Hydraulic Hose Bend Test Apparatus with Load Cell
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bend test apparatuses for hydraulic hoses lack the capability for precise and quantified measurements of the force required to bend, deform, or deflect multilayer reinforced hydraulic hoses.
Innovation Solution
A bend test apparatus comprising a main rack, sliding rails, a carriage, fixtures for retaining the hose ends, a load cell for force detection, and a controller for processing data and controlling the actuator, enabling precise measurements and force vs deflection graph generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a bend test apparatus is used for hydraulic hoses, then the hose can be bent and tested, but precise and quantified measurements of the force required cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simple mechanical bending apparatus with a controlled mechanical system incorporating a linear actuator, sliding carriage, and load cell. This substitution enables precise force measurement through the load cell while maintaining controllability through the actuator mechanism, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a load cell as an intermediary element between the actuator and the hose fixture. This intermediary component specifically measures the force applied to the hose during bending, enabling quantified measurements without requiring the entire apparatus to become excessively complex. The load cell acts as a dedicated sensing element that bridges the mechanical action and measurement requirements.
2Loss of information
If force detection capability is added to the bend test apparatus, then quantified measurements can be obtained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes manual or qualitative force assessment with an automated electronic measurement system comprising a load cell and controller. This substitution captures force data automatically during the bending process, preventing loss of information while managing complexity through integration of standardized electronic components rather than custom mechanical measurement mechanisms.
3Manufacturing precision
If a controlled actuator system is implemented, then precise force application and measurement are enabled, but the apparatus becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the force application and measurement function into distinct modular components: a linear actuator for controlled displacement, a load cell for force measurement, and a controller for coordination. This segmentation enables precise force application through independent optimization of each component while managing overall system complexity through modular architecture and standardized interfaces.
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 precise and quantified measurements of the force required to bend hydraulic hoses, facilitating the development of high flexibility rating products and providing a competitive advantage by allowing for customizable force and deflection inputs.
Implementation Method 1
a load cell that is attached between the carriage and the actuator so as to detect a force which is applied via the actuator onto the carriage and thereby onto the hydraulic hose
Implementation Method 2
a displacement sensor that is arranged to measure a displacement of the carriage along the sliding rail in the longitudinal direction
Data Source
AI summary
Bend test apparatus (100) for a hydraulic hose (200), the apparatus (100) comprising a main rack (10), at least one sliding rail (11) extending in a longitudinal direction (L) and a carriage (13) which is slidable on the sliding rail (11) in the longitudinal direction (L) and which can be displaced by an actuator (20), wherein the apparatus (100) further comprises a first fixture (1) that is rigidly attached to the main rack (10) to retain a first end (201) of the hydraulic hose (200) and a second fixture (2) that is rigidly attached to the carriage (13) to retain a second end (201) of the hydraulic hose (200), and wherein the apparatus (100) comprises a load cell (30) that is attached between the carriage (13) and the actuator (20) so as to detect a force (F) which is applied via the actuator (20) onto the carriage (13) and thereby onto the hydraulic hose (200) in the longitudinal direction (L).