Failsafe Hose Assembly With Dissolvable Leak Shutoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid supply hoses under constant pressure, such as those for washing machines, often result in significant damage when they rupture, as current leak detection and mitigation systems are not failsafe and often cannot be easily connected to standard hose connections.
Innovation Solution
A failsafe hose design featuring an inner and outer conduit with a dissolvable element and piston mechanism that automatically shuts off the water supply upon detection of a leak, using standard hose fittings for easy installation and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If electronic sensors are used to detect fluid leaks and initiate shutoff, then automated leak detection is achieved, but the system is not failsafe due to sensor or power failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic sensor systems with a purely mechanical detection and response system. The balloon-cam-valve mechanism provides fail-safe operation through mechanical means alone, eliminating dependencies on electronic sensors, power supply, and software control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is self-actuating through pure mechanical means. The pressure differential automatically inflates the balloon, which through the cam mechanism automatically actuates the shutoff valve without requiring external power, sensors, or control systems.
2Reliability
If mechanical leak mitigation devices are installed on the inlet end of the hose, then leak protection is provided, but the devices are bulky and difficult to install on standard hose connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the leak mitigation mechanism within the existing hose structure. The balloon is positioned inside the hose conduit, and the cam mechanism is integrated into the fitting assembly, allowing the device to fit within standard hose connection dimensions without requiring bulky external components.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting assembly serves multiple functions: it provides the standard connection interface for the hose, houses the cam mechanism, and incorporates the shutoff valve. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate bulky mitigation devices and allows installation on standard hose connections.
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 hose effectively contains leaks and prevents further water flow, providing a streamlined, failsafe solution that can be easily integrated into existing systems without requiring adjustments to standard hose connections.
Implementation Method 1
a dissolvable element and a piston wherein the piston held in an open position by the dissolvable element wherein a leak in the inner conduit will result in the fluid being directed to the dissolvable element
Data Source
AI summary
A failsafe hose comprising an inlet fitting assembly and an outlet fitting assembly wherein the inlet fitting assembly and outlet fitting assembly are interconnected by an inner conduit and an outer conduit and the inlet fitting assembly further comprises a dissolvable element and a piston wherein the piston held in an open position by the dissolvable element wherein a leak in the inner conduit will result in the fluid being directed to the dissolvable element by the outer conduit and a method for assembling same.