed without requiring complex maintenance procedures. These components are designed to be inexpensive and straightforward to replace if needed, minimizing maintenance time and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of manufacture

If hoses and cables are allowed to extend freely from tractor to trailer, then installation is simple, but the hoses and cables contact the tractor, trailer, or frame components causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidcontact damage from frame components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent moves the hose and cable support from a horizontal arrangement (where contact with frame components occurs) to a vertical arrangement by installing support structures overhead. This dimensional change elevates the hoses and cables above the tractor and trailer frames, eliminating contact damage while maintaining installation simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The overhead support structure serves as an intermediary element between the hoses/cables and the potentially damaging frame components. By introducing this intermediate support system, the hoses and cables are redirected through a safe pathway that prevents contact with the tractor and trailer frames.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11085555B2Hose and cable support device

Publication Date: 2021.08.10 ZIPS TRUCK EQUIPMENT INC

AI summary

A multi-component hose and cable support device that provides vertical support to the hoses and cables extending from a tractor to its trailer to prevent such hoses and cables from coming into contact with the tractor, trailer, or any frame components and thereby avoiding damage to such hoses and cables. The present invention comprising first and second elongated support members designed and adapted to be longitudinally coupled to one another via trapezoidal fastener plates and a support member connector plate, a universal head mount, a base mounting assembly having a base mounting member and a vertical base support member, a plurality of anchor fasteners to secure the present invention to the tractor frame, and a plurality of aperture fasteners to connect the various invention components to one another.