Flattened Multi-Layer Garden Hose for Kink Resistance and Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing garden hoses are either heavy and stiff due to thick walls or prone to kinking and weight gain from reinforcement materials that retain water and debris, making them difficult to store and maneuver.
Innovation Solution
A garden hose assembly with a flattened tubular body composed of multiple layers, including an inner and outer tube, reinforcement layers, and covers made from thermoplastic materials with additives, which are co-extruded and cooled in a flattened shape to reduce weight and prevent kinking, while the reinforcement layers inhibit expansion and protect against damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If thick walls and dense compounds are used to provide kink resistance, then the hose becomes resistant to kinking, but the hose becomes heavy and requires large storage space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure with an inner tube made of flexible material (thermoplastic elastomer or vinyl) and an outer reinforcement layer made of woven fabric. This composite design provides kink resistance through the rigid fabric layer while keeping the inner tube lightweight and flexible, resolving the contradiction between kink resistance and weight.
2Stability of the object's composition
If thick walls and dense compounds are used to provide kink resistance, then the hose becomes resistant to kinking, but the hose requires large storage space
Solution Approach 1:
The composite structure with a thin inner tube and outer fabric reinforcement provides adequate kink resistance without requiring thick walls. This allows the hose to be stored in compact spaces without specialized equipment like hose reels, resolving the contradiction between kink resistance and storage space requirements.
3Strength
If reinforcement layer is used to inhibit expansion, then the hose maintains structural integrity, but the reinforcement layer retains water and debris causing weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the reinforcement function from water contact by placing the woven fabric reinforcement layer on the outer surface of the hose, covered by an outer protective layer. This extraction of the reinforcement layer from the water-bearing environment prevents water and debris retention, maintaining structural integrity while avoiding weight increase from retained fluids.
4Strength
If reinforcement layer is used to inhibit expansion, then the hose maintains structural integrity, but debris passage causes punctures and abrasion damage
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement layer is extracted from the water flow path and placed in the outer layer, covered by a protective outer skin. This prevents abrasive particles and debris from directly contacting the reinforcement layer, eliminating puncture and abrasion damage risks while maintaining the structural integrity provided by the reinforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer protective layer acts as an intermediary barrier between the reinforcement layer and external debris. This intermediary layer prevents direct contact between abrasive particles and the reinforcement fabric, protecting against damage while allowing the reinforcement to maintain structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and apparatuses include a tubular body of a garden hose assembly. The tubular body includes an inner tube including an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface defines an interior passageway of the garden hose assembly. The tubular body further includes an outer tube including an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface surrounds the outer surface of the inner tube. The tubular body further includes a reinforcement layer including a helical pattern spiraling in at least one direction around the outer surface of the outer tube. The tubular body further includes an inner cover including an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface surrounds the reinforcement layer. The tubular body further includes an outer cover including an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface surrounds the outer surface of the inner cover.