Hose Routing Optimization Methodology and Case Study using Hose Simulation

Hoses are usually considered flexible when compared to other rigid parts of mobile hydraulic machinery, but, in fact, hoses do have their own stiffness. Hose routing must take care of this stiffness by meeting the minimum bend radius for the specific size and pressure rating. Hose routings that are static and which are as per the routing criteria usually do not pose a risk of premature failure. But the hoses, which are dynamic and move with the duty cycle of the structural components, may fail early due to a lack of hose behavior prediction. This paper explains a general procedure for hose routing optimization to avoid early failure in the hoses, with the help of a case study performed on mobile hydraulic machinery. The case study starts with replication of hose behavior and plotting of hose behavior metrics, specifically force, minimum bend radius, and length of contact of hose. These values serve as benchmarks to see which metrics can be improved. Based on metrics selected, hose routing behavior can then be plotted for a selected configuration to find the optimal value of hose length. Then, for the determined hose length for the specific configuration, results can be plotted for the entire cycle to see if the parameters are within acceptable range over the entire duty cycle. By following this methodology, similar iterations can be avoided and optimized routing with parameters in acceptable range can be achieved to give improved hose life. Keywords: Bend radius, contact forces, design improvement, flexible structure, hose, hose routing, hose simulation, hose stiffness, length of contact, optimization