Fob geometry for leak detection in mobile equipment

A hydraulic leak detection apparatus, comprising:

• a detector body having a bore therethrough configured to receive a cylindrical hydraulic conduit through the bore, the bore having a central bore axis, the detector body being eccentrically distributed relative to the central bore axis so as to define a laterally protruding portion of the detector body, the laterally protruding portion of the detector body having a laterally extending body passage defined therein communicated with the bore, the detector body having at least one planar side configured to engage an end face of a hydraulic connector nut attached to the cylindrical hydraulic conduit;
• and
• a leak detection sensor disposed at least partially in the laterally protruding portion of the detector body, the leak detection sensor being communicated with the laterally extending body passage, the laterally extending body passage configured to convey hydraulic fluid introduced thereinto through the laterally extending body passage and into engagement with the leak detection sensor;
• wherein the detector body includes a cylindrical inner surface defining the bore, and the detector body has an annular groove defined in the cylindrical inner surface, the annular groove intersecting the laterally extending body passage in the laterally protruding portion of the detector body.

A method of detecting a hydraulic leak in a hydraulic system including a horizontally oriented cylindrical hydraulic conduit and a hydraulic connector nut attached to the cylindrical hydraulic conduit at a hydraulic connection of the hydraulic system, the method comprising:

• providing a detector including a detector body and a sensor, the detector body having a bore therethrough, the bore having a central bore axis, the detector body being eccentrically distributed relative to the central bore axis so as to define a laterally protruding portion of the detector body, the laterally protruding portion of the detector body having a laterally extending body passage defined therein communicated with the bore, the detector body having at least one planar side, the sensor being received in the laterally extending body passage;
• placing the detector body about the cylindrical hydraulic conduit with the at least one planar side engaged with the end face of the hydraulic connector nut;
• orienting the detector body in a position so that the laterally protruding portion of the detector body extends downwardly;
• and
• detecting a leak of hydraulic fluid past the hydraulic connector nut flowing into the bore and into the laterally extending body passage into engagement with the sensor.