Layered PVC Hose Structure for Early Leak Notification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional PVC hoses have a short lifespan due to hardening and are prone to rupture, and existing leak detection methods are ineffective for fluids other than oil and chemical products, requiring improvement for early leak detection and notification.
Innovation Solution
A PVC hose design featuring an inner layer, reinforcing yarn layer, intermediate and electrode layers, a partition layer made of materials soluble in the fluid, and a high-density woven yarn layer, with a leak detection device that uses electrical conductivity to detect leaks between terminals, allowing for rapid and accurate leak notification regardless of the fluid type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional PVC hoses are used for long periods, then they are hardened and rupture, but their lifespan is shortened
Solution Approach 1:
The hose is divided into multiple functional layers including inner layer, intermediate layer, partition layer, and outer layer, each with specific properties. The partition layer uses fluid-soluble material that dissolves upon fluid contact to trigger detection, while the electrode layers provide continuous monitoring capability without compromising the overall hose strength and lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The hose employs composite material structure combining PVC inner layer, fluid-soluble partition layer material, and conductive electrode layer materials. This composite structure allows the hose to maintain structural integrity while enabling leak detection functionality, preventing the hardening and rupture issues of conventional single-material hoses.
2Adaptability or versatility
If natural rubber partition layer is used for oil and chemical fluid detection, then leak detection is possible, but it cannot detect water-based fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The partition layer material properties are changed based on the fluid type to be detected. For water-based fluids, the partition layer uses water-soluble material that dissolves upon water contact. For oil and chemical fluids, fluid-soluble materials are used. This parameter change in material solubility enables the hose to reliably detect different fluid types without cross-contamination issues.
3Reliability
If conductive wire is spirally wound on PVC hose, then leak detection is possible, but leak cannot be detected until fluid contacts the wire
Solution Approach 1:
The partition layer is positioned between the inner and outer layers, ready to dissolve upon fluid contact. The electrode layers are pre-installed and connected to detection devices. When a leak occurs, the fluid immediately contacts the partition layer which dissolves, allowing instant electrical contact between electrodes and triggering immediate detection and notification, eliminating the time delay of conventional methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition layer acts as an intermediary substance that mediates between the fluid and the electrode layers. It normally prevents electrical contact but upon fluid contact, it dissolves to enable conduction. This intermediary mechanism provides rapid and accurate leak detection by translating the physical presence of leaked fluid into an electrical signal immediately.
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 PVC hose design extends the lifespan, prevents rupture, and enables rapid and accurate leak detection for both oil and water-based fluids, providing timely notification of leaks before fluid escape.
Implementation Method 1
a partition layer formed through coating to surround the outer circumferential surface of the first electrode layer; made of a material soluble in the fluid flowing inside the inner layer
Implementation Method 2
a leak detection device configured to determine whether there is a leak depending on whether current is conducted between the first terminal and the second terminal when power is applied
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) hose with a leak notification function. The PVC hose includes: an inner layer configured such that a fluid is transferred through a hollow; a reinforcing yarn layer wound around the inner layer, and configured to increase the pressure of the inner layer and restrain expansion; an intermediate layer formed through coating around the reinforcing yarn layer; a first electrode layer formed through coating around the intermediate layer, and provided with a first terminal; a partition layer formed through coating around the first electrode layer; a second electrode layer formed through coating around the partition layer, and provided with a second terminal; a high-density woven yarn layer processed around the second electrode layer; an outer coating layer formed through coating around the high-density woven yarn layer; and a leak detection device configured to determine whether there is a leak depending on whether current is conducted.