Segmented Hose Reel System for Frozen Ground Thawing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for thawing frozen ground are inefficient in adapting to varying areas and require excessive heating medium, leading to high energy consumption and maintenance challenges, particularly in compact and portable devices.
Innovation Solution
A device with a framework construction securing the container, boiler, pump, and reel allows for flexible hose segment deployment, reducing the amount of heating medium needed and improving ergonomics and maintenance access, utilizing a glycol-based fluid and a manifold system for efficient heat control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a long hose is deployed to heat large areas, then the heating coverage is improved, but the amount of heating medium required increases leading to higher energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The hose is divided into multiple segments that can be deployed independently. Only the necessary number of segments are uncoiled and filled with heating medium based on the actual area requiring heating, rather than deploying a single long hose that would require heating medium throughout its entire length. This segmentation allows flexible adaptation to different heating area requirements while minimizing energy consumption.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the hose is divided into multiple segments, then the adaptability to varying areas is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional reels and manifold system
Solution Approach 1:
The hose system is segmented into multiple sections, each stored on its own reel. The manifold system provides a centralized connection point that can selectively connect to any combination of hose segments. This modular segmentation enables flexible configuration for different heating areas while keeping each individual component relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold system serves multiple functions: it acts as a distribution hub for heating medium, a connection system for selecting which hose segments are active, and a control interface for managing the heating of different area configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems for each function.
3Reliability
If all hose segments are filled with heating medium, then the heating capacity is maximized, but the heating time and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of filling all hose segments with heating medium, the system selectively fills only the segments corresponding to the area that actually requires heating. This partial action approach maintains sufficient heating capacity for the required area while avoiding the time and energy waste of heating unnecessary portions of the hose.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the operator to determine the appropriate heating area and configure the hose segments accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that the heating medium is distributed only where needed, optimizing both heating capacity and energy efficiency based on actual requirements.
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 enables efficient heat distribution and reduced energy consumption by allowing only necessary hose segments to be deployed and heated, improving adaptability and maintenance accessibility, while maintaining a high ratio of hose volume to storage volume, thus enhancing operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a heating medium that has to circulate in a hose deployed for heating the ground
Implementation Method 2
a pump for circulating the heating medium... which pump circulates the heating medium in the hose
Implementation Method 3
a boiler with a burner for heating the heating medium
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for thawing frozen ground or heating an area of ground, which device substantially comprises a container for storing a heating medium that is to circulate in a hose deployed for heating the ground, a boiler with a burner for heating the heating medium, which boiler is connected to the container for storing the heating medium, a fuel tank containing fuel for the burner in the boiler, which fuel tank is in connection with the burner in the boiler, a pump for circulating the heating medium, a hose placed on the ground that is to be heated, through which the heating medium circulates, which pump is mounted between the hose and the container for storing the heating medium and which pump circulates the heating medium in the hose. An aspect of the invention is characterised in that the container for the heating medium, the boiler with burner, the fuel tank and the pump are secured to a common framework construction, the hose consists of two or more hose segments and the hose segments are in an inactive state, coiled up on a substantially corresponding number of reel segments of a reel, where each hose segment can be selectively connected to the pump via a branch manifold mounted between the pump and each of the hose segments. In a further aspect of the invention, the invention is characterised in that the container for the heating medium, the boiler with burner, the fuel tank and the pump are secured on a common framework construction, which framework construction is provided with external brackets and/or supports for placing it on a transport unit.