Smart Hose Assembly With Integrated Power and Signal Conduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydraulic systems, such as those used in Spray Polyurethane Foam applications, face inefficiencies in communication and power transmission between remote components, particularly due to reliance on separate wire harnesses and wireless systems that are prone to reliability issues and complexity.
Innovation Solution
Integration of electrically conductive elements within flexible hoses to deliver both fluids and electricity, eliminating the need for separate wire harnesses and using hydraulic fittings for electrical conduction, thereby enabling power and signal transmission through the hoses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate wire harnesses are used for electrical conduction in hydraulic systems, then electrical power and signal transmission can be achieved, but system complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electrical conduction and fluid transport functions into a single integrated hose assembly. The conductive elements (wires or conductive layers) are embedded within the hose structure itself, eliminating the need for separate wire harnesses running parallel to the hydraulic hose. This merging of functions reduces the number of discrete components, connection points, and installation steps, thereby reducing overall system complexity while improving reliability by removing potential failure points from separate electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The hose assembly is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: fluid transport and electrical power/signal transmission. The conductive layers or elements integrated into the hose structure enable the same component to serve both hydraulic and electrical purposes. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components required in the system, simplifying installation and maintenance while improving overall system reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hydraulic fittings are used for fluid connection, then fluid transport is achieved, but electrical conduction capability is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic fittings are designed to provide both fluid connection and electrical conduction capabilities through the same component. The conductive elements extend through the fittings, allowing electrical power and signals to be transmitted along with fluid transport. This dual functionality increases versatility by eliminating the need for separate electrical connectors while maintaining reliable electrical connections through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting integrates fluid passage and electrical conduction paths into a single unified component. The conductive layers or elements are continuous through the fitting structure, merging the hydraulic and electrical functions at the connection point. This integration ensures that both fluid and electrical connections are established simultaneously, improving reliability by reducing the number of separate connection operations and potential failure points.
3Loss of information
If wireless communication systems are used for remote communication, then communication capability is achieved, but reliability decreases and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wireless electromagnetic communication with electrical signal transmission through conductive elements embedded in the hose. Instead of using radio frequency or other wireless technologies that are susceptible to interference and reliability issues, the system uses wired electrical conduction through the integrated conductive layers. This substitution provides more reliable and stable communication signals while reducing system complexity by eliminating wireless communication hardware and protocols.
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 provides reliable real-time communication and power delivery within hydraulic systems, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing complexity by integrating conductive elements into the hose construction for both signal and power conduction.
Implementation Method 1
one or more electrically conductive elements configured to deliver electricity through a length of the smart hose
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
A fluid delivery system includes one or more smart hoses (100). A smart hose of the one or more smart hoses includes a fluid conduit (110) configured to deliver a fluid. The smart hose further includes a first electrically conductive element (108) configured to deliver electricity through a length of the smart hose.