Hose Degradation Monitoring via Non-Linear Diode Circuit
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic hose monitoring systems face challenges in detecting hose degradation non-destructively and non-disruptively, as changes in electrical properties can be attributed to various factors, including physical changes in the hose wall, sensing electronics, or electrical connection degradation, making it difficult to determine impending failure accurately.
Innovation Solution
A hose degradation monitoring system with a circuit element having a non-linear electrical property, such as a diode, connected between two conductive layers, applies different voltages to detect resistance and electrical characteristics, allowing for the calculation of hose assembly resistance independent of electrical contact resistance, thereby distinguishing between hose and contact contributions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional monitoring systems measure electrical properties to detect hose degradation, then monitoring capability is provided, but it becomes difficult to determine whether changes are due to hose wall physical features or electrical connection degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system segments the total electrical property changes into distinct components: hose wall contribution and electrical connection contribution. By measuring electrical properties at multiple locations and using signal processing techniques, the system separates the degradation signal from the connection noise, enabling accurate identification of hose wall condition independent of connector status.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces intermediary reference measurements and comparison circuits that act as mediators between the hose wall and the measurement instrument. These intermediaries include reference connectors and baseline measurements that allow the system to distinguish whether changes originate from the hose wall or the electrical connections by comparing against known good states.
2Strength
If additional reinforcing material is added to increase burst strength, then burst strength is improved, but flexibility of the hose deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hose assembly employs local quality enhancement by adding conductive coatings or layers specifically at critical stress zones rather than uniformly throughout the entire hose. This localized application of conductive material provides enhanced burst strength where needed while preserving flexibility in non-critical areas, and simultaneously enables the monitoring system to detect degradation at high-stress locations.
3Strength
If tensile strength of reinforcement material is increased to improve burst strength, then burst strength is improved, but fatigue resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hose construction utilizes composite materials combining different reinforcement layers with complementary properties. One layer provides high tensile strength for burst resistance while another layer with different material characteristics provides fatigue resistance. The conductive monitoring layer is integrated as part of this composite structure, allowing electrical property measurements to detect degradation in the reinforcement layers without compromising the balanced performance of burst strength and fatigue resistance.
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 approach enables accurate, non-destructive monitoring of hose degradation by differentiating between hose and contact resistances, providing reliable detection of impending failure and improving the assessment of hose integrity without false readings from connection issues.
Implementation Method 1
The circuit element includes a diode electrically connected between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer. The diode has a resistance that changes non-linearly as a function of voltage applied across the diode.
Implementation Method 2
The diagnostic unit is configured to apply a plurality of different voltages across the circuit element including a first voltage and a second voltage opposite in polarity to the first voltage to detect a resistance of the hose assembly and a resistance of the electrical contacts.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for detecting hose degradation are disclosed. In one aspect, a hose degradation monitoring system includes a hose assembly including a hose having a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer, and a monitoring circuit in electrical communication with the first and second conductive layers. The degradation monitoring circuit includes a circuit element having a non-linear electrical property in response to changed voltage.