Conductive Polymer Conduit for Urea Thawing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing conduit systems face challenges in efficiently heating and dissipating electrostatic charges, particularly in urea systems where resistance wires are used, as they often suffer from inadequate heat distribution and static charge buildup, leading to inefficiencies and potential leaks due to arcing.

Innovation Solution

A conduit assembly made from a polymeric material with nanoparticulate components, which allows for electrical conductivity between 1×10−14 and 4.7×106 (S/m) at 20° C, enabling the passage of electrical current and grounding to heat the conduit and dissipate electrostatic charges, comprising a tube, connectors, and an electrical contact coupled with a ground wire.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If resistance wires are wrapped around conduits to heat them, then heating function is achieved, but device complexity and potential for static charge buildup increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconduit heating temperatureVSAvoidheating system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the heating function and electrostatic discharge function into a single integrated conduit structure. The conduit wall itself contains both heating elements and conductive pathways, eliminating the need for separate resistance wires wrapped around the conduit. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining effective heating and adding ESD protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The conduit is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: fluid transport, heating, and electrostatic discharge. By incorporating heating elements and conductive materials within the conduit wall structure, a single component achieves what previously required multiple separate systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Temperature

If heating elements are passed into pipes to thaw urea, then heating effectiveness improves, but risk of static charge buildup and arcing increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveurea thawing temperatureVSAvoidstatic charge buildup and arcing

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potentially harmful static charge buildup into a beneficial feature by incorporating conductive materials and grounding pathways within the conduit wall. The same structural elements that provide mechanical integrity also serve to dissipate static charges, transforming a harmful effect into a protective function that prevents arcing while maintaining effective heating.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The conduit utilizes composite material construction with conductive layers embedded within the conduit wall. This composite structure allows the conduit to simultaneously provide thermal heating, electrostatic discharge pathways, and mechanical strength, eliminating the need for separate heating elements that could generate static charges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If conductive material is compounded with resin to enable charge dissipation, then electrostatic discharge capability improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrostatic charge dissipationVSAvoidconductive material distribution uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a conductive mesh or porous conductive layer within the conduit wall structure. This approach provides reliable electrostatic discharge pathways through the conductive network while being more tolerant of manufacturing variations compared to requiring uniform distribution of conductive particles throughout the entire resin matrix. The porous or mesh structure ensures consistent electrical conductivity without demanding extreme manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

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

The conduit assembly effectively heats fluids and dissipates electrostatic charges, enhancing the performance of urea systems and preventing leaks by ensuring efficient heat transfer and charge dissipation, while also being applicable in various heating and cooling applications.

Implementation Method 1

The polymeric material has an electrical conductivity in a range between 1×10−14 and 4.7×106 (S/m) at 20° C. Electrical current can be passed through an electrical contact, conduit assembly to a ground enabling the conduit to conduct electrical current or dissipate an electrostatic charge.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

The conduit assembly is heated by the electrical current. The electrical current flows between and through the connected fluid connector and tube.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS10396500B2Electrically conductive conduit assembly

Publication Date: 2019.08.27 NORMA US HOLDING LLC

AI summary

A conduit assembly with a tube formed from a polymeric material with a nanoparticulate component. The polymeric material has an electrical conductivity in a range between 1×10−14 and 4.7×106 (S/m) at 20° C. An electrical contact is electrically coupled with the conduit assembly to receive electrical current. A ground is electrically coupled with the conduit assembly to ground the electrical current passed through the conduit assembly.