Modular Heated Fluid Hose Coupling for Extension and Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internally heated fluid delivery hoses are not easily interconnectable, leading to limitations in length extension and repair, and require complex wiring setups that are prone to failure and difficult to maintain, especially under high pressure and in plural component systems.
Innovation Solution
A modular fluid delivery assembly with internally heated hoses that are both hydraulically and electrically interconnectable, featuring a heating element within the conduit and a separate electrical coupling system to maintain thermal efficiency and allow for modular extension and repair, eliminating the need for new hoses when longer lengths are required and simplifying the wiring setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If internally heated fluid delivery hoses are used, then thermal efficiency is improved, but interconnectability and ease of repair are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid delivery hose is divided into modular segments that can be connected and disconnected. Each segment contains its own heating element, allowing the hose to be extended or repaired by connecting additional segments without compromising thermal efficiency. The connection assembly enables hydraulic and electrical coupling between segments while maintaining heating capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element is nested within the fluid conduit, positioned inside the hose to provide direct thermal heating of the fluid. This internal positioning maintains thermal efficiency while the modular connection assembly allows the nested structure to be disconnected and reconnected for repair or extension purposes.
2Loss of energy
If heating elements are integrated within the fluid conduit, then thermal efficiency is improved, but device complexity and wiring setup are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into modular units with integrated wiring in each segment. This reduces overall wiring complexity by limiting the electrical connections to connection points between segments, rather than requiring continuous wiring along the entire hose length. Each segment's wiring is self-contained and easier to manage.
Solution Approach 2:
Each modular segment contains its own heating element and wiring, making the system self-sufficient in terms of thermal generation. The segments can be independently connected and disconnected without requiring complex external wiring arrangements, as each unit brings its own electrical and thermal capabilities.
3Ease of repair
If modular connection assembly is used, then ease of repair and extension are improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The connection assembly merges hydraulic coupling and electrical coupling into a single integrated component. This combination reduces the number of separate parts and connection steps required, simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining both fluid flow and electrical connectivity for heating elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides hydraulic coupling for fluid flow, electrical coupling for heating element connectivity, and mechanical support for the modular segments. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture.
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
Enables flexible and efficient thermal management of fluids under high pressure, allowing for longer hose assemblies and easier maintenance by separating electrical components from the fluid conduit, reducing the risk of damage and failure, and providing a cost-effective solution for extending hose lengths and repairing damaged sections.
Implementation Method 1
The electrical heating element is configured to provide a heat source within the fluid conduit
Data Source
AI summary
A modular fluid delivery assembly is provided. The modular fluid delivery assembly comprises a fluid conduit. The modular fluid delivery assembly also comprises an electrical heating element disposed within the fluid conduit. The electrical heating element is configured to provide a heat source within the fluid conduit. The modular fluid delivery assembly also comprises a connection assembly, located proximate an end of the modular fluid delivery assembly, coupled to the heating element and the fluid conduit. The connection assembly is configured to provide a hydraulic coupling to the fluid conduit, and to provide an electronic coupling to the electrical heating element.