Hose Clamp Circuit for Early Failure and Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hoses used in various applications can leak, tear, or burst over time, leading to radial expansion before failure, which existing detection methods fail to reliably detect, often resulting in unexpected rupture.
Innovation Solution
A hose failure detection system with a sensor assembly that circumferentially surrounds the hose, featuring a hinged clamp that moves from a closed to an open position as the hose expands, breaking an electrical circuit to indicate failure, and a leak detection assembly with conductive elements and a fluid-absorbing member to detect leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing detection methods are used, then the system is simple, but hose failure cannot be reliably detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical detection systems with an electrical circuit-based detection system. The sensor assembly uses electrical contacts that open or close circuits in response to hose expansion, providing reliable failure detection through simple electrical resistance monitoring rather than complex mechanical measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electrical circuit as an intermediary between the hose and the detection system. The circuit acts as a mediator that translates physical hose expansion into an electrical signal that can be easily monitored and interpreted, improving detection reliability without requiring direct mechanical measurement of the hose.
2Measurement precision
If a sensor assembly circumferentially surrounding the hose is used, then detection accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is segmented into discrete functional components: a clamp body with arms, electrical contacts, and a hub. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function simply, while the assembly as a whole provides precise circumferential monitoring of the hose without requiring complex integrated sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent monitors changes in electrical resistance as the primary parameter to detect hose expansion. By focusing on this single electrical parameter rather than multiple mechanical parameters, the system achieves precise detection while maintaining simplicity in the sensor design.
3Loss of time
If electrical circuit monitoring is implemented, then failure detection timeliness improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic monitoring of the electrical circuit rather than continuous monitoring. The hub checks the circuit state at intervals, providing timely failure detection while consuming minimal energy during idle periods when no failure is present.
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 detects hose failure and leaks, providing timely indications to users, reducing the occurrence of hose tears and ruptures by monitoring resistance changes in the electrical circuit and communicating through a hub or remote device.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid-absorbing member configured to detect a leak within the hose
Implementation Method 2
the leak detection assembly comprises one or more conductive elements and a fluid-absorbing member configured to detect a leak within the hose
Implementation Method 3
monitoring a resistance of the electrical circuit to determine whether the electrical circuit is closed or open
Data Source
AI summary
A system configured to detect failure of a hose includes a sensor assembly having a body with a first arm and a second arm pivotally coupled to one another at respective first ends, and the body is configured to move between a closed position and an open position. The sensor assembly also includes a first electrical contact positioned at a respective second end of the first arm and a second electrical contact position at a respective second end of the second arm. The first electrical contact and the second electrical contact are configured to contact one another to form a complete electrical circuit when the body is in the closed position and are configured to be separated from one another to form an open electrical circuit when the body is in the open position to facilitate detection of the failure of the hose.