Heated hose nozzle

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing garden hoses lack the capability to heat water effectively for various applications, such as filling horse troughs, bathing animals, or washing cars, as standard hot water tanks are not typically connected to outdoor spigots, and existing nozzles do not efficiently control both flow rates and temperature.

Innovation Solution

A hose nozzle assembly with a bare wire heating element, a control board, inlet and outlet temperature sensors, a flow sensor, and a bimetal thermostatic switch, which allows for controlled heating of water through an electrical cord, enabling adjustable temperature and flow rate management, and multiple spray patterns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a bare wire heating element is integrated into the nozzle, then water heating capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater temperatureVSAvoidnozzle structure

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the heating element, temperature sensors, flow sensor, control board, and nozzle into a single integrated assembly. The heating element is positioned within the nozzle body, and all control components are merged into one unit that attaches to the garden hose, eliminating the need for separate heating equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The nozzle serves multiple functions: it acts as a water delivery device, a heating element, a temperature monitoring system, and a flow control mechanism. The same device that sprays water also heats it through the integrated heating element and regulates temperature via sensors and control board.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If temperature control sensors and control board are added, then temperature control precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature measurementVSAvoidcontrol system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control board receives continuous input from the temperature sensors and automatically adjusts the power supplied to the heating element. When the outlet temperature sensor detects the desired temperature is reached, the control board reduces or stops heating, creating a closed-loop feedback system that maintains precise temperature control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual temperature monitoring and adjustment with an automated electronic control system. The control board uses electronic signals from the temperature sensors to automatically regulate the heating element, eliminating the need for manual intervention in temperature control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If multiple heating elements with different watt densities are used, then heating efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating efficiencyVSAvoidassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Different sections of the heating assembly use heating elements with different watt densities matched to their specific thermal requirements. The first heating element has higher watt density for rapid initial heating, while the second heating element has lower watt density for gentle final heating, optimizing heating efficiency at different stages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Ease of operation

If flow sensor and automatic trigger activation are implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactivation processVSAvoidactivation system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects water flow through the flow sensor and activates the heating element without user intervention. When water begins flowing through the nozzle, the flow sensor triggers the control board to activate the heating element, and the system self-regulates throughout operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

The solution enables efficient heating of water to specific temperatures, ensuring safety by preventing overheating, while allowing for versatile spray patterns and flow control, thus addressing the need for heated water in remote outdoor locations.

Implementation Method 1

the heating chamber comprises a bare wire heating element and wherein the bare wire heating element is configured to be electrically connected to the electrical cord

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

a bimetal thermostatic switch which is configured to disable power if a fluid flowing through the hose nozzle assembly is hotter than a predetermined maximum temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBimetallic strip: Bi-Metallic Strip

Data Source

PatentUS11235341B2Heated hose nozzle

Publication Date: 2022.02.01 RHEEM MFG CO

AI summary

A hose nozzle assembly which is capable of heating water comprising an internal heating chamber with at least one heating element. The hose nozzle assembly is able to heat water from a common garden hose with the ability to control both flow rates and temperature.