Heated Hose Nozzle with Integrated Flow and Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing garden hose nozzles lack the ability to heat water effectively for remote applications, such as filling horse troughs or washing cars, as they rely on unheated water from outdoor spigots, and there is a need for a solution that can control both flow rates and temperature.
Innovation Solution
A hose nozzle assembly with a bare wire heating element, a control board, and sensors to regulate power based on temperature and flow inputs, allowing for adjustable temperature settings and safe operation by disabling power when maximum temperatures are reached, integrated with a nozzle sprayer for various spray patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a tank is used to heat and store hot water, then heated water can be provided, but the tank cannot be connected to outdoor spigots and is not portable
Solution Approach 1:
The heating function is extracted from a stationary tank system and integrated into a portable nozzle assembly that can be connected to outdoor spigots. The heating element, control board, and sensors are miniaturized and incorporated into the nozzle, enabling heated water delivery at the point of use without requiring a large storage tank.
Solution Approach 2:
An electrical heating element serves as an intermediary energy source between the electrical power supply and the water, enabling temperature control directly at the nozzle. This intermediary heating mechanism allows the system to provide heated water on-demand without requiring a pre-filled thermal storage tank.
2Temperature
If a heating element is added to the nozzle, then water can be heated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions (heating, temperature sensing, flow sensing, control, and water delivery) are merged into a single integrated nozzle assembly. The heating element, control board, temperature sensors, and flow sensor are all incorporated into one compact unit, reducing overall system complexity compared to separate stationary heating and delivery systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: it delivers water, heats water, monitors temperature, senses flow, and controls heating power. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require separate devices into one universal tool for outdoor water applications.
3Reliability
If temperature control is implemented, then safe operation is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Temperature sensors continuously monitor the water temperature and provide feedback to the control board, which automatically adjusts the heating element power to maintain safe operating temperatures. This closed-loop feedback system ensures reliable and safe operation without requiring complex manual control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically regulates heating based on sensor inputs, eliminating the need for manual temperature adjustment by the user. The system self-regulates power to the heating element based on real-time temperature and flow conditions, simplifying operation while maintaining safety.
4Temperature
If multiple sensors and control board are added, then temperature regulation is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple sensors to monitor different parameters (temperature, flow rate) and dynamically adjusts heating power based on these changing conditions. This parameter-based control enables precise temperature regulation while using standard, readily available sensor and control components that can be manufactured at scale.
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 the heating of water to specific temperatures for diverse applications while ensuring safety through temperature regulation, providing a compact and efficient solution for heating water from a garden hose.
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
Data Source
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.