Patent Publication Number: US-11022237-B2

Title: Hose assemblies with reduced axial stress

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The invention is generally directed to hose assemblies for transport of fluids, and more particularly to a hose assembly having at least one elongate matrix to provide reduced axial stress along at least one axis of vibration while maintaining flexibility along other axes. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Hoses are used to transport a variety of fluids in various applications. In many applications, such as in automotive and aerospace industries, in which hydraulic fluids and fuels are transported via a series or network of hoses throughout the vehicle, the vehicle is subjected to high vibrations. The high vibrations causes continual or ongoing forces and stresses on the hoses, which if not sufficiently rigid, can cause accelerated wear and tear and abrasions, which can result in potential leak paths and, in the worst case, catastrophic failure of the hose assembly. 
     Imparting rigidity on the overall hose assembly to dampen the vibrations is one method of reducing the axial stress on the hose assembly. However, it is often desirable to maintain at least some flexibility of the hose assembly. There remains an unmet need for a cost-effective hose assembly that is capable of withstanding high vibration environments while maintaining at least some flexibility for use in high vibration applications such as automobile and aircraft engines. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the invention are directed to a hose assembly with reduced axial stresses caused by vibration in hoses during use in high vibration applications. Such applications can include fuel or hydraulic lines in aerospace and automotive applications including, for example, planes, jets, shuttles, cars, trucks, buses, semis, and the like applications in which extreme high vibrations can be imparted on the hoses. The hose assemblies according to embodiments impart rigidity in at least one axis, particularly along the axes or in the plane in which the hose experiences the most vibration, while maintaining a full or substantially full degree of flexibility in other axes. 
     In embodiments of the invention, a hose assembly with reduced axial stress includes an underlying hose, such as a composite hose, and one or more elongate matrices extending over a portion of the hose along an axis of vibration. The elongate matrices can comprise an extruded, molded, or braided matrix formed of engineered fibers, metallic materials, and/or elastomeric materials formulated to impart a desired amount of rigidity along an axis of vibration to which it is applied. In one embodiment, an elongate matrix comprise a composite matrix which includes one or more rigid members, such as wire rods, embedded in an elastomeric matrix which is chemically and/or mechanically coupled to the underlying hose. 
     In embodiments, engineered fiber can include, for example, fiberglass, polyamide fibers, and the like, or combinations thereof. Metallic materials can include, for example, drawn wire or a metallic coating formed from stainless steel, spring steel, corrosion resistant steel, polymer-coated steel, and the like, or combinations thereof. Elastomeric materials can include any of a variety of elastomeric polymers such as, for example, silicon, or composite matrix reinforcement materials. 
     In embodiments, the elongate matrix extends along a partial length or an entire length of the hose between 10 and 120 degrees about the circumference of the hose in order maintain flexibility in the other axes, more particularly about 30 to about 100 degrees, and more particularly about 45 to about 90 degrees. In one particular embodiment of the invention, a pair of elongate matrices spaced approximately 180 degrees apart about the hose such that they are both in the plane of vibration. However, it can be contemplated that the pair of matrices can be spaced about the circumference of the hose at any of a variety of distances, such as, for example, 60 degrees, 90 degrees, or 120 degrees so as to impart rigidity in multiple axes of vibration or in the event the plane of vibration is offset from the longitudinal axis of the hose assembly. 
     The elongate matrices are configured to provide stiffness in the axis of vibration by absorbing the energy or forces to attenuate the vibration of the hose. The attenuated vibration produces less axial stress on hose assembly, thereby elongating the life of the hose and reducing the risk of hose failure. 
     The above summary is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the subject matter hereof. The figures and the detailed description that follow more particularly exemplify various embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Subject matter hereof may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments in connection with the accompanying figures, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a top view of a hose assembly having two elongate matrices according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an end of the hose assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of a hose assembly having two elongate matrices with stiffening rods according to another embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of a hose assembly having two elongate matrices with a stiffening rod in each matrix according to another embodiment of the invention; and 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of a hose assembly having two elongate matrices according to an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     While various embodiments are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the claimed inventions to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the subject matter as defined by the claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     According to an embodiment of the invention and referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a hose assembly  100  can generally comprise a composite hose  102 , and at least one elongate matrix  104  which imparts rigidity in at least one plane in which hose  102  is subject to the most vibration in use. In a particular embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , hose assembly  100  includes two matrices  104   a ,  104   b , spaced approximately 180 degrees about a circumference of underlying hose  102 . However, one of skill in the art would recognize that if more than one elongate matrix is present, they can be spaced apart from one another at any of a variety of varying degrees to impart rigidity in one or more axes, while maintaining flexibility in other axes. The matrices provide a means of dampening the vibrations along the axis to which they are applied. 
     The elongate matrices, and in this particular embodiment,  104   a ,  104   b , extend along a portion or an entirety of a length of underlying hose  102  to impart rigidity along at least one axis of hose assembly  100 . Elongate matrices  104   a ,  104   b  can comprise, for example, an extruded, braided, or molded matrix and can be formed of engineered fibers, metallic materials, and/or elastomeric materials formulated to a desired amount of rigidity in the axis of vibration. Engineered fiber can include, for example, fiberglass, polyamide fibers, and the like, or combinations thereof. Metallic materials can include, for example, drawn wire or a metallic coating formed from stainless steel, spring steel, corrosion resistant steel, polymer-coated steel, and the like, or combinations thereof. Elastomeric materials can include any of a variety of elastomeric polymers such as, for example, silicon. 
     In embodiments, elongate matrices  104   a ,  104   b  extends along a partial length or an entire length of hose  102  and between 10 and 120 degrees about the circumference of exterior surface of hose  102  in order maintain flexibility in the other axes. In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a pair of elongate matrices is spaced approximately 180 degrees apart about an exterior surface of hose  102  such that they are both a plane of vibration that is transverse to a longitudinal axis of hose assembly  100 . However, it can be contemplated that the pair of matrices can be spaced about the circumference of the hose at any of a variety of distances, such as, for example, 60 degrees, 90 degrees, or 120 degrees so as to impart rigidity in multiple axes of vibration or in the event the plane of vibration is offset from the longitudinal axis of the hose assembly. 
     In an alternative embodiment, and referring to  FIG. 3 , a hose assembly  200  includes an underlying composite hose  202  and one or more elongate composite matrices  204 , which includes a plurality of rigid members  206 , such as wire rods, embedded in each or at least one of the elastomeric matrices  204  which is chemically and/or mechanically coupled to the underlying hose. Rigid member(s)  206  can comprise, for example, steel wire, spring steel wire, corrosion resistant steel wire, polymer coated steel wire, plastic or polymer wire, and/or any of a variety of combinations thereof. Rigid member(s)  206  can comprise, for example, a stiffened wire  206  having a spring constant based on the application of hose assembly  200  to tune the vibration. 
     In embodiments in which rigid member(s)  206  are present, rigid member(s)  206  can extend an entire length of matrix, or only a portion thereof. In another embodiment (not shown), one or more rigid members are present in a first elongate matrix along the underlying hose, and not present in a second elongate matrix spaced apart from the first elongate matrix about a circumference of the underlying hose. In yet another embodiment of the invention (not shown) a first elongate matrix, with or without rigid member(s), is bonded to an exterior surface of the underlying hose, while a second elongate matrix, with or without rigid member(s) is bonded to an interior surface of the underlying hose, at a similar location about the circumference of the hose, and/or spaced apart from the location of the first elongate matrix about the circumference of the hose. 
     In yet another embodiment, and referring to  FIG. 4 , a hose assembly  300  includes an underlying composite hose  302  including an inner tube  302   a  and a braided jacket  302   b , and one or more elongate composite matrices  304   a,b , each of which includes a single rigid members  306 , such as wire rods, embedded in an elastomeric matrix  304  which is chemically and/or mechanically coupled to the underlying hose. Rigid members  306  can comprise, for example, steel wire, spring steel wire, corrosion resistant steel wire, polymer coated steel wire, plastic or polymer wire, and/or any of a variety of combinations thereof. Rigid members  306  can comprise, for example, a stiffened wire  306  having a spring constant based on the application of hose assembly  306  to tune the vibration. 
     In an embodiment, as depicted in  FIG. 5 , hose assembly  100 ,  200 , or  300  including the one or more elongate elastomeric matrices  104 ,  204 ,  304 , can extend not only along a length of the hose  102 ,  202 ,  302  but over end cuff portions  110  and/or couplings  112 , if present, to provide vibration dampening along an entire length of the hose assembly. 
     In any of the embodiments, the elongate matrix or matrices are bonded either physically, such as by sintering, and/or chemically to the underlying hose. In one particular embodiment, the elongate matrix is extruded or molded to an exterior surface of the underlying hose. The elongate matrix is then cured or otherwise set. Optionally, a braided jacket, such as a polyester jacket, can be formed over the one or more matrices to aid in holding the matrices in place. In another embodiment in which rigid member(s) are incorporated into the matrix, a temporary collar is used to hold the rigid member(s) in place until the matrix is molded or otherwise set in place to encapsulate the rigid member(s) and bond it to the underlying hose. 
     In embodiments, underlying hose  102 ,  202  can comprise any of a variety of composite hoses suitable for use in application in which high vibration forces and stresses are incurred along one or more axes of hose  102 .  202 . Suitable composite hoses can include, as depicted in  FIG. 3 , for example, an inner tube  210  and a jacket  212  circumferentially surrounding inner tube  210 , and optionally one or more resins (not shown) infused within and over jacket  212 . 
     In embodiments, inner tube  210  can be composed of a polymer, for example, a fluoropolymer, such as, but not limited to, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). In some embodiments, the inner tube is completely or partially conductive. For example, an innermost section of inner tube  210  (i.e., the inner surface adjacent to a longitudinal axis of inner tube  210 ) can be conductive. The thickness of this innermost section can be defined as a percentage of the entire thickness of inner tube  210  can, for example, an innermost 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and the like. Inner tube  210  or a section thereof can be rendered conductive by the incorporation of metal particles (e.g., copper, aluminum, gold, silver, nickel, and the like), carbon black, carbon fibers, or other conductive additives, and/or can be formed of a conductive material, such as a conductive elastomeric material. 
     The conductivity of the innermost region can be controlled by varying the amount of conductive particles added to the polymer. In some embodiments, the innermost region contains between about 0.5% and about 2.5% conductive particles by weight, between about 1.5% and about 2.5% conductive particles by weight, and the like. Inner tube  210  can, in some embodiments, have a high orientation index, which is a measure of the degree of orientation of the fluoropolymer (e.g. PTFE) chains in the longitudinal direction versus that of the transverse direction. An orientation index of zero (0) means that the fluoropolymer chains are randomly oriented. An orientation index of one (1) means that all of the fluoropolymer chains are oriented in the longitudinal direction. 
     In an alternative embodiment not shown, the entire inner tube is conductive. In yet another alternative embodiment not shown, the entire inner tube is non-conductive. 
     In embodiments, jacket  212  can be formed from a plurality of plaits  206  of fiberglass lace. The fiberglass lace, in turn, can optionally incorporate PTFE. Suitable fiberglass lace is available under the A-A-52083 (Type IV) specification from a variety of sources including Breyden Products, Inc. of Columbia City, Ind.; Western Filament, Inc. of Grand Junction, Colo.; and W.F. Lake Corp. of Glens Falls, N.Y. Of course, in various alternatives, other materials could be used to form jacket  212 . For example, different polymers could be used to make braids, lace, or other arrangements to form alternatives to jacket  212 . In other embodiments, the jacket can be formed from a plurality of strands or filaments of carbon fiber, carbon-carbon fiber, para aramid fibers, fiberglass yarns, alumina fibers, boron fibers, boron nitride fibers, silica fibers, silica nitride fibers, or mixtures thereof, and each fiber may also optionally be coated with fluoropolymer, such as, but not limited to, PTFE. 
     In some embodiments, the underlying strands include of E-glass or S-glass fiberglass. E-glass and S-glass are widely available from a variety of sources. Generally speaking, E-glass is understood to refer to alumina-calcium-borosilicate glasses used as general purpose reinforcement where strength and high electrical resistivity are desired, while S-glass is understood to refer to magnesium aluminosilicate glasses used for textile substrates or reinforcement in composite structural applications that require high strength, modulus, and durability under conditions of extreme temperature or corrosive environments. A variety of other types of fiberglass can be used including AR-glass, C-glass, D-glass, E-CR-glass, R-glass, and the like. 
     In some embodiments, the jacket  212  is braided as depicted in  FIG. 3 . In other embodiments, the jacket is formed by wrapping the plaits in a helical manner. 
     In an embodiment, one or more reinforcing strands can be incorporated one or more of the plaits  206 . For example, one or more aramid, para-aramid, or aromatic polyester strands can be braided along with the fiberglass strands. Suitable aramids and para-aramids are sold under the KEVLAR® brand by E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company of Wilmington, Del., under the TECHNORA® brand by Teijin Limited of Osaka, Japan, and under the TWARON® brand by Teijin Aramid B.V. of Arnhem, The Netherlands. Suitable aromatic polyesters are available under the VECTRAN® and VECTRAN® EX brands from Kuraray America, Inc. of Fort Mill, S.C. The ratio of fiberglass strands to reinforcing strands can, for example, be between 1:1 and 20:1. 
     The jacket  212  can be conductive or non-conductive. For example, jacket  104  can include a plurality of conductive particles such as metal particles (e.g., copper, aluminum, gold, silver, nickel, and the like), carbon black, carbon fibers, or other conductive additives. Such particles can be present in the individual strands of fiberglass, applied to fiberglass plaits  206 , and/or applied to jacket  212  after formation. For example, any of the strands, plaits  206 , or jacket  212  can be dipped in, sprayed with, coated with, or otherwise applied with a dispersion of conductive particles, which are then retained within plaits  206 . 
     Jacket  212  can be sintered to inner tube  210  to provide structural stability that prevents or inhibits inner tube  210  from collapsing, deforming, or bursting. 
     Additional details regarding the underlying composite hose  102 ,  202  can be found, for example, in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/398,295, a national stage entry of PCT/US/2012/046053 filed on Jul. 10, 2012, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     Various embodiments of systems, devices, and methods have been described herein. These embodiments are given only by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed inventions. It should be appreciated, moreover, that the various features of the embodiments that have been described may be combined in various ways to produce numerous additional embodiments. Moreover, while various materials, dimensions, shapes, configurations and locations, etc. have been described for use with disclosed embodiments, others besides those disclosed may be utilized without exceeding the scope of the claimed inventions. 
     Persons of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize that the subject matter hereof may comprise fewer features than illustrated in any individual embodiment described above. The embodiments described herein are not meant to be an exhaustive presentation of the ways in which the various features of the subject matter hereof may be combined. Accordingly, the embodiments are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, the various embodiments can comprise a combination of different individual features selected from different individual embodiments, as understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, elements described with respect to one embodiment can be implemented in other embodiments even when not described in such embodiments unless otherwise noted. 
     Although a dependent claim may refer in the claims to a specific combination with one or more other claims, other embodiments can also include a combination of the dependent claim with the subject matter of each other dependent claim or a combination of one or more features with other dependent or independent claims. Such combinations are proposed herein unless it is stated that a specific combination is not intended. 
     Any incorporation by reference of documents above is limited such that no subject matter is incorporated that is contrary to the explicit disclosure herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is further limited such that no claims included in the documents are incorporated by reference herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is yet further limited such that any definitions provided in the documents are not incorporated by reference herein unless expressly included herein. 
     For purposes of interpreting the claims, it is expressly intended that the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are not to be invoked unless the specific terms “means for” or “step for” are recited in a claim.