Printed Electronics Hose for Integrated Heating and Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hoses for conveying fluids face challenges in integrating additional functions like heating and sensing due to complex structures and electrical connections, especially when handling urea at low temperatures, which require resistance wires and additional components.
Innovation Solution
A hose with a printed electronics layer externally applied using various printing processes, allowing for integrated heating, sensing, and actuation capabilities without the need for separate resistance wires or complex structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If resistance wires are wound around the hose for heating, then heating function is achieved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heating function directly into the hose wall by integrating a heating element within the wall structure itself, rather than using separate resistance wires wound around the hose. This merging of functions reduces structural complexity while maintaining heating capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hose wall is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: fluid transport, heating, and structural support. By making the hose wall itself multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate heating components, thereby reducing overall structural complexity.
2Temperature
If separate heating components are added to the hose, then heating function is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is integrated into the hose wall during the manufacturing process, allowing the hose to be produced as a single component with built-in heating capability. This eliminates the need for separate assembly steps for adding heating components.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element is incorporated into the hose wall structure during the initial manufacturing process rather than being added as a separate post-manufacturing step. This preliminary integration simplifies the overall manufacturing process.
3Temperature
If electrical connections for heating wires are provided, then heating function is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connections for the heating element are integrated directly into the hose wall structure, eliminating the need for separate connection components. This merging of electrical connections with the hose structure reduces overall device complexity.
4Temperature
If multiple separate components are used for heating, then heating function is achieved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces the total number of components by merging the heating function into the hose wall itself. This single-component integration eliminates the need for multiple separate heating components, connectors, and insulation elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The hose wall is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides fluid transport, heating, and structural support. This universality reduces the total component count and associated costs.
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 efficient and cost-effective integration of heating, sensing, and actuation functions directly on the hose surface, enhancing performance and flexibility while minimizing structural complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the printed electronics are designed to heat the first layer, in particular to heat a substance within the hose
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to a hollow body (1), preferably a cylindrical hollow body (1), particularly preferably a tube (1), with at least one first layer (11) which encloses an interior space (10), preferably for guiding a fluid. The hollow body (1) is characterized by at least one printed electronic component (13) which is arranged externally on the first layer (11) by printing.