Removable Heating Element for Portable Water Pack Dispensing Line
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable water pack systems are inadequate in safely and effectively regulating the temperature of liquids in dispensing lines, particularly in cold weather conditions, leading to freezing issues that hinder user access to water.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a power source, a heating element, and a controller connected to the dispensing line, which delivers electrical current to produce heat and maintain the liquid in a usable state, optionally including a temperature sensor and insulation sleeve to enhance efficiency and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If friction heating or external heat sources are used to prevent freezing, then the liquid can be melted, but the solution lacks convenience and may become dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical friction heating and external heat source methods with an electrical heating system. A heating element embedded in the dispensing line converts electrical energy directly to thermal energy, eliminating the need for manual friction rubbing or submersion in hot water, thereby improving both safety and convenience while maintaining reliable freezing prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary between the power source and heating element, and between the temperature sensor and heating element. This intermediary automatically regulates the heating process based on temperature feedback, eliminating the need for manual intervention and providing convenient, safe, and reliable automatic temperature control
2Ease of operation
If a heating system is added to prevent freezing, then liquid access is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heating function directly into the existing dispensing line by embedding the heating element within the line structure itself. This integration approach adds the heating capability without requiring separate external heating devices, thereby improving liquid access while minimizing the increase in overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a temperature sensor that automatically monitors the liquid temperature and provides feedback to the controller, which then automatically activates or deactivates the heating element as needed. This self-regulating mechanism ensures reliable liquid access without requiring complex manual control systems
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 system effectively prevents freezing of liquids in the dispensing line, ensuring continuous access to water in cold conditions while being safe and convenient to use.
Implementation Method 1
The flow of electrical current through the heating element is operative to cause the heating element to produce heat
Implementation Method 2
The controller is configured to receive at least one signal from the temperature sensor indicating the temperature of the liquid in the liquid dispensing line. When the controller receives a signal indicating that the temperature of the liquid is above a pre-determined liquid temperature threshold, the controller is operative to discontinue delivery of the electrical current to the heating element
Data Source
AI summary
The present general inventive concept provides a system for heating a portable liquid pack dispensing line. The system includes a power source, a heating element that is removably connected to the liquid dispensing line and extends in contacting relation with at least a portion of the liquid dispensing line, and a controller that is in operative connection with the power source and the heating element. The controller is configured to receive electrical current from the battery and to deliver electrical current to the heating element. Flow of electrical current through the heating element is operative to cause the heating element to produce heat and to transfer heat to the liquid dispensing line in contacting relation therewith.