Heated Hose Assembly Coupling Freeze Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heated hoses are susceptible to freezing at the metal couplings, leading to ice plugs that prevent water flow and can damage the hose or couplings.
Innovation Solution
A heated hose assembly with a heating element that extends through the flexible hose from one end to the other, including heating elements within the hose couplings and a heating element introducer to ensure that the entire length of the hose, including the couplings, is heated, preventing freezing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a heating cable is placed within an internal water channel of the hose, then the water channel is heated to prevent freezing, but the metal couplings at the ends remain unheated and susceptible to freezing
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is divided into multiple segments: a first heating portion within the hose, a second heating portion extending into the first coupling, and a third heating portion extending into the second coupling. This segmentation ensures each component (hose and couplings) receives dedicated heating protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element transitions from a two-dimensional placement (within the hose cross-section) to a three-dimensional extension that reaches into the coupling structures. The heating element physically extends beyond the hose ends into the couplings, adding a spatial dimension to the heating coverage.
2Reliability
If the heating element extends into the metal couplings, then the couplings are heated to prevent freezing, but the heating element requires a longer path and more complex installation
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is combined with the hose assembly as an integrated unit. The heating element, hose, and couplings form a unified system where the heating element continuously passes through the hose and into the couplings, eliminating the need for separate heating devices for the couplings.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it heats the water channel, heats the first coupling, and heats the second coupling. A single heating element performs the work of multiple separate heating devices, making the system self-sufficient and reducing installation complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the heating element is contained entirely within the hose, then the installation is simpler, but the couplings remain vulnerable to freezing and ice plug formation
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is pre-positioned to extend into the couplings before the hose is assembled or connected. This preliminary placement ensures that the couplings are already protected by the heating element when the system is put into service, preventing freezing before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element provides thermal cushioning to the couplings by extending into them and providing continuous heat. This beforehand protection prevents the formation of ice plugs and thermal shock that would otherwise damage the couplings during cold weather operation.
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 solution effectively prevents freezing at the hose couplings, ensuring continuous water flow and reducing the risk of damage to the hose or couplings by heating the entire length of the hose assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The heating element is configured to heat the flexible hose and the hose couplings
Data Source
AI summary
A heated hose assembly may include a flexible hose and a heating element. The flexible hose defines an internal water channel and includes first and second hose couplings secured to first and second ends, respectively. The first end is opposite the second end. The heating element extends from the first hose coupling to the second hose coupling through the flexible hose. The heating element is configured to heat the first and second hose couplings and the flexible hose.