Flexible Extraction Line with Embedded Heating Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid extraction devices in vehicles face issues with buckling and fluid flow interruption due to geometric tolerances, temperature-induced ice formation, and mechanical stress, particularly at low ambient temperatures, leading to damage and inefficiency in fluid removal from fluid tanks with low heights and minimal clamping point distances.
Innovation Solution
The fluid extraction device incorporates at least two stiffening elements, which can be heating elements, arranged symmetrically within longitudinal recesses in the base body of the extraction line, eliminating the need for a shrink tube and enhancing flexibility by distributing bending radii evenly, thus preventing buckling and ensuring reliable fluid conveyance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the extraction line is made flexible to compensate for geometric tolerances and thermal expansion, then the reliability of fluid extraction is improved, but the line becomes prone to buckling under extreme loads
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction line uses a flexible hose with integrated heating elements embedded in its wall structure. The hose itself provides the flexible compensation for geometric tolerances and thermal expansion, while the integrated heating elements prevent freezing without requiring external rigid components.
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction line combines flexible hose material with integrated heating elements to create a composite structure that simultaneously provides flexibility for compensation and thermal protection against freezing, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and structural stability.
2Temperature
If heating elements are arranged in and on the base body of the extraction line, then fluid can be kept liquid at low temperatures, but the line becomes more prone to buckling and kinking
Solution Approach 1:
The heating elements are merged with the extraction line structure itself, being integrated into the hose wall. This eliminates the need for separate external heating components that would add rigidity and cause buckling, while still providing the necessary thermal protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating elements are embedded within the flexible hose structure, allowing the hose to maintain its flexibility and ability to bend without kinking, while the heating elements provide thermal protection against freezing.
3Length of stationary object
If the fluid tank height is reduced to minimize vehicle space, then the overall vehicle dimensions are improved, but the extraction line experiences increased mechanical stress and buckling
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible hose construction allows the extraction line to accommodate the reduced tank height configuration while maintaining the ability to bend and flex, preventing buckling even in the compact space arrangement.
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 configuration increases the flexibility of the extraction line, allowing for lower fluid tank heights and more flexible arrangements, prevents fluid recess blockage, and reduces the risk of damage from ice edges and mechanical stress, while maintaining efficient fluid removal even at low temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
The heater has a heating element, for example, which is designed in the form of a heating wire
Implementation Method 2
at least two stiffening elements, which can be heating elements, arranged symmetrically within longitudinal recesses in the base body of the extraction line
Implementation Method 3
The extraction line has the task of compensating for a, in particular curved, course with excess length, elongation or longitudinal compression
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a fluid extracting device (2) for extracting a fluid from a fluid tank, comprising a flexible extracting line (1) and reinforcing elements (15, 16) that are associated with the extracting line (1). The extracting line (1) has a main part (3) which is uniformly made of the same material in particular and in which at least three longitudinal cavities (4, 5, 6) are formed, at least one of said cavities being provided as a fluid cavity (7). At least two of the reinforcing elements (15, 16) lie in the longitudinal cavities (5, 6).