Dielectric Elastomer Sensor Ring for Hose Strain Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for monitoring the elongation of elastomeric hoses during operation are cumbersome, complex, and limited in their application, making them unsuitable for in-situ use due to the need for extensive intermediate links and limited stretchability.
Innovation Solution
A flexible sensor ring made of dielectric elastomer sensors is applied to the hose, which can be pre-tensioned to firmly sit on the hose and follow its expansion, allowing for continuous capacitance measurement without additional fastening, enabling easy reuse and reliable signal delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional strain gauges or pressure sensors are used to measure hose expansion, then measurement capability is achieved, but device complexity increases due to required intermediate components and narrow application range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from complex intermediate components and embeds it directly into the hose wall using strain-sensitive elements that are integrated during hose manufacturing. This eliminates the need for separate pressure sensors, lever arms, and other intermediate components, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The strain-sensitive elements serve multiple functions: they are structural components of the hose wall, provide mechanical strength, and simultaneously perform measurement functions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate measurement devices and intermediate components, resolving the contradiction between measurement capability and device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If mercury-filled tubes or conductive fluid hoses are used for strain measurement, then electrical resistance changes can be detected, but ease of operation decreases due to limited range of motion and application difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The strain-sensitive elements are pre-integrated into the hose wall during manufacturing, eliminating the need for complex post-manufacturing installation procedures. The elements are already positioned and secured, allowing for easy hose application without requiring precise alignment or complex fastening operations, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining strain detection capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If stretchable dielectric elastomer sensors are used, then high strain capabilities are achieved, but device complexity increases due to sensor embedding requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the dielectric elastomer sensors with the hose wall structure itself, making the hose wall the sensor substrate. The strain-sensitive elements are embedded within the hose wall layers, combining the structural function of the hose with the sensing function, thereby achieving high strain capabilities without adding separate sensor components or increasing device complexity.
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
This solution allows for efficient in-situ monitoring of hose elongation with high expansion capabilities, providing a simple and cost-effective means to detect hose wear or overloading, even in high-temperature environments, and enables easy reapplication to new hoses.
Implementation Method 1
response to strain or pressure by changing their electrical capacitance
Implementation Method 2
thanks to its own elasticity, at least partially accommodates the hose's expansion in both radial and axial directions by changing its width
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a measuring device (1) for detecting the strain of an elastomeric hose (3). The invention is based on the objective of creating a measuring device (1) for detecting diameter changes in hoses (3) in situ, even during operation, which enables high strains with ease of use and reliable signal output. This objective is achieved by the device (1) having at least one flexible sensor ring (2) formed using dielectric elastomer sensors (6, 6A, 6B, 9), wherein the sensor ring (2) has a predetermined axial extension and a predetermined inner diameter, and the sensor ring (2) can be slid onto a hose (3) to be sensed under radial preload.