Elastomeric Hose Kink Removal via Heated Liquid Immersion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for repairing elastomeric hoses, such as wrapping with insulation or using hot air guns, are labor-intensive and costly, and fail to effectively remove kinks without damaging the hose material.
Innovation Solution
A system involving an elongated container filled with heated liquid and restraining members to immerse and soften the hose, combined with pressurization and controlled temperature treatment, allows for efficient removal of deformations without complex equipment or excessive labor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If hot water or heater tape is used to remove kinks from hoses, then the deformations are removed, but labor time increases due to wrapping and unwrapping thousands of feet of hose
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical wrapping operations with an automated immersion system. The hose is submerged in a heated liquid bath that automatically applies thermal energy to the entire length of the hose simultaneously, eliminating the need for manual wrapping and unwrapping of heater tapes or insulation around thousands of feet of hose.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a liquid heating bath (hydraulic/thermal system) to transfer heat to the hose. The heated liquid immerses the hose and conducts thermal energy uniformly along the hose length, replacing the mechanical wrapping process with a fluid-based thermal treatment system that processes long hose lengths efficiently.
2Temperature
If a calibrated hot air gun is used to warm up small areas of the hose, then localized heating is achieved, but the temperature is difficult to control causing dramatic weakening of the hose wall
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies uniform thermal quality throughout the entire immersed portion of the hose. The heated liquid bath provides consistent temperature distribution across the hose surface, avoiding localized overheating while maintaining controlled heating conditions throughout the treatment zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates temperature monitoring and control systems that provide feedback to maintain the heating bath at the optimal temperature range. This prevents excessive heating that would weaken the hose wall while ensuring sufficient heat penetration to remove kinks effectively.
3Productivity
If hot water immersion is used to treat the hose, then the entire hose can be treated simultaneously, but equipment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a multi-functional immersion system that combines heating, holding, and cooling capabilities in a single apparatus. The same tank and restraining member system serves multiple purposes in the hose treatment process, reducing overall equipment complexity while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls the treatment process by adjusting parameters such as liquid temperature, immersion time, and hose restraint force. These parameter changes allow a relatively simple immersion tank system to achieve effective kink removal without requiring complex specialized equipment.
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 method effectively removes kinks from elastomeric hoses while maintaining the material's integrity, reducing labor and costs, and ensuring the hose can function properly after treatment.
Implementation Method 1
holding a liquid heated sufficiently for softening the elastomeric material
Implementation Method 2
The hose is filled with a pressurized gas and immersed in the heated liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A system to repair a hose made from deformable material includes an elongated container for holding a liquid heated sufficiently for softening the hose. A heater can be positioned in the container. A plurality of restraining members can be positioned to retain the hose immersed in the liquid within the container. A gas supply is used to pressurize the hose prior to immersion, and a support is provided for holding the hose before and after immersion. A method includes filling an elongated container with a heated liquid and pressurizing the hose with a gas. The pressurized hose is immersed in the liquid and maintained immersed by retaining members to soften the hose. The hose is removed from the liquid, depressurized and allowed to cool.