Silicon Hose Integrated Sensor Port for Fuel Cell Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fuel cell systems, silicon hoses are lightweight and inexpensive but cannot accommodate sensors for measuring temperature, pressure, and ion conductivity, necessitating the use of metal parts that increase weight and manufacturing costs, complicating mass production and reducing fuel efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A silicon hose integrated with a sensor port, featuring a base hose, a sensor port with a connection and embedded portion, and a silicon-based outer cover layer, allowing sensors to be mounted without additional metal components, formed by winding a silicon sheet material and subjecting it to a curing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If metal parts are used to mount sensors on the hose, then sensors can be mounted for measuring temperature, pressure, and ion conductivity, but the overall weight and manufacturing cost are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor port is integrated directly into the silicon hose body, merging the hose and sensor mounting functions into a single component. The sensor port includes an embedded portion with threading that allows sensor mounting, eliminating the need for separate metal parts while maintaining sensor mounting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The silicon hose is designed to serve multiple functions: fluid transport, sensor mounting, and structural support. The sensor port with its embedded threaded portion provides universal mounting capability for various sensors (temperature, pressure, ion conductivity) directly on the hose without requiring additional metal components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If metal parts are used to mount sensors on the hose, then sensors can be mounted for measuring temperature, pressure, and ion conductivity, but manufacturing cost is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor port is integrated directly into the silicon hose body during the molding process, combining multiple components (hose and sensor port) into a single molded part. This eliminates the need for separate metal parts and reduces assembly steps, thereby reducing manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameter from metal to silicon rubber for the sensor port, allowing it to be manufactured using conventional silicon rubber molding techniques. This parameter change enables the sensor port to be produced as an integral part of the hose, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a sensor port is welded and fixed to the manifold or pipe, then sensors can be mounted, but the manufacturing complexity and weight are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor port is designed as an integral part of the silicon hose, molded directly into the hose body. This merging of components eliminates the need for separate welding and fixing operations, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining sensor mounting capability through the embedded threaded portion.
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
This solution reduces manufacturing costs, decreases overall weight, enhances user convenience, and improves fuel efficiency by integrating sensors directly into the silicon hose without the need for additional metal parts.
Implementation Method 1
subjecting to a silicon curing process the base hose and the outer cover layer formed onto the base hose
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a silicon hose integrated with a sensor port, which includes a base hose and a sensor port. The sensor port includes a sensor connection portion and an embedded portion integrally formed therewith. By embedding the embedded portion in the hose, the sensor port is integrally fixed on an outer circumference of the hose. According to the present invention, it is possible to contribute to a reduction in cost and weight and an improvement in fuel efficiency.