Abrasive Media Hose Line With Embedded Wear Detection Insert

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Hose lines used for transporting abrasive media often suffer from wear-induced damage, leading to leaks, which are difficult to detect externally and result in high repair costs and downtime due to the inability to visually assess inner wall wear.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an electrically conductive insert embedded in the hose wall, separate from the reinforcing element, which forms an electrical circuit that can detect wear and breaks through changes in resistance or continuity, allowing for early warning and maintenance scheduling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an electrically conductive insert is embedded in the hose wall separate from the reinforcing element, then wear detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewear detection capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the wear detection function with the existing hose structure by embedding an electrically conductive insert within the hose wall. This insert forms part of an electrical circuit that detects wear through changes in electrical resistance or continuity, merging the monitoring function into the hose itself rather than adding separate external sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrically conductive insert acts as an intermediary element between the hose wall and the monitoring system. It is embedded in the hose wall at a distance from the reinforcing element, serving as a mediator that translates physical wear into measurable electrical signal changes without requiring direct contact with the hose interior or exterior.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the insert and reinforcing element are electrically insulated from one another, then wear measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewear measurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating distinct electrical zones within the hose wall. The insert is positioned at a specific distance from the reinforcing element, and electrical insulation is applied locally between these two conductive elements. This localized differentiation allows precise measurement of wear-induced resistance changes while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If electrical conductors are embedded in the hose wall, then wear detection capability is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewear detection capabilityVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The electrically conductive insert is embedded in the hose wall during the manufacturing process, before the hose is put into service. This preliminary integration ensures proper positioning and insulation between the insert and reinforcing element, simplifying subsequent installation and monitoring operations while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized production techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 timely detection of hose line wear and potential leaks, reducing repair costs and downtime by providing a warning system that alerts users before significant damage occurs.

Implementation Method 1

the first end of the hose assembly and the first end of the insert are connected to an electrical resistance or continuity meter... the measured electrical resistance also changes. This change can be recorded and displayed by the ohmmeter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 2

an electrically conductive material is at least partially embedded in the hose wall and extends in the hose direction at a distance from the reinforcing element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3485190B2Hose line for transporting abrasive media and method and device for its manufacture
Publication Date: 2024.07.17 MASTERFLEX SE
  • EP3485190B2 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3485190B2 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a hose line (1) for transporting abrasive media comprising an electrically conductive reinforcing element (5) extending in or on the hose wall (2) in the hose direction (6), wherein an inlay (7) made of electrically conductive material is at least partially embedded in the hose wall (2) and extends in the hose direction with a spacing from the reinforcing element (5).