Embossed Hose Assembly Structure for Braided Feel Without Braiding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hose assemblies for conducting fluids lack advanced design options to enhance optical, haptic, and mechanical properties, particularly in the sanitary and heating sectors.
Innovation Solution
A multi-dimensional structure is embossed onto the outer layer of a multi-layer extruded hose assembly using embossing dies or rollers, above the glass transition temperature and/or as part of an extrusion process, to create a periodic and varying structure with circumferential ribs and gap-filling elevations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If actual braiding is applied to the hose assembly, then optical and haptic properties are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an embossed structure on the outer layer that copies the visual and tactile appearance of braiding without using actual braided materials. This embossed pattern simulates the braided look and feel while maintaining a simpler single-layer construction, thereby improving optical and haptic properties without increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the outer layer by embossing it to create a three-dimensional structure. This embossing process modifies the surface geometry and mechanical properties of the outer layer, allowing it to exhibit braiding-like characteristics without requiring actual braided construction
2Adaptability or versatility
If embossing is performed above glass transition temperature, then structure plasticity and design options are improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of the thermoplastic outer layer by heating it above its glass transition temperature. In this softened state, the material becomes more plastic and adaptable, allowing complex embossed structures to be formed. The heating is applied only during the embossing process, temporarily inducing the phase transition needed for shaping, after which the material cools and sets the desired structure
3Strength
If outer layer thickness is increased, then buckling stiffness and pressure resistance are improved, but material consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating an embossed structure on the outer layer that concentrates material and structural properties where needed. The embossed pattern creates localized three-dimensional features that enhance buckling stiffness and pressure resistance at critical points without requiring uniform thickness increase across the entire outer layer, thereby improving strength while controlling material consumption
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 embossed structure improves the haptic and optical properties of the hose assembly, simulates braiding patterns without actual braiding, and enhances mechanical properties such as buckling stiffness and pressure resistance.
Implementation Method 1
a multi-dimensional, preferably three-dimensional structure is embossed on an outer layer of a multi-layer extruded hose assembly, in particular for conducting fluids, by means of embossing dies, in particular embossing rollers, preferably above a glass transition temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A hose assembly (1) is provided having a structure (2), in which the structure (2) has circumferential ribs (3), the axial extent of which varies, preferably periodically, along a circumference, and locally limited gap-filling elevations (4), as a result of which, a braiding impression is produced, without a separate braiding of the hose assembly (1) being carried out. The structure (2) is applied by at least two embossing dies (7), in particular embossing rollers (8), which are rollable on the hose assembly (1), in particular are rollable in synchronism on the hose assembly, and are part of an extrusion process.