Extensible Hose Assembly With Layered Structure for Durable Elongation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extensible hoses for gardening irrigation face challenges in balancing elongation with resistance to external agents, often requiring increased thickness that compromises elastic properties and increases production costs.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an inner tubular element made from elastically extensible materials and an outer tubular element with a spiral hose made from polymeric materials like PVC or PU, which is impermeable and resistant to mechanical and thermal stresses, along with a helical reinforcing element for enhanced durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the hose thickness is increased to improve resistance to external agents, then the protection against mechanical and thermal agents is improved, but the elastic properties and elongation capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The hose is divided into two distinct tubular elements: an inner tubular element made from elastically extensible material that provides elongation capability, and an outer tubular element made from material resistant to external agents that provides protection. This segmentation allows each element to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The hose employs a composite structure combining two different materials with complementary properties: the inner element uses highly elastic material (natural rubber, synthetic rubber, or TPR) for stretchability, while the outer element uses externally resistant material (PVC, PU, or polyester) for durability. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by integrating materials that excel in different properties.
2Strength
If the hose thickness is increased to improve resistance to external agents, then the protection against mechanical and thermal agents is improved, but the raw materials used and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hose structure is segmented into functional layers, with the outer tubular element providing protection and the inner element providing elasticity. This allows using thinner, more specialized materials for each function rather than thickening the entire hose structure, thereby reducing overall material consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
By using composite materials with specialized properties for each layer, the design achieves high resistance to external agents without requiring excessive material thickness. The outer element uses a thin layer of externally resistant material (PVC, PU, or polyester) that provides adequate protection without the need for thick walls.
3Strength
If the hose thickness is increased to improve resistance to external agents, then the protection against mechanical and thermal agents is improved, but the weight of the hose increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hose is segmented into two functional elements with optimized thickness for each purpose. The outer protective element can be relatively thin since it only needs to resist external agents, while the inner elastic element is optimized for stretchability. This segmentation avoids the need for uniformly thick walls that would increase weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite structure uses lightweight materials with high strength-to-weight ratios. The outer element uses thin-walled PVC, PU, or polyester that provide external resistance without significant weight penalty, while the inner rubber element provides elasticity with minimal weight.
4Strength
If a sheath made from fabric or similar material is used to improve resistance to external agents, then the protection is partially improved, but the sheath tends to collect dirt and become impregnated with liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The outer tubular element is made from impermeable materials (PVC, PU, or polyester) that fundamentally change the surface properties compared to fabric sheaths. These materials do not absorb liquids or impregnate with moisture, preventing dirt accumulation and maintaining surface cleanliness during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite structure uses an outer element of impermeable material that prevents liquid penetration and dirt accumulation, addressing the harmful effects that plague fabric sheaths. This material selection eliminates the absorption and impregnation problems inherent in porous fabric constructions.
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 solution provides optimal resistance to external agents, maintains excellent elongation properties, and is cost-effective, ensuring the hose remains lightweight and easy to maneuver while being impermeable to liquids.
Implementation Method 1
an inner tubular element (2), made from a first elastically extensible material, and suitable for elongating and widening under the action of the pressure of the fluid passing through it
Implementation Method 2
at least one surface portion (4) made from a second material resistant to external stresses, and the like
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An extensible hose, comprising an inner tubular element (2) suitable, in use, for being passed through by a fluid, said inner tubular element (2) being made from a first elastically extensible material and suitable for lengthening and widening under the action of the pressure of the fluid. The hose (1) also comprises at least one extensible outer tubular element (3) overlying, and coaxial to, said inner tubular element (2), comprising at least one surface portion (4) made from a second material resistant to external stresses, and the like.