Braided Fluid Line Sleeve With Integrated Heating Conductor
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fluid lines with embedded reinforcing fabrics and multiple rubber layers are complex to manufacture and require separate assembly of heating conductors, making them cumbersome and difficult to retrofit.
Innovation Solution
A fluid line design where a woven or braided sleeve surrounds the pipe, with conductors loosely arranged within, allowing for easy assembly and potential retrofitting, and where the conductors can form the sleeve itself, eliminating the need for separate layers and simplifying the manufacturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a middle rubber layer with embedded reinforcing fabric and heating conductor is used, then the fluid line has sufficient strength and heating capability, but the manufacturing process becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the reinforcing fabric and heating conductor into a single integrated sleeve that directly surrounds the pipe. This merging eliminates the need for a separate middle rubber layer with embedded components, reducing the number of manufacturing steps while maintaining both structural strength and heating capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical reinforcement to the pipe, acts as a heating element when the conductor is integrated, and eliminates the need for separate middle and outer rubber layers. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity and manufacturing complexity.
2Strength
If multiple layers including embedded fabric are used, then the fluid line has sufficient strength and functionality, but the device structure becomes complex and difficult to retrofit
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing fabric and heating conductor are merged into a single sleeve structure that directly contacts the pipe. This integration reduces the number of discrete layers and components, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining necessary strength and functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve is designed to perform multiple functions: structural reinforcement, heating (when conductor is integrated), and potential retrofitting capability. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing device complexity.
3Reliability
If the reinforcing fabric is embedded in a middle rubber layer, then the fluid line has adequate protection and structure, but the heating conductor assembly becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The heating conductor is integrated directly into the sleeve that surrounds the pipe, eliminating the need to embed it within a middle rubber layer. This merging allows the conductor to be assembled simultaneously with the sleeve, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining protective function.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve is pre-formed with the heating conductor integrated into it before installation on the pipe. This preliminary integration of the conductor into the sleeve structure eliminates the time-consuming step of embedding the conductor into a separate rubber layer during final assembly.
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
This design simplifies the construction and maintenance of fluid lines by allowing for easy installation and retrofitting of the sleeve and conductors, enhancing heat transfer and flexibility while reducing manufacturing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
An electrical heating conductor is woven or braided into the reinforcing fabric
Implementation Method 2
The fluid can be heated in the pipe by means of the heating conductor
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid line with a pipe provided with a sleeve of a woven or braided fabric, wherein the pipe, in turn, includes at least one conductor. In the finished state of the fluid line, the sleeve immediately surrounds the pipe and each conductor is loosely arranged in the sleeve. In accordance with another embodiment, the at least one conductor forms the sleeve.