Embedded Sensor-Line Hose for Internal Abrasion Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hoses used for conveying liquids with solids face issues with internal abrasion, leading to reduced strength and potential failure, which is difficult to detect efficiently, especially when multiple hoses are connected, causing interruptions in liquid delivery.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating sensor lines, either as helically wound metal wires or metal mesh strips, embedded in the hose wall to detect wear and damage, allowing for reliable detection through simple sensor technology, even under mechanical bending and stretching, without risking the sensor lines' integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual inspection methods with colored markings are used to detect hose wear, then wear detection capability is provided, but inspection effort and expense increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewear detection capabilityVSAvoidinspection effort and expense
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hose structure itself serves the dual function of containing fluid and detecting wear through embedded sensor lines. The sensor lines are integrated into the hose wall, allowing the hose to self-monitor its condition without requiring external inspection equipment or procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual inspection procedures are replaced with an automated sensor-based detection system. The sensor lines provide continuous monitoring through electrical or optical signals, eliminating the need for manual interruption, flushing, and visual inspection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If transponders are embedded in the hose wall for damage detection, then wear detection capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and sensor vulnerability increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewear detection capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor lines are designed as simple, robust elements that can be easily manufactured and integrated into the hose. They are made from conventional materials like metal wires or conductive polymers that are inexpensive and can be produced using standard hose manufacturing processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor lines are made from materials and structures that are homogeneous with the hose wall environment. The sensor lines are embedded within the same elastomeric base material, creating a uniform structure that simplifies manufacturing and ensures consistent mechanical properties throughout

Inventive Principle:
Principle #33Homogeneity

3Measurement precision

If rigid transponders are used for wear detection, then detection capability is provided, but reliability under mechanical stress decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewear detection capabilityVSAvoidsensor integrity under stress
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor lines are designed to be flexible and dynamic rather than rigid. They can bend, stretch, and deform with the hose wall without breaking, maintaining their sensing capability under various mechanical conditions including bending, stretching, and compression

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 sensor lines enable early detection of internal hose wear, allowing for timely maintenance and preventing hose failure, ensuring continuous liquid delivery by providing a robust and efficient means to monitor hose condition without the need for complex inspection methods.

Implementation Method 1

Each sensor line is formed by a helically wound metal wire 14 or by a metallic mesh strip 16

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conductivity: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3760904B1Hose with sensor line
Publication Date: 2023.02.22 EDDELBUETTEL & SCHNEIDER
  • EP3760904B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3760904B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3760904B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a hose (2) comprising a tubular hose wall (4) and at least one sensor line (6), wherein the hose wall (4) has an elastomeric base material (8) with an embedded reinforcing element (10), wherein each sensor line (6) is embedded in the base material (8) of the hose wall (4) in such a way as to detect damage and/or wear on an inner surface (12) of the hose wall (4), and wherein each sensor line (6) is formed by a helically wound metal wire (14) or by a metallic mesh strip (16).