Hybrid Hose Assembly for Fluid Power, Data, and Electrical Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic and pneumatic systems face challenges in providing both fluid power and electrical communication in harsh environments due to the impracticality and complexity of routing separate cables, particularly in trenchless applications where electrical cables are not robust enough to handle mechanical loads.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid hose assembly that integrates conductive metallic braided layers to transmit electrical power and data communications within a single hose, featuring an insulating layer and protective jacket, allowing bidirectional communication and electrical power transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate electric cable is routed along with the fluid power hose, then electrical power and data transmission are enabled, but device complexity and cable management issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrical cable and fluid power hose into a single hybrid assembly. The electric conductors are positioned within the hose structure, sharing the same outer protective covering and reinforcement layers, thereby eliminating the need for separate routing and reducing cable management complexity while maintaining both fluid power and electrical transmission capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid hose assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits fluid power through the inner tube, conducts electrical power and data through embedded conductors, and provides mechanical protection through shared reinforcement layers. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed in the system
2Loss of information
If electrical cables are used in trenchless applications, then data communication is enabled, but the cables are not robust enough to handle high mechanical loads
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical conductors are nested within the protective structure of the fluid power hose. The conductors are positioned inside the inner tube or between reinforcement layers, surrounded by the same robust metallic braids and outer protective covering that protect against high mechanical loads, thereby protecting the electrical components without compromising data communication capability
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid assembly uses composite construction combining metallic braid layers for mechanical strength with electrical conductors for data transmission. The metallic braids provide both structural reinforcement to handle high mechanical loads and electrical conductivity for power and data transmission, creating a multi-functional composite structure
3Stress or pressure
If multiple layers of metallic braids are used for high-pressure reinforcement, then pressure handling capability is improved, but electrical interference and signal degradation occur
Solution Approach 1:
An electrical insulating layer is introduced as an intermediary between the metallic braid layers and the electrical conductors. This insulating barrier prevents electrical interference and signal degradation caused by the metallic braids, while the braids continue to provide high-pressure reinforcement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating properties are applied locally at specific positions within the hose structure where electrical conductors are present. The insulating layer is positioned between the metallic braids and conductors, providing targeted protection against electrical interference while maintaining the overall structural integrity and pressure handling capability of the metallic reinforcement layers
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 efficient transmission of fluid power, electrical power, and data communication in harsh environments, enhancing operational capabilities and enabling high-bandwidth data transmission for advanced control and monitoring, while reducing cable management issues.
Implementation Method 1
at least two conductive metallic braided layers adapted to transmit electrical power and data communications
Implementation Method 2
An insulating layer is disposed between the first and second braid layers
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid hose assembly capable of transmitting fluid, electrical power, and data communications through a single hose assembly is disclosed. By providing the transmission of fluid power, electrical power, and bidirectional communication between the source and destination units connected thereto, the hybrid hose of the present invention can enhance functional capabilities of fluid-powered equipment used in harsh environments, such as subsea operations, aviation, and trenchless applications. A hybrid hose assembly embodying features of the present invention may comprise a hybrid hose having a fluid tube surrounded by at least two conductive metallic braided layers adapted to transmit electrical power and data communications, an electro-fluid hose fitting coupled to the hybrid hose, and an overmold encapsulating at least a portion of the electro-fluid hose fitting.