DEGRADATION DETECTION SYSTEM FOR A HOSE ASSEMBLY
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application
61/142,752, filed January 6, 2009, and which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to a system for detecting degradation of a hose
assembly.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] High pressure reinforced hydraulic hose is typically used on a variety of
fluid power operated machines, such as earth-moving machines, to provide a flexible
connection between several moving parts of a hydraulic circuit employed on or within
the machine. Such hoses may include a hollow polymeric inner tube on which
successive cylindrical layers of reinforcing material, such as wire or textile, are
concentrically applied to contain the radial and axial pressures developed within the
inner tube.
[0004] Many applications require hose constructions with both high burst strength
and long term fatigue resistance. Using conventional technology, the burst strength of
a hose design may be increased by adding additional reinforcing material and/or layers,
a practice which is generally discouraged because of its negative impact on the
flexibility of the hose, or by universally increasing the tensile strength of each layer of
reinforcement material, which may come at the expense of hose fatigue resistance.
[0005] To determine the robustness of a hose design, a hose manufacturer typically
performs, among other tests, an impulse test and a burst test on the hose. An impulse
test measures a hose design's resistance to fatigue failure by cyclically subjecting the
hose to hydraulic pressure. A burst test, on the other hand, is a destructive hydraulic

test employed to determine the ultimate strength of a hose by uniformly increasing
internal pressure until failure. Based on these and other tests, a manufacturer can
estimate a hose life that can be used to determine when a hose has reached the end of its
life and may require replacing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a hose fault detection system.
The hose fault detection system includes a hose assembly including a hose having a first
conductive layer and a second conductive layer. The hose assembly has an electrical
characteristic. A fault detector is in electrical communication with the first and second
conductive layers. The fault detector includes at least one visual indicator operatively
connected to the hose assembly.
[0007] In another aspect of the invention, an RFID-based hose fault detection system
includes a plurality of hose assemblies, a plurality of RFID tag systems, a life-sensing
hose detection mechanism, an algorithm, at least one reader, and at least one user
interface. The hose assemblies each include a hose with an electrical characteristic. The
RFID tag systems are in communication with the hose assemblies. The user interface is
configured to display the electrical characteristic of the hose of the hose assembly.
[0008] In yet another aspect of the invention, a monitoring and failure detection
system includes at least one hose assembly, at least one sensor node, and at least one
aggregator node. The hose assembly includes a hose having an electrical characteristic.
The sensor node has a plurality of sensors that are operatively attached to the hose
assembly and are configured to monitor the electrical characteristic. The aggregator
node is in operative communication with the sensor node. The sensor node is
configured to provide data pertaining to the electrical characteristic to the aggregator
node. The aggregator node is configured to analyze the data and provide information
of the hose assembly to a system operator via a user interface.

[0009] A variety of additional aspects will be set forth in the description that follows.
These aspects can relate to individual features and to combinations of features. It is to
be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed
description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad
concepts upon which the embodiments disclosed herein are based.
[0010] The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the
present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best
modes for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Referring now to the figures, which are exemplary embodiments and wherein
like elements are numbered alike:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary hose assembly
employing a fault detector having exemplary features of aspects in accordance with the
principles of the present disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view, partially cut away, illustrating an exemplary hose
employing a braided conductive layer that is suitable for use with the hose assembly of
FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view, partially cut away, illustrating an exemplary hose
employing a spiral wire conducting layer that is suitable for use with the hose assembly
of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 4A is a schematic cross-sectional end view of the hose assembly of FIG.
1 illustrating the hose having a microcontroller device attached to conductive layers of
the hose;
[0016] FIG. 4B is a schematic illustration of an algorithm of the microcontroller
device of FIG. 4A that is used to read and record electrical resistance values of the
conductive layers of the hose in a memory ;
[0017] FIG. 4C is a schematic graphical representation of the microcontroller device
of FIG. 1 monitoring electrical resistance values over time;

[0018] FIG. 4D is a schematic graphical representation of minimum electrical
resistance values over time that are stored in the memory of the microcontroller of FIG.
1;
[0019] FIG. 5 is an exemplary schematic representation of a fault detector suitable for
use with the hose assembly of FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional end view of the hose assembly of FIG. 1
illustrating the hose having an initial distance between the conductive layers and a
deformed distance between the conducting layers;
[0021] FIG. 7 is an exemplary schematic representation of a comparator suitable for
use with the fault detector of FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 8 is an alternative exemplary schematic representation of a fault detector
suitable for use with the hose assembly of FIG. 1;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the hose assembly of FIG.
1;
[0024] FIG. 10 is a representation of a method for monitoring the structural integrity
of the hose assembly of FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 11 is a representation of a method for notifying an operator of the
structural integrity of the hose assembly of FIG. 1;
[0026] FIG. 12 is an alternate representation of a method for notifying an operator of
the structural integrity of the hose assembly of FIG. 1;
[0027] FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional end view of an alternate embodiment of
the hose assembly of FIG. 1 illustrating the hose having an RFID system and a reader in
operative communication with the RFID system via inductive coupling;
[0028] FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of the hose
assembly of FIG. 1, illustrating the hose having the RFID system and the reader in
operative communication with the RFID system via back-scattering;
[0029] FIG. 15 is a schematic representation of an RFID-based hose failure
monitoring system;
[0030] FIG. 16A is a schematic representation of an RFID tag system;
[0031] FIG. 16B is a schematic representation of another RFID tag system; and

[0032] FIG. 17 is a schematic representation of a monitoring and failure detection
system for the hose assemblies.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0033] Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to like
components, Figure 1 shows a hose fault detection system, generally designated at 10.
The hose fault detection system 10 includes a hose assembly, generally designated 12,
and a fault detector 14 in electrical communication with the hose assembly 12.
[0034] The hose assembly 12 includes a hose, generally designated 16, having a
multi-layer construction. In the subject embodiment, the hose 16 is generally flexible and
includes an inner tube 18 made from a polymeric material, such as rubber or plastic, or
another material depending on the requirements of the particular application, a first
conductive layer 20, an intermediate layer 22, a second conductive layer 24 and an outer
cover 26. The first and second conductive layers 20, 24 and the intermediate layer 22
define an electrical characteristic of the hose assembly 12, such as capacitance,
inductance and/or resistance (impedance).
[0035] In the subject embodiment, the first conductive layer 20 overlays the inner
tube 18 and the intermediate layer 22 overlays the first conductive layer 20. The second
conductive layer 24 overlays the intermediate layer 22. The first and second conductive
layers 20, 24 may be configured as reinforcing layers. The outer cover 26 may overlay
the second conductive layer 24, and may include, for example, an extruded layer of
rubber or plastic (not shown). The outer cover 26 may itself include a reinforcing layer
(not shown).
[0036] The intermediate layer 22 operates to at least partially insulate electrically the
first and second conductive layers 20, 24 from one another. The intermediate layer 22
may have any of a variety of constructions. For example, the intermediate layer 22 may
consist of a single layer of an electrically resistive material. The intermediate layer 22
may also consist of multiple layers, wherein at least one of the layers exhibits electrical
insulating properties. Certain composite materials may also be employed in the
intermediate layer 22, such as a woven fabric bonded to a polymeric material. Composite

materials having various other constructions may also be utilized. Composite materials
may also be used in combination with other materials to form the intermediate layer 22.
[0037] The first and second conductive layers 20, 24 generally extend the entire
length and span the entire circumference of the hose. This is generally the case when the
conductive layers also function as a reinforcement layer. The intermediate layer 22 may
also extend over the entire length and circumference of the hose. There may be
instances, however, where at least one of the first and second conductive layers 20, 24
extend only over a portion of the length of the hose and/or a portion the circumference of
the hose. In those instances, the intermediate layer 22 may also be configured to
generally extend over the region of the hose that includes only the partial conductive
layers 20, 24. The partial intermediate layer 22 may be positioned within the hose so as
to separate the first and second conductive layers 20, 24 from one another.
[0038] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the first and second conductive layers 20, 24
may include, for example, an electrically conductive braided reinforcement material 28,
such as shown in FIG. 2, or alternating layers of electrically conductive spiral
reinforcement material 29, such as shown in FIG. 3. The braided reinforcement material
28 may include a single layer or may include multiple layers. Although a two-wire spiral
reinforcement arrangement is depicted in FIG. 3, it shall also be appreciated that other
configurations, such as four and six wire arrangements, may also be utilized.
[0039] The first and second conductive layers 20, 24 may each have the same
configuration, or each layer 20, 24 may be configured differently. For example, the first
and second conductive layers 20, 24 may each include the braided reinforcement material
28 shown in FIG. 2, or one of the first and second conductive layers 20, 24 may include
the braided reinforcement material 28 while the other of the first and second conductive
layers 20, 24 may include the spiral reinforcement material 29 shown in FIG. 3.
Additionally, the first and second conductive layers 20, 24 may include a single ply or
multiple plies of the reinforcement material 28, 29. The first and second conductive
layers 20, 24 may include metal wire, natural or synthetic fibers and textiles, and/or other
reinforcement materials, provided the selected materials are electrically conductive.

[0040] Referring again to FIG. 1, the hose assembly 12 may include a nipple 32,
which engages the inside of the hose 16, and a socket 34, which engages the outside of
the hose 16. The nipple 32 and/or the socket may be configured to fluidly couple the
hose 16 to another component (not shown). The nipple 32 includes an elongated
cylindrical end portion 36 that engages the inner tube 18 of the hose 16. A cylindrically
shaped end portion 38 of the socket 34 engages the outer cover 26 of the hose 16. The
socket 34 and nipple 32 may be constructed from an electrically conductive material, as
known to those skilled in the art.
[0041] The socket 34 and nipple 32 can be secured to the hose 16 by crimping the
end portion 38 of the socket 34 overlaying the hose 16. The crimping process deforms
the end portion 38 of the socket 34, thereby compressing the hose 16 between the nipple
32 and the socket 34. In the subject embodiment, the portions of the nipple 32 and the
socket 34 that engage the hose 16 include a series of serrations 39 that at least partially
embed into the relatively softer hose 16 material when the socket 34 is crimped to help
secure the socket 34 and the nipple 32 to the hose 16. The serrations 39 may be
configured to prevent the serrations 39 from penetrating the inner tube 18 and outer cover
26 to contact the first and second conductive layers 20, 24.
[0042] In the subject embodiment, the socket 34 includes an inwardly extending
circumferential lug 40 positioned near a deformable end 42 of the socket 34 adjacent a
hose end 44 of the hose 16. The lug 40 engages a corresponding circumferential slot 46
formed in the nipple 32 for securing the socket 34 to the nipple 32. The deformable end
42 of the socket 34 having the lug 40 is initially formed larger than the nipple 32 to
enable the socket 34 to be assembled onto the nipple 32. During the assembly process
the deformable end 42 of the socket 34 is crimped, which deforms the socket 34 and
forces the lug 40 into engagement with a corresponding slot 46 defined in the nipple 32.
The socket 34 can be electrically insulated from the nipple 32 by positioning an
electrically insulating collar 48 between the socket 34 and nipple 32 at the point the lug
40 engages the slot 46.

[0043] The hose assembly 12 may also include a nut 50 that is attached to the nipple
32 and/or the socket 34. The nut 50 is configured to secure the hose assembly 12 to
another component (not shown).
[0044] The first conductive layer 20 may be configured to extend beyond an end of
the inner tube of the hose 16. The first conductive layer 20 may engage the nipple 32 to
create an electrical connection between the nipple 32 and the first conductive layer 20.
Similarly, the second conductive layer 24 may be configured to extend beyond an end of
the outer cover of the hose 16. The second conductive layer 24 may engage the socket 34
to create an electrical connection between the socket 34 and the second conductive layer
24.
[0045] To help prevent the portions of the first and second conductive layers 20, 24
that extend beyond the hose end 44 of the hose 16 from contacting one another, an
electrically insulating spacer 52 may be positioned between the exposed ends of the first
and second conductive layers 20, 24. The spacer 52 may be integrally formed as part of
the collar 48 that is used to electrically insulate the socket 34 from the nipple 32. The
spacer 52 may also be formed by extending the intermediate layer 22 of the hose 16
beyond an end of the inner tube 18 and outer cover 26. Alternatively, the spacer 52 may
also be configured as a standalone component separate from the collar 48 and the
intermediate layer 22 of the hose 16.
[0046] The fault detector 14 may have any of a variety of configurations. An
exemplary fault detector 14 was described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No.
12/499,477, filed July 8, 2009, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0047] Referring now to FIG. 5, an exemplary schematic representation of the fault
detector 14 is shown. The fault detector 14 of the hose fault detection system 10 is used
to monitor the structural integrity of the hose 16. In the subject embodiment, the fault
detector 14 is configured to cause a visual notification signal to be generated on the hose
16 when the structural integrity of the hose 16 is compromised.
[0048] There are a wide variety of mechanisms by which the structural integrity of
the hose 16 may be compromised. A hose 16 may be a hydraulic hose that is subjected to
cyclic pressure changes that may result in a progressive fatigue induced degeneration of

one or more of the layers 20, 24 within the hose 16, which typically precedes a complete
failure of the hose 16. For purposes of discussion, a complete failure of the hose 16
occurs when an opening develops in the wall of the hose 16 that allows fluid to escape
from the hose 16. The ability to detect degeneration occurring within the hose 16 may
provide an opportunity to remove the hose 16 from service prior to a complete failure.
[0049] In the subject embodiment, degeneration of the hose 16 produces a
corresponding detectable change in the electrical characteristic between the first and
second conductive layers 20, 24. In one embodiment, the electrical characteristic is
capacitance. In another embodiment, the electrical characteristic is resistance. In yet
another embodiment, the electrical characteristic is impedance.
[0050] When a change in the electrical characteristic is detected, an operator is
forewarned of an impending hose 16 failure. For example, if the intermediate layer 22 of
the hose 16 were to develop a tear that results in the first conductive layer 20 electrically
contacting the second conductive layer 24, such as shown in FIG. 5, this contact will
result in a change in the electrical characteristic of the hose assembly 12 that can be
detected by the fault detector 14. It may also be possible that one of the conductive
layers 20, 24 could begin to fray. This may be characterized by the breakage of
individual wires in instances where the conductive layer 20, 24 is constructed from a
braided reinforcement material 28, such as shown in FIG. 2. In one embodiment, the
frayed wires may pierce the intermediate layer 22 and contact the opposing conductive
layer 20, 24, resulting in a change in the electrical characteristic of the hose assembly 12.
In another embodiment, when the wires begin to fray, the change in the physical
relationship between the first and second conductive layers 20, 24 results in a change in
the electrical characteristic that is detected by the fault detector 14. More specifically, the
electrical resistance between the first and second conductive layer 20, 24 may decrease to
a low level.
[0051] Referring to FIGS. 4A-4D, a microcontroller device 54 may be used to
process the electrical resistance and store a relative minimum electrical resistance Rm
over a given period of time tm. The microcontroller device 54 is operatively attached to
the first and second conductive layers 20, 24 of the hose 16. Referring specifically to

FIG. 4A, the microcontroller device 54 may be affixed to the outer layer 26 of the hose
16. It should be appreciated that the microcontroller device 54 may be operatively
attached to the first and second conductive layers 20, 24 in any configuration known to
those skilled in the art. The microcontroller device 54 includes a sensor 56, a signal
conditioner 58, and a memory 60 and processing unit 63 with an analog to digital
converter 61. The sensor 56 is configured to continuously sense the electrical resistance
between the first and second conductive layers 20, 24. The signal conditioner 58 is of the
type known to those skilled in the art that continuously converts the electrical resistance
read by the sensor 56. The processing unit 63 is configured to convert the conditioned
electrical resistance from an analog signal to a digital signal. Referring to FIG. 4B, the
processing unit 63 of the microcontroller device 54 includes an algorithm 62. The
algorithm 62 is initialized by clearing a timer and capturing an associated time that the
timer was cleared, as indicated at 100. Once the algorithm 62 is initialized 100, the
algorithm 62 sleeps and waits for an event, as indicated at 102. The event may be when
the sampling time tm has elapsed, as indicated at 104. When the sampling time tm has
elapsed, as indicated at 104, a resistance value R from the hose 16 is read, as indicated at
106. If the resistance value R is not lower than a previously read or a minimum
resistance value Rm, nothing further happens, as indicated at 108, and the processing unit
63 continues to sleep and wait for the next event 102. If the resistance value is lower
than a previously read resistance, the sampling time tm and the corresponding minimum
resistance value Rm are recorded in the memory 60, as indicated at 110, and the
processing unit 63 continues to sleep and wait for the next event 102. As the new
minimum resistance values Rm are recorded in the memory 60, the minimum resistance
values Rm and the corresponding sampling time tm may be read from the memory 60. as
indicated at 112, for use by the operator. Likewise, it may be desired to intermittently
reset the timer and record the corresponding time tm of the reset in the memory 60, as
indicated at 114. Therefore, referring to FIG. 4C, the digital electrical resistance is stored
in the memory 60 whenever the electrical resistance is determined to be at a new
minimum value, as indicated at 66. The changes in the minimum resistance values Rm of
the electrical resistance R may be plotted over time tm, as shown in FIG. 4D. Referring

to FIG. 4D, the processing unit 63 is also configured to monitor the electrical resistance
and store the minimum electrical resistance Rm over time tm in the memory 60, as
indicated at 68.
[0052] In another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, a change in the physical
relationship between the two conductive layers 20, 24, such as may occur due to swelling
of the hose 16 that may be caused by fluid entering one or more of the hose layers 20, 22,
24, 26 through an interior fault in the hose 16, may produce a corresponding change in
the electrical characteristic. In the subject embodiment, upon detecting a change in the
monitored electrical characteristic, the fault detector 14 provides a visual notification to
the operator that signals the presence of a fault within the hose assembly 12.
[0053] In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the electrical characteristic being monitored is
electrical impedance between the first conducting layer 20 and the second conducting
layer 24. In the subject embodiment, the fault detector 14 includes an oscillator 70 and a
comparator 72 in electrical communication with the oscillator 70. In the subject
embodiment, the fault detector 14 further includes at least one visual indicator 74, which
is disposed directly on the hose assembly 12, in electrical communication with the
comparator 72.
[0054] Referring again to FIG. 5, the oscillator 70 is in electrical communication with
a power source. In one embodiment, the power source is a direct current (DC) power
source that is found on an off-highway vehicle employing the use of the hose fault
detection system 10. The oscillator 70 is configured to convert direct current from the
power source to alternating current (AC).
[0055] The oscillator 70 includes a circuit having active and passive devices, such as
an operational amplifier, capacitors, resistors, etc. In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 5,
the first and second conductive layers 20, 24 of the hose assembly 12 form a variable
impedance 76 which is in electrical communication with the oscillator 70 through first
and second electrical leads 78a, 78b. In one embodiment, the first electrical lead 78a is
directly connected to the first conductive layer 20 while the second electrical lead 78b is
directly connected to the second conductive layer 24. In another embodiment, the first
electrical lead 78a is directly connected to the nipple 32, which is in electrical

communication with the first conductive layer 20 while the second electrical lead 78b is
directly connected to the socket 34 which is in electrical communication with the second
conductive layer 24.
[0056] As previously discussed, the oscillator 70 outputs an output signal having a
frequency. In the subject embodiment, the oscillator 70 outputs a sinusoidal-shaped
signal. Changes in the electrical characteristic of the hose assembly 12 affect the output
signal of the oscillator 70. For example, referring to FIG. 6, as an initial distance Di
between the first and second conducting layers 20, 24 changes to a deformed distance Df,
the electrical characteristic of the hose assembly 12 also changes. As the electrical
characteristic of the hose assembly 12 changes, the frequency of the output signal
changes.
[0057] Referring again to FIG. 5, the oscillator 70 is in electrical communication with
the comparator 72. In the subject embodiment, the comparator 72 detects changes in the
output signal from the oscillator 70 and thus detects changes in the electrical
characteristic of the hose assembly 12. The comparator 72 includes a microprocessor 80
configured for performing various calculations and manipulations of the received
electrical characteristic.
[0058] Referring again to FIG. 5, at least one visual indicator 74 is in electrical
communication with the comparator 72. The visual indicator 74 provides notification to
the operator that the structural integrity of the hose assembly 12 has been compromised
even though the hose assembly 12 may still be operational. This notification prior to
failure of the hose assembly 12 allows the operator to replace the hose assembly 12
before the hose 16 develops a leak. The visual indicator 74 allows operators to identify
hoses 16 having decreased structural integrity without having to remove the hoses 16
from the vehicle. In the subject embodiment, the visual indicator 74 is a light, such as a
light-emitting diode (LED). The use of the visual indicator 74 may be incorporated into a
time or usage based maintenance schedule that requires the operators to proactively
obtain and interpret the reading from the visual indicator 74.
[0059] In one embodiment, the light intensity of the visual indicator 74 corresponds
to a thickness t of the intermediate layer 22 of the hose 16. For example, the fault

detector 14 can be configured such that as the thickness t of the intermediate layer 22 of
the hose 16 decreases, the light intensity of the visual indicator 74 increases.
[0060] Referring again to FIG. 5, the fault detector 14 may include a first visual
indicator 74A and a second visual indicator 74B. The comparator 72 illuminates the first
visual indicator 74A to provide visual notification to the operator that the structural
integrity of the hose assembly 12 is capable of operating at rated conditions for the hose
assembly 12. As the hose assembly 12 begins to degrade (e.g., the thickness t of the
intermediate layer 22 begins to decrease), the comparator 72 illuminates the second
visual indicator 74B to notify the operator of an impending failure of the hose assembly
12.
[0061] In one embodiment, the microprocessor 80 compares the frequency of the
output signal from the oscillator 70 resulting from the electrical impedance between the
first and second conducting layers 20, 24 to a threshold value. The frequency of the
output signal from the oscillator 70 changes in response to changes in the initial distance
Di between the first conducting layer 20 and the second conducting layer 24 to the
deformed distance Df. For example, as the initial distance Di between the first and
second conducting layers 20, 24 decreases to the deformed distance Df, the electrical
impedance between the first and second conducting layers 20, 24 decreases, thus
changing the frequency of the output signal from the oscillator 70.
[0062] In one embodiment, the threshold value is a preprogrammed value that serves
as a limit for the electrical characteristic. In another embodiment, the threshold value is a
value that is determined during the initial operation of the hose assembly 12. In another
embodiment, the threshold value is a range of values that serve as upper and lower limits.
[0063] In one embodiment, and by way of example only, if the frequency of the
output signal is about equal to the threshold value for frequency or within the range of
values for frequency, the initial distance Di between the first and second conducting
layers 20, 24 is unchanged. In this situation, the comparator 72 illuminates the first
visual indicator 74A, which notifies the operator that the hose assembly 12 is capable of
operating at rated pressures. If, however, the frequency of the output signal is below the
threshold value for frequency or outside of the range of values for frequency, the initial

distance Di between the first and second conducting layers 20, 24 has decreased to the
deformed distance Df. In this situation, the comparator 72 illuminates the second visual
indicator 74B, which notifies the operator that the structural integrity of the hose
assembly 12 has been compromised.
[0064] Referring now to FIG. 7, a schematic representation of the comparator 72 is
shown. In the subject embodiment, the comparator 72 includes a wave shaping function
84 and a processing function 86. The wave shaping function 84 converts the sinusoidal-
shaped output signal from the oscillator 70 to a square-shaped signal. The processing
function 86 receives the square-shaped signal and detects changes in frequency of the
square-shaped wave or an absence of the square-shaped wave. Depending on the signal
received from the wave shaping function 84, the processing function 86 illuminates either
the first or second visual indicators 74A, 74B.
[0065] Referring now to FIG. 8, an alternate exemplary schematic representation of
the fault detector 14 is shown. In the subject embodiment, the fault detector 14 includes a
variable resistor 88, the comparator 72, which is in electrical communication with the
variable resistor 88, and at least one visual indicator 74, which is in electrical
communication with the comparator 72.
[0066] In the subject embodiment, the electrical characteristic of the hose assembly
12 being monitored is the electrical resistance between the first conducting layer 20 and
the second conducting layer 24. This electrical resistance is variable. This means that as
the initial distance Di between the first and second conducting layers 20, 24 changes to
the deformed distance Df, theelectrical resistance also changes. For example, as the
initial distance Di between the first conducting layer 20 and the second conducting layer
24 decreases to the deformed distance Df, the electrical resistance between the first and
second conducting layers 20, 24 also decreases.
[0067) In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 7, the microprocessor 80 of the
comparator 72 compares the electrical resistance between the first and second conducting
layers 20, 24 to a threshold value. In one embodiment, the threshold value is a
preprogrammed value that serves as a lower limit for the electrical resistance. If the
electrical resistance is less than the threshold value, the hose assembly 12 is interpreted as

having a failing health status and the hose assembly 12 should be removed from
operation. This is because an electrical resistance below the threshold reading may be
consistent with a hose 16 that contains internal structure faults such that the hose
assembly 12 may be close to failing. Likewise, if the electrical resistance is equal to, or
greater than the threshold value, the hose assembly 12 is interpreted as having a passing
health status and the hose assembly 12 should remain in operation. In another
embodiment, and by way of example only, the threshold value is about 10 milli-Ohms
(mΩ). It should be appreciated that the threshold value may be any suitable value known
to those skilled in the art.
[0068] In one embodiment, and by way of example only, if the electrical resistance is
greater than or equal to the threshold value, the initial distance Di between the first and
second conducting layers 20, 24 is unchanged. If, however, the electrical resistance is
less than the threshold value, the initial distance Di between the first and second
conducting layers 20, 24 has decreased to the deformed distance Df. In this situation, the
comparator 72 illuminates the visual indicator 74, which notifies the operator that the
structural integrity of the hose assembly 12 has been compromised.
[0069] In another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 5 and 7-9, the fault detector 14
includes the first visual indicator 74A and the second visual indicator 74B. Referring
specifically to FIG. 9, the first visual indicator 74A is disposed directly on the hose
assembly 12 while the second visual indicator 74B is disposed at a location remote from
the hose assembly 12. If the electrical resistance of the hose assembly 12 is less than the
threshold value, the comparator 72 illuminates the first and second visual indicators 74A,
74B. This arrangement of visual indicators 74 is potentially advantageous as the second
visual indicator 74B notifies the operator of the vehicle of an impending failure of a hose
assembly 12 while operating the vehicle while the first visual indicator 74A identifies the
hose assembly 12 having the decreased structural integrity.
[0070] Referring again to FIG. 1, the hose assembly 12 is shown with the visual
indicator 74 disposed directly on the hose 16 of the hose assembly 12. In one
embodiment, the visual indicator 74 could also be affixed to a sleeve (not shown) that

surrounds a portion of the outer cover 26 of the hose 16. In another embodiment, the
visual indicator 74 can be embedded in the outer cover 26 of the hose 16.
[0071] Referring again to FIG. 9, the visual indicator 74 can be disposed on the
socket 34. In one embodiment, the visual indicator 74 extends fully around the socket 34
such that the visual indicator 74 can be viewed from any angle around the socket 34.
[0072] Referring now to FIG. 10, a method 200 for monitoring the structural integrity
of the hose assembly 12 will be described. In step 202, the hose assembly 12, including
the hose 16 having the first and second conductive layers 20, 24, is provided. In the
subject embodiment, the hose 16 includes the first conductive layer 20 overlaying at least
a portion of the inner tube 18, an intermediate layer 22 overlaying the first conductive
layer 20, and the second conductive layer 24 overlaying at least a portion of the
intermediate layer 22.
[0073] In step 204, an electrical characteristic of the hose assembly 12 is monitored.
In one embodiment, the electrical characteristic is capacitance. In another embodiment,
the electrical characteristic is resistance.
[0074] If the electrical characteristic being monitored is capacitance, a voltage or
current is applied to the oscillator 70 of the fault detector 14 prior to step 204. In one
embodiment, the voltage or current is continuously applied to the oscillator 70 of the fault
detector 14. In another embodiment, the voltage or current is intermittently applied to the
oscillator 70 of the fault detector 14. In another embodiment, the voltage or current is
applied to the oscillator 70 of the fault detector 14 only when the hose assembly 12 is
pressurized.
[0075] The monitored electrical characteristic is compared to a threshold value in
step 206. In the subject embodiment, the microprocessor 80 performs this comparison.
In one embodiment, the threshold value is a value that is preprogrammed. In another
embodiment, the threshold value is a value that is determined during the initial operation
of the hose assembly 12.
[0076] In step 208, the visual indicator 74 is illuminated if the monitored electrical
characteristic goes beyond the threshold value. In one embodiment, the visual indicator
74 is illuminated if the monitored electronic characteristic is less than the threshold value.

In another embodiment, the visual indicator 74 is illuminated if the monitored electronic
characteristic is outside a predetermined range of values.
[0077] In an alternate embodiment, the first and second visual indicators 74A, 74B
are used to notify the operator of the structural integrity of the hose assembly 12. The
first visual indicator 74A is illuminated if the monitored electrical characteristic is greater
than or equal to the threshold value or if the monitored electrical characteristic is within a
predetermined range of values while a second visual indicator 74B is illuminated if the
monitored electrical characteristic is less than the threshold value or if the monitored
electrical characteristic is outside the predetermined range of values.
[0078] Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 11, a method 300 for notifying an operator of
the structural integrity of a hose assembly 12 will be described. In step 302, the hose
assembly 12 having the first conductive layer 20 overlaying at least a portion of the inner
tube 18, an intermediate layer 22 overlaying the first conductive layer 20, and the second
conductive layer 24 overlaying at least a portion of the intermediate layer 22 is provided.
In one embodiment, the hose assembly 12 includes at least one visual indicator 74
disposed on the hose assembly 12. In another embodiment, the hose assembly 12
includes the first and second visual indicators 74A, 74B disposed on the hose 16. In
another embodiment, the hose assembly 12 includes the first and second visual indicators
74A, 74B disposed on the socket 34.
[0079] In step 304, the monitored electrical characteristic of the hose assembly 12 is
compared to the threshold value. In step 306, the visual indicator 74 is illuminated in
response to the monitored electrical characteristic. In one embodiment, the first visual
indicator 74A is disposed on the hose assembly 12 (e.g., the hose 16, the socket 34, etc.)
and is illuminated only when the electrical characteristic of the hose assembly 16 is
greater than or equal to the threshold value or if the electrical characteristic is within a
predetermined range of values while the second visual indicator 74B, which is disposed
on the hose assembly 12, is illuminated only if the electrical characteristic is less than the
threshold value or if the electrical characteristic is outside the predetermined range of
values.

[0080] In step 308, the intensity of the visual indicator 74 is set based on the
difference between the monitored electrical characteristic and the threshold value. In one
embodiment, the intensity of the first and second visual indicators 74A, 74B increases as
the difference between the monitored electrical characteristic and the threshold value
increases. For example, if the monitored electrical characteristic is slightly less than the
threshold value, the second visual indicator 74B will be dimly illuminated. If, however,
the monitored characteristic is substantially less than the threshold value, the second
visual indicator 74B will be brightly illuminated.
[0081] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 12, an alternate method 400 for notifying an
operator of the structural integrity of a hose assembly 12 will be described. In step 402,
the hose assembly 12 having the first conductive layer 20 overlaying at least a portion of
the inner tube 18, an intermediate layer 22 overlaying the first conductive layer 20, and
the second conductive layer 24 overlaying at least a portion of the intermediate layer 22
is provided. In one embodiment, the hose assembly 12 includes at least one visual
indicator 74 disposed on the hose assembly 12. In another embodiment, the hose
assembly 12 includes the first visual indicators 74A disposed directly on the hose
assembly 12 while the second visual indicator 74B is disposed in a remote location from
the hose assembly 12 such as a cabin of the vehicle (not shown).
[0082] In step 404, the monitored electrical characteristic of the hose assembly 12 is
compared to the threshold value. In step 406, the first and second visual indicators 74A,
74B are illuminated in response to the monitored electrical characteristic. In one
embodiment, the first and second visual indicators 74A, 74B are illuminated when the
electrical characteristic of the hose assembly 12 is less than or equal to the threshold
value or outside the range of values for the threshold value.
[0083] In step 408, the intensity of the first and second visual indicators 74 A, 74B is
set based on the difference between the monitored electrical characteristic and the
threshold value. In one embodiment, the intensity of the first and second visual
indicators 74A, 74B increases as the difference between the monitored electrical
characteristic and the threshold value increases. For example, if the monitored electrical
characteristic is slightly less than the threshold value, the first and second visual

indicators 74A, 74B will be dimly illuminated. If, however, the monitored characteristic
is substantially less than the threshold value, the first and second visual indicators 74A,
74B will be brightly illuminated.
[0084] As discussed above, the electrical characteristic of the hose assembly 12 may
be monitored using a time or usage based maintenance schedule. In an alternative
embodiment, shown in FIG. 13 and 14, a radio frequency identification (RFID) system 90
is provided with the hose assembly 12. The RFID system 90 includes a first circuit 92
that has an impedance sensor 56, an RFID tag 96, and a first antenna 98. The RFID
system 90 is configured to communicate the status of the electrical characteristic of the
hose assembly 12 to a mobile scanner ("reader") 122. The reader 122 is configured to be
used within a given distance of the hose assembly 12 that is determined by a frequency of
communication of the first antenna 98 within the RFID system 90 and the operating
environment of the hose assembly 12. The reader 122 may be "near field" or "far field"
as known to those skilled in the art. Generally, near field means that the reader 122
communicates with the RFID tag 96 at a closer proximity than if the reader 122 is far
field. In this embodiment, the electrical characteristic being monitored is the electrical
impedance 76 between the first conducting layer 20 and the second conducting layer 24.
Referring specifically to FIG. 13, the RFID tag 96 includes a first power supply CH1, the
signal conditioner 58, a digital processing unit 126, the memory 60, and a modulator 59.
The first antenna 98 includes a first capacitor C1 operatively connected to a first coil L1.
In this embodiment, the first antenna 98 draws power from the first power supply CHI of
the RFID tag 96. The sensor 56 is configured to detect changes of the electrical
impedance 76, i.e., "leakage impedance", between the first and second conductive layers
20, 24 that may be related to the fluid pressure within the hose assembly 12 and the
deformed distance Df. The RFID tag 96 may be a planar coil, of the type known to those
skilled in the art, which is integrated with the socket 34 and/or the hose 16 of the hose
assembly 12 to sense the electrical impedance 76 between the first and second conducting
layers 20, 24. The sensor 56 operatively connects the first and second conductive layers
20, 24 and the RFID tag 96 of the RFID system 90. Once fatigue of the hose assembly
12 occurs, the electrical impedance 76 between the first and second conducting layers 20,

24 changes permanently. As a result of the permanent change in the electrical impedance
76, the RFID tag 96 is configured to change the load on the first coil L1, resulting in
increased amplitude, that can trigger a failure indication in the first circuit 92 of the RFID
system 90. Therefore, the output amplitude of the RFID tag 96 is directly related to the
electrical impedance 76 of the hose assembly 12.
[0085] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the reader 122 includes a second circuit
128 having a second antenna 130, a processing center 132, and a failure indicator 134.
The second antenna 130 includes a second capacitor C2 and a second coil L2. The
processing center 132 includes a demodulator 136, a modulator 59, a second power
supply CH2, a baseband processor 138, a low noise amplifier LNA, a power amplifier
PA, a differential amplifier 139, and a DC power supply 142. The second antenna 130 is
configured to draw power from the second power supply CH2 of the processing center
132. The differential amplifier 139 is operatively connected to the baseband processor
138, the DC power supply 142, and the failure indicator 134. The failure indicator 134 is
configured to indicate to the operator an impending hose 16 failure. It should be
appreciated that the reader 122 may be of any other type known to those skilled in the art.
[0086] The first circuit 92 of the RFID system 90 and the second circuit 128 of the
reader 122 are initially tuned by setting a frequency of the voltage source CH1 to the
resonance frequency of the first coil L1 and the first capacitor C1, i.e., a reference
frequency. The second voltage source CH2, having the same frequency as the resonance
frequency, is tuned to the same phase and amplitude of the first voltage source CH1. The
output of the comparator 72 is approximately zero when there is no hose assembly 12
within a detection range of the reader 122. The reader 122 remains tuned as long as the
electrical impedance 76 of the hose assembly 12 remains within a normal pre-defined
state. The RFID system 90 uses inductive coupling between the first and second coils
L1, L2 to transduce signals, as indicated at 144 in FIG. 13.
[0087] Referring to FIG. 14, in another embodiment, the hose assembly 12 includes
an RFID system 90 having an RFID tag 96 that is integrated with the sensor 56, as known
to those skilled in the art. The RFID system 90 includes the sensor 56, the RFID tag 96,
and the first antenna 98. In this embodiment, the RFID tag 96 may include the memory

60, the signal conditioner 58, an RF/analog front end 146, and the first antenna 98. The
RFID tag 96 may be totally passive, meaning that no battery or other power source is
required for operation of the RFID tag 96. When the RFID tag 96 is passive, the RFID
tag 96 extracts energy, as indicated at 148, from the incident RFID reader 122.
Therefore, a communication distance between the RFID tag 96 and the reader 122 is
limited so that the RFID tag 96 can receive enough energy to operate the RFID tag's 96
internal circuitry. The communication between the RFID tag 96 and the reader 122 may
be achieved by back-scattering radiation from the reader 122. Additionally, the RFID tag
96 may be configured to upload a history of the electrical impedance 76 and/or pressure
associated with the hose assembly 12 to the reader 122. The reader 122 may also be
configured to provide an instant status of the health of the hose assembly 12 and alert the
operator of any deterioration of the hose assembly 12. In one embodiment, frequencies
that are suitable for communication are high frequency of 13.56 MHz and a UHF ban
(868 MHz to 930 MHz) frequencies. It should be appreciated that other frequencies
known to those skilled in the art may also be used.
[0088] Referring now to FIG. 15, in another embodiment, the RFID tag system 90
may be included as part of a wireless-based hose failure monitoring system 150. In one
embodiment, the monitoring system 150 may be an on-line system. The monitoring
system 150 may include at least one reader 122, a plurality of RFID tag systems 90 in
communication with respective hose assemblies 12, an algorithm 62, and at least one user
interface 154. Exemplary RFID tag systems 90 are shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B.
Referring to FIG. 16A, the RFID tag system 90a includes the sensor 56 operatively
connected to the RFID tag 96. In FIG. 16B, the RFID tag system 90b includes the sensor
56, the signal conditioner 58, the memory and processing unit 63 and the convertor 61,
and the RFID tag 96. In this embodiment, the life sensing hose algorithm 62 may be
included within the RFID tag system 90b. It should be appreciated, however, that other
RFID tag systems 90 known to those skilled in the art may also be used. It should also be
appreciated that in this embodiment, the RFID tag system 90 is not limited to being an
RFID-based as any other wireless-based system known to those skilled in the art may

also be used. It should be appreciated that the RFID tag system 90 may be any other type
of wireless tag system 90 known to those skilled in the art.
[0089] Referring again to FIG. 15, the readers 122 may be configured as long range
readers 122 that are either active or passive. The readers 122 may be located at fixed
locations around the RFID tags 96/hose assemblies 12. The reader(s) 122 may be
configured to interface with at least one of the RFID tag systems 90 to sense an
incumbent hose 16 failure. The detection of the incumbent hose 16 failure may be based
off of the electrical impedance 76 measurement between the first and second electrically
conductive layers 20, 24. It should be appreciated, however, that other units of
measurement known to those skilled in the art may also be used. The algorithm 62 may
be configured to be capable of assessing the presence or the absence of a pending and/or
actual hose 16 failure. The algorithm 62 may be disposed in a central location that is
connected to one or more of the readers 122. The sensed information is read or polled by
the respective reader 122, which may process the data received from the RFID tag system
90 and transferred to a central processor 156. The central processor 156 may be disposed
in operative communication with each of the readers 122 and a local user interface 154A
and/or a remote user interface 154B. The central processor 156 may be responsible for
decision making, i.e., deciding whether a respective one of the hoses 16 is about to fail.
The decisions from the central processor 156 are transferred in a desired format to user
interface via communication links, as known to those skilled in the art. The local user
interface 154A may be configured to provide the health status of at least one of the hose
assemblies 12 based on information received from the readers 122. The local user
interface 154A may be configured to operate at a location that is proximate at least one of
the hose assemblies 12. Likewise, the remote user interface 154B may be configured to
operate at a location that is remote from the hose assemblies 12 via a remote connection
to the central processor 156 to provide the operator with a status of the health of the hose
assemblies 12.
[0090] Referring to FIG. 17, a monitoring and failure detection system 158 of the
hose assemblies 12 is shown. The monitoring and failure detection system 158 may
include at least one sensor node 160 and at least one aggregator node 162. The sensor

node 160 may be a plurality of sensors 56 that are installed on the hose 16 and fittings 32,
34, 50 of a machine or device 166 to monitor a characteristics such as electrical,
mechanical, chemical, physical, and/or thermal characteristics, e.g., electrical resistance,
capacitance, temperature, pressure, etc. In this embodiment, the electrical characteristic
being monitored may be monitored as described in the previously described embodiments
or as otherwise known to those skilled in the art. Multiple sensor nodes 160 may be used
with a single hose assembly 12 to provide redundancy and system fault tolerance. The
sensors 56 of the sensor nodes 160 may be attached to the hose assembly 12 such that
they may be reused on another hose assembly 12 once the sensor nodes 160 are removed
from another hose assembly 12.
[0091] The monitored characteristic or data is transmitted to the aggregator node 162
from the respective sensor node 160, as indicated at 168. The aggregator node 162 is
configured to analyze the data and provide information, such as an impending failure of
the hose assembly 12 and/or the remaining usable life of the hose assembly 12, to a
system operator (i.e., a remote control center) 174. The sensor node 160 may provide the
information to the aggregator node 162 either periodically and/or based on the occurrence
of a specified event. The information is communicated through the aggregator node 162
to the system operator 174 via the user interface 154 to alert the operator to replace the
hose assembly 12 before the efficiency of the hose assembly 12 drops or the hose
assembly 12 fails entirely. The information may be transmitted via a communication
network 172. As employed herein, the term "communication network" 172 shall
expressly include, but not be limited by, any local area network (LAN), wide area
network (WAN), low-rate wireless personal area network (LR-WPAN), other types of
wireless sensor networks, intranet, extranet, global communication network and/or the
Internet. As employed herein, the term "wireless" shall expressly include, but not be
limited by, RFID, radio frequency (RF), light, visible light, infrared, ultrasound, wireless
area networks, IEEE 802.11 (e.g., 802.11a; 802.11b; 802.11g), IEEE 802.15 (e.g.,
802.15.1; 802.15.3, 802.15.4), other wireless communication standards, DECT, PWT,
pager, PCS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth™, and cellular As a result, system failures; repair,
replacement, and downtime costs; environmental damages; and/or high-pressure fluid

leakages may be prevented. Depending on the communication technology and power
harvesting method of the monitoring and fault detection system 158, a power source of
the sensor node 160 may change, i.e., battery powered, parasitic, hard-wired, etc. When
wireless technology is used, the sensor node 160 may have the capability of routing the
data of the other sensors 56 to the aggregator node 162, i.e., multi-hop or single hop
communication may take place. To save communication bandwidth and energy, the
sensor node 160 may also have the capability of aggregating or compressing multiple
sensor 56 data as well as employing an efficient sleeping schedule. The aggregator node
162 may be configured to perform computation, communication, and data storage
functions. The aggregator node 162 may include the user interface 154 that shows
operational parameters of the hose assembly 12, e.g., health status information, remaining
usable life of the hose assembly 12, etc. In addition, the aggregator node 162 may have
the capability of storing and logging maintenance data, which will provide the operator or
maintenance technicians with useful insights about the hose assembly 12. The aggregator
node 162 may also be configured to provide the sensor nodes 160 with security and
authentication services to protect the system against unauthorized access. Furthermore,
the aggregator node 162 may generate diagnostics and prognostics conclusions either by
collecting periodic or event-driven data from the sensor nodes 160 or by polling a certain
set of sensor nodes 160, i.e., bi-directional communication. The monitoring and failure
detection system 158 may be configured as a timely event detection, decision, and acting
loop. Depending on the communication environment and application characteristics, the
communication architecture of the monitoring and failure detection system may be wired,
wireless, or combinations thereof, i.e., hybrid.
[0092] Various modifications and alterations of this disclosure will become apparent
to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure,
and it should be understood that the scope of this disclosure is not to be unduly limited to
the illustrative embodiments set forth herein.
[0093] While the best modes for carrying out the invention have been described in
detail, those familiar with the art to which this invention relates will recognize various

alternative designs and embodiments for practicing the invention within the scope of the
appended claims.

WE CLAIM
1. A hose fault detection system (10) comprising:
a hose assembly (12) including a hose (16) having a first conductive layer
(20) and a second conductive layer (20) (24), wherein the hose assembly (12) has an
electrical characteristic; and
a fault detector (14) in electrical communication with the first and second
conductive layers (20) (24), wherein the fault detector (14) includes at least one indicator
(74) operatively connected to the hose assembly (12).
2. A hose fault detection system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the indicator (74) is disposed on the hose (16).
3. A hose fault detection system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the fault detector (14) includes a first visual indicator (74a) and a second visual indicator
(74b).
4. A hose fault detection system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the fault detector (14) is a radio frequency identification (RFID) system (90).
5. A hose fault detection system (10) as claimed in claim 4, wherein
the fault detector (14) further includes a reader (122) in operative communication with
the RFID system (90) (90).
6. A hose fault detection system (10) as set forth in claim 5, wherein
the reader (122) includes the visual indicator (74).
7. A hose fault detection system (10) as set forth in claim 6, wherein
the RFID system (90) (90) includes a first circuit (92), an RFID tag (96), and a first
antenna (98); and
wherein the reader (122) includes a second circuit (128) having a second
antenna (130), a processing center (132), and a failure indicator (134).

8. A hose fault detection system (10) as set forth in claim 7, wherein
the RFID tag (96) includes a first power supply (CH1), a signal conditioner (58), a digital
processing unit (126), a memory (50), and a modulator (59); and
wherein the first antenna (98) includes a first capacitor (C1) operatively
connected to a first coil (L1).
9. A hose fault detection system (10) as claimed in claim 7, wherein
the second antenna (130) includes a second capacitor (C2) and a second coil (L2); and
wherein the processing center (132) includes a demodulator (136), a
modulator (59), a second power supply (CH2), a baseband processor (138), a comparator
(72), and a DC power supply (142).
10. A hose fault detection system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the fault detector (14) is a microcontroller device (54) having a sensor (56), a signal
conditioner (58), and a memory and processing unit (63);
wherein the sensor (56) is configured to continuously sense the electrical
characteristic of the hose assembly (12).
11. A hose fault detection system (10) as claimed in claim 10, wherein
the sensor (56) is configured to continuously sense the electrical characteristic of the hose
assembly (12).
12. A wireless-based hose fault detection system (10) comprising:
a plurality of hose assemblies (12) including a hose (16) having an
electrical characteristic;
a plurality of wireless tag systems (90) in communication with the at least
one hose assembly (12);
a life-sensing hose detection mechanism;
an algorithm (62);

at least one reader (122); and
at least one user interface (154)configured for displaying the electrical
characteristic of the hose (16) of the at least one hose assembly (12).
13. A wireless-based hose fault detection system (10) as claimed in
claim 12, wherein the wireless tag system (90) includes a sensor (56) operatively
connected to an RFID tag (96).
14. A wireless-based hose fault detection system (10) as claimed in
claim 13, wherein the wireless tag system (90) further includes a signal conditioner (58)
and a memory and processing unit (63).
15. A monitoring and failure detection system (158) comprising:
at least one hose assembly (12) including a hose (16) having an electrical
characteristic;
at least one sensor (56) node having a plurality of sensors (56) operatively
attached to the at least one hose assembly (12) and configured to monitor the electrical
characteristic; and
at least one aggregator node (162 ) in operative communication with the at
least one sensor node (160);
wherein the at least one sensor node (160) is configured to provide data
pertaining to the electrical characteristic to the at least one aggregator node (162);
wherein the at least one aggregator node (162 ) is configured to analyze
the data and provide information regarding the hose assembly (12) to a system operator
via a user interface (154).

A hose fault detection system (10) includes a hose assembly (12) including a
hose (16) having first and second conductive layers (20), (24). The hose
assembly (12) has an electrical characteristic. A fault detector (14) is in
electrical communication with the first and second conductive layers (20),
(24). The fault detector (14) includes an indicator (74) operatively connected
to the hose assembly (12). A method for monitoring the structural integrity
of a hose assembly (12) includes providing a fault detection system (10)
having a hose assembly (12) including a hose (16) having a first conductive
layer (20) and a second conductive layer (20), (24). The hose assembly (12)
has an electrical characteristic. The electrical characteristic of the hose
assembly (12) is compared to a threshold value. A visual indicator (74) in
operative communication with the hose assembly (12) is illuminated when
the electrical characteristic goes beyond the threshold value.