Rubber Heated Water Bucket With Concealed False-Bottom Heater
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heated water buckets made of plastic are prone to damage and breakage when kicked or stepped on by large animals, and integrating a heating element into rubber buckets is undesirable as it appears as a foreign object and exposes the cord, deterring livestock from drinking.
Innovation Solution
A heated rubber water bucket with an integrated heating unit fitted to the bottom, covered by a peripheral flange and housed in a durable plastic unit that acts as a false bottom, ensuring the heat source is not visible and the cord is securely sealed, using butyl rubber for durability and thermal insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a heating element is submerged in a rubber bucket, then the bucket is durable and provides thermal insulation, but the heating element appears as a foreign object and exposes the cord to animals
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is integrated into the bucket bottom structure, merging the heating function with the bucket body. The heating element is positioned within a recess in the bucket bottom, eliminating the foreign object appearance and cord exposure that cause animal hesitation.
Solution Approach 2:
A false bottom structure serves as an intermediary between the heating element and the water/animal. This false bottom conceals the heating element and its cord, providing a smooth surface that animals are less hesitant to interact with while still allowing heat transfer to the water.
2Temperature
If plastic buckets are used for heated water, then heat transfer is improved, but the buckets are prone to damage and breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The bucket is constructed from rubber material which naturally provides both durability and thermal insulation properties. The heating element is integrated into this rubber bucket structure, creating a composite system that combines the strength of rubber with the heating function, eliminating the need for separate plastic components.
3Reliability
If a heating element is integrated into the rubber bucket bottom, then the bucket provides thermal insulation and durability, but the heating element may be damaged by animal contact
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is positioned within a recess in the bucket bottom, and the false bottom structure provides a protective layer over the heating element. This beforehand cushioning protects the heating element from direct animal contact while maintaining thermal insulation efficiency.
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 solution provides a durable and thermally efficient heated water bucket that prevents damage from animal impact and encourages drinking by hiding the heat source, while ensuring effective thermal transfer and electrical safety through multiple seals and secure routing of the cord.
Implementation Method 1
electric heating element
Implementation Method 2
improves the bucket's thermal insulation properties
Data Source
AI summary
The heated water bucket includes a rubber bodied bucket with an integrated heating unit fitted to the bottom of the bucket. The heating unit covers the entire bottom of the bucket acting as a false “bottom” so that the heating unit does not appear as a foreign object within the bucket. The heating unit is held to the bottom of the bucket by a peripheral flange that extends radially around the inside of the bucket sidewall. The rubber construction of the bucket itself makes the invention more durable, but also improves the bucket's thermal insulation properties, making it more efficient than conventional heated plastic buckets.