Insulated Heated Storage Case for Garden Hose Freeze Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage case devices do not effectively prevent garden hoses from freezing during cold temperatures, particularly those designed for outdoor use.
Innovation Solution
A storage case made of thermally insulating material with an integrated heating pad on the floor to support the hose, which generates heat to prevent freezing, combined with a hinged lid and handles for easy transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a storage case is made with thermally insulating material, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but the storage case cannot effectively prevent garden hoses from freezing during cold temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines thermal insulation material with an active heating pad system within the storage case. The heating pad is attached to the bottom interior surface and can be activated to generate heat, working in conjunction with the insulating material to maintain temperatures above freezing during cold storage conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating pad is positioned to contact the garden hose directly at the bottom of the storage case, providing preliminary heating action before freezing can occur. The system is designed to be activated in advance during cold weather conditions to prevent freezing rather than just insulating passively.
2Reliability
If a heating pad is added to the storage case, then freezing prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating pad is integrated into the storage case structure by attaching it to the bottom interior surface, merging the heating function with the existing case design. This approach adds functionality while minimizing structural complexity compared to building a completely new heated enclosure.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating pad is designed as a self-contained component that can be independently controlled and activated. It serves itself by directly contacting the garden hose and generating heat where needed, without requiring complex distribution systems or additional mechanical components.
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
Effectively prevents garden hoses from freezing by maintaining warmth, ensuring they remain functional for use when needed.
Implementation Method 1
a storage case comprised of a thermally insulating material to inhibit thermal communication between a garden hose stored within the storage case and ambient air
Implementation Method 2
The heating pad produces heat when the heating pad is turned on to heat the garden hose thereby inhibiting the garden hose from freezing during cold temperatures
Data Source
AI summary
A heated storage case device for inhibiting a garden hose from freezing includes a storage case that is comprised of a thermally insulating material to inhibit thermal communication between a garden hose stored within the storage case and ambient air. A pair of handles is each attached to the storage case thereby facilitating the storage case to be carried. A heating pad is attached to the storage case such that the heating pad defines a floor of the storage case to support the garden hose when the garden hose is positioned in the storage case. The heating pad produces heat when the heating pad is turned on to heat the garden hose thereby inhibiting the garden hose from freezing during cold temperatures. A pouch is attached to the storage case having the pouch being positioned inside of the storage case for storing one or more objects.