Multi-Layer Fluid Hose Structure for Diffusion and Strength

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hose lines for fluids, particularly in vehicles, struggle to provide effective protection against fluid diffusion while maintaining mechanical integrity, as required by legal standards like PZEV and SULEV, without compromising mechanical or dynamic properties.

Innovation Solution

A hose line design featuring two barrier layers with different materials, one on the inside and one between the carrier layer, optimized for fluid diffusion prevention, combined with a carrier layer for mechanical support, and an electrically conductive strip for charge dissipation, along with an optional intermediate layer for enhanced mechanical properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single barrier layer is used to prevent fluid diffusion, then diffusion protection is improved, but mechanical strength and adhesion are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediffusion protectionVSAvoidmechanical strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier function is segmented into two separate barrier layers with different materials, each optimized for preventing diffusion of different fluid components. This segmentation allows each layer to be thin and focused on diffusion prevention while the carrier layer provides mechanical strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hose line uses a composite structure with a carrier layer made of elastomer and two barrier layers made of different materials (e.g., F-TPV and FPM). This composite material approach allows each layer to contribute its specific properties: the carrier layer provides mechanical strength and adhesion, while the barrier layers provide diffusion protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If barrier layers are made thin for optimal diffusion protection, then diffusion prevention is improved, but mechanical strength and bonding capability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediffusion preventionVSAvoidmechanical strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier layer serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical strength to the hose line, ensures adhesion to the barrier layers, and allows the barrier layers to be thin and optimized for diffusion prevention. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between thin barrier layers and mechanical strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The carrier layer acts as an intermediary between the two thin barrier layers, providing the mechanical strength and adhesion that the thin barrier layers cannot provide themselves. This intermediary structure allows the barrier layers to be optimized for diffusion prevention without compromising mechanical integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If a carrier layer with high mechanical properties is used, then mechanical stability is improved, but fluid permeability increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical stabilityVSAvoidfluid permeability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hose line structure segments the functions of mechanical support and diffusion prevention into separate layers. The carrier layer is dedicated to mechanical stability while the two barrier layers are dedicated to preventing fluid diffusion, resolving the contradiction between mechanical properties and fluid permeability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If two barrier layers of different materials are used to prevent diffusion of different fluid components, then diffusion protection is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediffusion protectionVSAvoidlayer structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The two barrier layers are merged into a single integrated hose line structure with the carrier layer, forming a multi-layer composite hose. This merging approach achieves enhanced diffusion protection while maintaining a manageable and manufacturable structure through co-extrusion or sequential extrusion processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design effectively prevents fluid diffusion, meets legal requirements, maintains mechanical stability, and ensures electrical charge dissipation, while optimizing material usage and weight.

Implementation Method 1

a first barrier layer, in particular made of a first material, which is designed to prevent diffusion of the fluid through the wall of the hose line

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion barrier: Diffusion Barrier

Implementation Method 2

an electrically conductive strip for discharging electrical charge

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3205493B2Hose line for a fluid and method for producing such a hose line
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 VERITAS AG
  • EP3205493B2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3205493B2 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present invention relates to a hose (200) for a fluid, comprising a carrier layer (101), a first barrier layer (103) for preventing diffusion of the fluid, and a second barrier layer (105), wherein the first barrier layer (103) is arranged on the inside (107) of the hose (200) and the second barrier layer (105) is arranged between the first barrier layer (103) and the carrier layer (101). The present invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a hose (200).