Heated Hose Grounding Assembly for Portable Freeze Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for providing water in cold climates are laborious, expensive, and difficult to reposition, as they often require complex setups and bulky equipment to prevent water from freezing, and lack a convenient source of electrical power for tools and equipment.
Innovation Solution
A flexible garden hose with an integral resistance heater and standard electrical extension cord, allowing water to flow below freezing temperatures and providing electrical power for tools, featuring a durable design with embedded heating wires and power conductors, along with a simple and safe grounding system using hose couplings and ferrules.
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, and difficult to reposition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heating function and the water delivery function into a single integrated hose assembly. The heating element is embedded within the hose wall itself, merging two separate systems (heating tape + water hose) into one unified portable hose that prevents freezing while delivering water.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transforms the stationary heating system into a dynamic, portable system. The heated hose can be easily moved and repositioned to different locations as needed, unlike fixed heat tape installations on stationary pipes.
2Reliability
If heat tape and insulation are used on water pipes, then water freezing is prevented, but the system is bulky and difficult to move around
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is integrated directly into the hose wall structure, combining the flexibility and portability of a standard garden hose with built-in heating capability. This eliminates the need for separate bulky insulation materials and fixed installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element is embedded within the flexible hose wall, utilizing the thin-walled flexible structure to enclose and protect the heating component. This allows the entire assembly to be easily bent, coiled, and transported without rigid components.
3Ease of operation
If an integral heating system is embedded in the hose wall, then portability and ease of use are improved, but electrical safety concerns arise requiring a robust grounding system
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding wire acts as an intermediary safety component that provides a dedicated low-resistance path for electrical faults. It is embedded within the hose wall alongside the heating element, intercepting potential harmful electrical currents before they can cause shock hazards to the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding system is built into the hose structure beforehand, providing pre-established electrical safety protection. The grounding wire is positioned and protected within the hose wall before the hose is used, cushioning against potential electrical hazards in advance.
4Temperature
If heating wire is embedded within the inner layer of the hose, then water flow heating is effective, but the hose construction becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The heating wire is combined with the hose manufacturing process itself, embedding the heating element directly into the hose wall during extrusion or molding. This integrates two components (hose + heater) into a single manufacturing step, reducing overall system complexity despite the added functional capability.
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 water supply and electrical power in cold environments, preventing water freezing and meeting safety standards, suitable for various users including livestock owners and contractors.
Implementation Method 1
A flexible garden hose with an integral resistance heater
Implementation Method 2
a heat insulating cover or jacket
Data Source
AI summary
A grounded electrical circuit in a heated hose is provided. In one embodiment, the heated hose assembly includes: a flexible hose body; a first and a second heating wires and a hose ground wire each extending longitudinally and parallel to an axis of the hose body and within an inner wall; a first fluid coupling provided on the first end portion of the flexible hose body, the first fluid coupling comprising a stem inserted into the flexible hose body and radially clamping an end of the hose ground wire against an inner surface of the inner wall, such that a contact between the first fluid coupling and the end of the hose ground wire grounds the hose ground wire; a power cord electrically connected to the first and second heating wires and to the hose ground wire; and a thermostat electrically connected to the first and second heating wires.