Electronic control unit (ECU) and method of monitoring oil quality in a vehicle

Abstract

The present disclosure proposes an electronic control unit (ECU (101)) adapted to monitor and indicate oil quality in a vehicle. The vehicle comprises an ECU (101), an oil pump (102) and at least one pressure sensor (103) in an outlet line of the oil pump (102). In step 201, the ECU stores ideal values of pressure in the oil pump outlet line for a set of engine operating conditions. In step 202, the ECU receives instantaneous values of pressure from the pressure sensor (103) for the set of engine operating conditions. In step 203, the ECU (101) compares the ideal values with the instantaneous values above a set of predefined activation conditions to determine a deviation. In step 204, the ECU (101) analyzes the deviation to calculate a correction factor. In step 205, the ECU (101) operates the oil pump (102) based on the calculated correction factor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an ECU and a method for monitoring oil quality in a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] In conventional vehicle systems, oil quality is determined by an oil quality sensor measuring the oil's conductivity or by physical inspection while the oil is stationary. Since there are no warning lights regarding oil quality, users can choose whether or not to perform a physical inspection. Even if a user performs a physical inspection, the perceived quality of the oil may vary from user to user. This is because physical properties (color and viscosity) can be perceived differently by different users, or in other words, the end user may not always be aware of the specific conditions required for engine oil quality. Furthermore, there is no definitive / robust system capable of consistently monitoring engine oil quality. Therefore, a deterministic logic is needed, in which oil quality is correlated with the properties of the engine and peripheral systems, based on which oil quality can be quantified.

[0003] Patent application “US2006155502A - Method for Determining Oil Condition” discloses a method for determining oil condition (i.e., oil condition corresponding to oil age or oil damage), comprising the following steps: a) measuring the temperature of the oil or the portion through which the oil flows, and coordinating each measured temperature with a temperature range defined by an upper and / or lower limit; b) once the measured temperature exceeds or falls below the limit of the temperature range, measuring the time period during which the measured temperature remains within that range; c) additionally, integrating the oil flow rate during the time period measured in step b); d) determining the oil age or oil damage characteristics of the current temperature range based on the integration of the time period measured in step b) and the oil flow rate determined in step c). Attached Figure Description

[0004] Embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following figures:

[0005] Figure 1 A system for monitoring oil quality in a vehicle (100) is described; and

[0006] Figure 2 The method and steps for monitoring the quality of oil in a vehicle are illustrated (200). Detailed Implementation

[0007] Figure 1A system for monitoring oil quality in a vehicle is described. The system includes an electronic control unit (ECU (101)) suitable for monitoring oil quality in a vehicle, an oil pump (102), and at least a pressure sensor (103) in the outlet line of the oil pump (102). The pressure sensor (103) communicates with the ECU (101). The ECU (101) includes a microcontroller, a memory unit, an input / output unit, and at least a communication module. The oil pump (102) circulates engine oil to the rotating bearings, sliding pistons, and camshafts of an internal combustion engine at a predetermined pressure. The oil pump (102) can be one of many types known to those skilled in the art, such as a solenoid-based oil pump (102). This oil pump (102) is actuated by the ECU (101). The pressure sensor (103) at the outlet line of the oil pump (102) measures the instantaneous value of the pressurized oil and sends it to the ECU (101).

[0008] Figure 2 The illustration shows the use of Figure 1 The described system is used to detect oil quality in a vehicle. The system includes an ECU (101) suitable for monitoring oil quality in the vehicle, an oil pump (102), and at least a pressure sensor (103) in the outlet line of the oil pump (102). In step 201, the ECU (101) stores ideal pressure values ​​in the oil pump outlet line for a set of engine operating conditions. This set of engine operating conditions includes, but is not limited to, engine speed, engine load, and at least engine friction. In an embodiment, the ideal values ​​are stored in a list in the ECU (101) memory unit, as shown in Table 1 below.

[0009] Duty cycle (in %) of the solenoid pump (102) Engine friction (unit: Nm) Engine load (in %) Engine speed (in rpm) Ideal pressure (bars) at the outlet pipeline of oil pump (102) 0 T1 L1 N1 P1 25 T2 L2 N2 P2 50 T3 L3 N3 P3 N Tn Ln Nn Pn

[0010] Table 1.

[0011] It is evident from the table that the pressure values ​​in the oil pump outlet line are measured at specific engine speeds, engine loads, and engine frictions corresponding to a specific duty cycle of the oil pump. For example, at an engine speed of N2 rpm, an engine load of L2, and engine friction of T2 Nm, the oil pump (102) is energized by 25%, and the ideal pressure in the oil pump (102) outlet line is P1 bar. For different parameter values, similar correlations are found between the parameters listed and the pressure at the oil pump (102) outlet line, and these correlations are stored in the ECU (101).

[0012] In step 202, the ECU (101) receives instantaneous pressure values ​​from the pressure sensor (103) for the set of engine operating conditions. These are real-time values ​​observed while the vehicle is in motion. For example, currently when the vehicle is operating at an engine speed of N2 rpm, an engine load of L2, and an engine friction of T2 Nm, the oil pump (102) is energized by 25%, and the instantaneous or real-time pressure measured in the outlet line of the oil pump (102) is P1r bar.

[0013] In step 203, the ECU (101) compares the ideal value with instantaneous values ​​above a set of predefined activation conditions to determine the deviation. This set of predefined activation conditions includes engine temperature, oil temperature, and minimum oil quantity. Activation conditions are prerequisite values ​​for parameters, such as, but not limited to, engine temperature, oil temperature, and minimum oil quantity, below which no comparison occurs between the ideal and instantaneous values. Activation conditions are predetermined for a combination of engine type and engine oil. For example, in an "X" internal combustion engine designed to be lubricated by "Y" grade oil, the engine temperature must be above a so-called 80 degrees Celsius, the oil temperature must be above 70 degrees Celsius, and the oil quantity must be above a minimum operating level (e.g., 750 ml) to allow a comparison between the ideal and instantaneous values. Based on the comparison, the deviation is calculated using a model. This model takes into account the pressure deviation, indicated by the use of comparison and averaging methods, such as linear averaging or EWMA (Exponentially Weighted Moving Average) filters or only time inputs greater than a constant value, and other methods known to those skilled in the art. The model also adjusts the tolerance values ​​based on various factors such as engine friction, oil temperature, ambient pressure, and oil type, as oil pressure will change as the system ages.

[0014] In step 204, the ECU (101) analyzes the deviation to calculate a correction factor. The deviation is analyzed for various ranges of engine operating conditions, and the correction factor is calculated. This correction factor acts as feedback to the oil pump (102). When oil quality deteriorates, a higher or lower duty cycle is required to achieve the same pressure in the oil pump (102) outlet line. This is captured by the correction factor, which is fed back to the oil pump (102) as feedback.

[0015] In step 205, the ECU (101) operates the oil pump (102) based on a calculated correction factor. This correction factor is continuously calculated and dynamically updated in the ECU (101). Simultaneously, if the oil quality deteriorates beyond a threshold—that is, when the required pressure at the outlet line of the oil pump (102) cannot be maintained even after the correction factor is calculated—the ECU (101) indicates that an oil change is necessary. This indication is given by the ECU (101) on the instrument panel via audio or visual means.

[0016] The fundamental idea behind these methods is to quantify oil quality. The measured pressure of the oil indicates its viscosity, which is, in turn, a key factor determining oil quality. Viscosity can be correlated with oil density. Using one of the many equations known to those skilled in the art, density is, in turn, correlated with oil pressure in the system. Therefore, we can link viscosity to oil pressure in the system. The idea of ​​developing an ECU (101) and methods for monitoring oil quality in vehicles provides predictive maintenance for engine oil life. This data can also be used to detect faulty oil or oil dilution, adulteration, and impurities for a specific system. The concept also provides better fleet monitoring and indications for better service and maintenance. Furthermore, in vehicles with connectivity via the Internet of Things (IoT), oil quality monitoring data collected from the aforementioned ECU and methods can be transmitted to service stations, thereby improving their supply chain.

[0017] It must be understood that the embodiments described in the above detailed description are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the invention. Any modifications to the ECU (101) and the method for monitoring oil quality in a vehicle (200) are conceivable and form part of this invention. The scope of the invention is defined only by the claims.

Claims

1. An electronic control unit (101) suitable for monitoring the quality of engine oil in a vehicle, the vehicle including an oil pump (102) and a pressure sensor (103) in the outlet line of the oil pump (102), the oil pump (102) circulating the engine oil to the rotating bearings, sliding pistons and camshafts of an internal combustion engine at a predetermined pressure, the pressure sensor (103) communicating with the electronic control unit (101), the electronic control unit (101) being configured to: Stores ideal pressure values ​​in the outlet line of the oil pump for a set of engine operating conditions; Receive instantaneous pressure values ​​for the set of engine operating conditions from the pressure sensor (103); The ideal value is compared with instantaneous values ​​that are higher than a set of predetermined activation conditions to determine the deviation; Analyze the deviations to calculate the correction factor; The oil pump (102) is operated based on the calculated correction factor.

2. The electronic control unit (101) according to claim 1, wherein, The set of engine operating conditions includes engine speed and engine load.

3. The electronic control unit (101) according to claim 1, wherein, The set of predefined activation conditions includes engine temperature, oil temperature, and oil quantity.

4. A method for monitoring the quality of engine oil in a vehicle, the vehicle including an oil pump (102), a pressure sensor (103) in an outlet line of the oil pump (102), and an electronic control unit (101), the oil pump (102) circulating the engine oil to a rotating bearing, a sliding piston, and a camshaft of an internal combustion engine at a predetermined pressure, the pressure sensor (103) communicating with the electronic control unit (101), the method comprising: The electronic control unit (101) stores ideal pressure values ​​in the oil pump outlet line for a set of engine operating conditions; Receive instantaneous pressure values ​​for the set of engine operating conditions from the pressure sensor (103); The ideal value is compared with instantaneous values ​​that are higher than a set of predefined activation conditions to determine the deviation; Analyze the deviations to calculate the correction factors; The oil pump (102) is operated based on the calculated correction factor.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein, The set of engine operating conditions includes engine speed and engine load.

6. The method according to claim 4, wherein, The set of predefined activation conditions includes engine temperature, oil temperature, and oil quantity.

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