Keyed Heated Hose Connectors to Prevent Misconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Incorrect connection of electrical connectors in electrically heated hoses leads to a decreased amount of electrical current supplied, resulting in decreased performance of the heated hoses in multiple component dispensing systems.
Innovation Solution
The use of a system with distinct key geometries on electrical connectors ensures correct mating and electrical coupling, preventing incorrect connections and ensuring full electrical current transfer between heated hose segments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electrical connectors are made interchangeable without distinct key geometries, then ease of operation improves, but reliability deteriorates due to incorrect connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by providing distinct key geometries for different heated hose segments. Each key has a unique shape (e.g., different numbers of teeth, different tooth configurations) that corresponds to its specific heated hose segment. This asymmetric design prevents incorrect connections while maintaining ease of operation, as users can quickly identify the correct connector by its unique key shape without complex procedures.
2Reliability
If distinct key geometries are implemented on electrical connectors, then reliability improves by preventing incorrect connections, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the key geometry into distinct, identifiable features for each heated hose segment. Rather than using completely different complex mechanisms, the key is segmented into simple geometric variations (such as different numbers of teeth, tooth positions, or key shapes) that are easy to manufacture and identify. This segmentation approach maintains reliability while minimizing device complexity.
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 solution ensures that each segment of the heated hoses receives the necessary electrical current, maintaining optimal performance and preventing user safety hazards during connector assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The first electrical connector is electrically coupled to heating elements of the first heated hose... supplying a first electric current through the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector to increase a temperature of the first fluid component
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector system for use with independently heated hoses includes a first electrical connector, a second electrical connector, a third electrical connector, and a fourth electrical connector. The first electrical connector includes a first key that mates with a second key of the second electrical connector. The third electrical connector includes a third key that mates with a fourth key of the fourth electrical connector. The first and second keys differ from the third and fourth keys, ensuring the electrical connectors are correctly connected.