Illuminated Hose Structure With Protected Embedded Light Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hoses used in dark environments, such as firefighting and street applications, are difficult to distinguish and may become disoriented due to darkness, high humidity, temperature, and exposure to toxic gases, necessitating a hose that is both illuminated and resistant to harsh conditions.
Innovation Solution
A hose design featuring a light emitting element arranged between an inner and outer layer, with the light emitting element protected from the fluid and external environment, and powered through a coupling element that connects to a fluid supply source, allowing for automatic activation without additional action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a light emitting element is integrated into the hose to improve visibility in dark environments, then the visibility is improved, but the light emitting element is exposed to damage from liquid and environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The light emitting element is nested between the inner layer and outer layer of the hose, with the inner layer protecting it from liquid contact and the outer layer protecting it from environmental conditions. This nested structure allows the light emitting element to be protected while still integrated into the hose system.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner and outer layers act as intermediary protective barriers between the light emitting element and the harmful environments (liquid and external conditions). These layers mediate the protection without requiring direct contact or complex sealing mechanisms.
2Reliability
If the light emitting element is protected between inner and outer layers, then protection is improved, but the electrical connection becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection function is merged with the coupling element that is already present for fluid connection. The coupling element simultaneously provides mechanical coupling and electrical connection through integrated electrical contacts, eliminating the need for separate wiring pathways through the hose layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element is designed to serve multiple functions: mechanical coupling of the hose to the fluid supply source and electrical connection to power the light emitting element. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by combining what could be separate components.
3Ease of operation
If automatic activation through coupling element connection is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but the coupling element design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical contacts are pre-positioned within the coupling element during manufacturing. When the coupling element is connected to the fluid supply source, the electrical connection is automatically established without requiring any additional actions from the user, such as switching or wiring.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connection mechanism is combined with the mechanical coupling mechanism in a single integrated component. The coupling element simultaneously performs both mechanical attachment and electrical connection functions, reducing the number of separate components and operations needed.
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 hose provides improved visibility in dark conditions while being resistant to liquids and external heat, with the light emitting element being efficiently integrated and protected, enhancing safety and usability in challenging environments.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting element arranged between an inner and outer layer of the hose
Implementation Method 2
the liquid passing through the hose provides a cooling of the light emitting element, thereby preventing overheating of the same when the hose is exposed to high temperatures
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a hose (1) extending between a first end (2) and a second end (3) for conveying a liquid there through, the hose (1) comprising an inner layer (4); an outer layer (6); and a light emitting element (10), wherein the light emitting element (10) is arranged between the inner layer (4) and the outer layer (6). There is thus provided a hose which is at least partly illuminated for providing visibility of the hose in the dark.