Heated Hose Grounding Circuit for Freeze-Proof Power Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for preventing water from freezing in hoses are cumbersome, expensive, and difficult to move, and lack a convenient and portable solution for providing both heated water and electrical power in cold environments.
Innovation Solution
A flexible garden hose with an integral resistance heater and a standard electrical extension cord, allowing water to flow below freezing temperatures and providing electrical power for tools and equipment, along with a simple and safe grounding system using hose couplings and notched ferrules for secure wire connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heat tape and insulation are wrapped around stationary water pipes, then water freezing is prevented, but the system becomes expensive, complicated, bulky and difficult to reposition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heating element, electrical power conductors, and hose into a single integrated unit. The heating wire is embedded within the hose wall along with the electrical power conductors, eliminating the need for separate heat tape and insulation components that would need to be wrapped around the hose.
Solution Approach 2:
The hose serves multiple functions: it transports water, provides electrical power to tools and equipment through embedded conductors, and prevents water freezing through integrated heating elements. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate heating devices and extension cords.
2Reliability
If heat tape and insulation are used to prevent freezing, then water pipes are protected, but the system is relatively expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heating element, electrical power conductors, and hose into a single integrated unit. The heating wire is embedded within the hose wall along with the electrical power conductors, eliminating the need for separate heat tape and insulation components that would need to be wrapped around the hose.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrical power leads are embedded in the hose, then electrical power is available at the hose end, but electrical grounding and safety become critical concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ground wire with the heating element and power conductors within the hose wall. This integrated grounding system ensures that the grounding path is maintained throughout the flexible hose length, addressing safety concerns that would arise from separate grounding components.
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 convenient, portable, and cost-effective heating of hoses to prevent freezing and powers equipment, meeting safety standards while being easy to assemble and use in outdoor applications.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible garden hose having an integral resistance heater
Data Source
AI summary
A method of forming a grounded electrical circuit in a heated hose is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes: positioning a ground wire, a first heating wire, and a second heating wire axially within an inner wall of the hose; removing the end portions of the heated hose, such that end portions of the first heating wire, the second heating wire, and the ground wire are exposed; and positioning a ring around the first end portion of the hose. Exposed end portions of the first and second heating wires are folded to be positioned axially along an outer surface of the hose body. The exposed end portion of the grounding wire is folded radially inward, such that the grounding wire is positioned axially along an inner surface of the inner wall and against the ring. A stem of a first fluid coupling is inserted into the first end portion of the heated hose, such that the stem contacts the exposed end portion of the grounding wire.