Heated Hose Fixing Layout for Cut-to-Length Conductor Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing heatable hoses require the removal of an outer layer to expose electrical conductors, which can damage the heating conductors and pressure carrier, and involves cutting and unwinding of endless hoses, making the process cumbersome and prone to conductor damage.

Innovation Solution

A method where a fixing element is applied to a base body with electrical conductors, with interruptions at specific positions, allowing the hose to be cut to length during production and eliminating the need to remove the outer layer, thereby simplifying the process and preventing conductor damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the outer layer is removed to expose electrical conductors, then the conductors become accessible for connection, but the heating conductors and pressure carrier are damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of electrical conductorsVSAvoidintegrity of heating conductors and pressure carrier
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hose is divided into a first hose end and a second hose end by interrupting the outer layer at specific positions, allowing selective access to conductors at one end while preserving the other end's integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The outer layer is selectively removed only at the first hose end to expose the electrical conductors where needed, while the second hose end retains its intact outer layer and pressure carrier structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Length of moving object

If the hose is cut to length after production, then the desired length is achieved, but the process becomes cumbersome and conductors are damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehose lengthVSAvoidsimplicity of production process
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The hose is cut to the desired length during the production process before the outer layer is applied, so that subsequent handling and installation only require simple outer layer removal rather than cutting and unwinding operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If the outer layer is continuously applied without interruption, then the hose structure is complete, but subsequent conductor access requires damaging removal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of hose structureVSAvoiddamage to conductors during outer layer removal
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The outer layer application is segmented into interrupted sections, with gaps positioned to expose electrical conductors at the first hose end while maintaining structural completeness elsewhere

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The outer layer is selectively applied or removed at different locations along the hose, creating locally different structures: intact outer layer at the second end for structural stability, and exposed conductors at the first end for electrical connection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 method simplifies the production of heatable hoses by allowing them to be cut to length during manufacturing, reducing damage to electrical conductors, and eliminating the need for subsequent cutting and unwinding steps, making the process more efficient and cost-effective.

Implementation Method 1

Two strands of wire, acting as heating elements, are usually wound spirally onto a base body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3831586B1Method for producing a heatable hose and fixing device for that purpose
Publication Date: 2023.08.02 CONTITECH SCHLAUGH GMBH
  • EP3831586B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3831586B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a heated hose (1) comprising at least the following steps: • providing a base body (10), • applying at least one electrical conductor (11) to the base body (10) along a longitudinal axis (X), and • applying a fixing element (12) to the base body (10) with the electrical conductor (11) along the longitudinal axis (X). The method is characterized in that the application of the fixing element (12) to the base body (10) and the electrical conductor (11) is interrupted at a first position (P1) and continued at a second position (P2).The present invention also relates to a fixing device (2) for manufacturing a heated hose (1) by means of such a method with an application element (23a) configured to apply a fixing element (12) to a base body (10) with an electrical conductor (11) of the heated hose (1) along a longitudinal axis (X). The fixing device (2) is characterized by a cutting element (23b) configured to cut through the fixing element (12), wherein the application element (23a) is configured to interrupt the application of the fixing element (12).