A system for detecting clogging of an air filter in a vehicle and method thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system (100) and a method (200) for detecting clogging of an air filter (112) in a vehicle (10). The system (100) comprises a sensing unit (120) disposed in an air intake path (110). The sensing unit (120) is configured to detect a parameter associated with the air intake path (110), wherein the sensing unit (120) is positioned downstream of the air filter (112) in the air intake path (110) in a flow direction of intake air. At least one processor (130) is communicatively coupled with the sensing unit (120) and is configured to receive the parameter associated with the air intake path (110) from the sensing unit (120); compare the parameter with a predetermined threshold; and determine the clogging of the air filter (112) based on comparison of the parameter with the predetermined threshold.

Description

[0001] TITLE OF INVENTION

[0002] A SYSTEM FOR DETECTING CLOGGING OF AN AIR FILTER IN A VEHICLE AND METHOD THEREOF

[0003] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004]

[0001] The present invention generally relates to an air filter in a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and a system for detecting clogging of an air filter in a vehicle.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006]

[0002] Generally, in all vehicles with an internal combustion engine, an air intake box is provided which is responsible for receiving the intake air and transmitting this air to the internal combustion engine for combustion. This air intake box includes a filter element which filters the intake air to remove particulate matter from the intake air before the intake air is supplied to the engine. Over time, the particulate matter accumulates on the filter element which leads to clogging of the air filter. This clogging leads to a deterring effect on the amount of intake air passing through the filter element and being supplied to the engine.

[0007]

[0003] In the existing vehicles, to maintain engine performance, the filter element is usually replaced at predetermined kilometres, say for examples, every 12000 kms. This replacement is done based on visual observation of the filter element by removing or accessing the filter element. Thus, till the vehicle reaches a predetermined kilometre or till the vehicles is being serviced, the filter element is not inspected or replaced.

[0008]

[0004] In some cases, the filter element may get clogged before the predetermined kilometres is reached or before the vehicle is due for a service. If the filter element remains clogged, then sufficient air may not be supplied to the engine, which results in engine performance deterioration, particularly from the perspective of engine power. Further, if the adequate air is not supplied to the combustion chamber, then the requisite air fuel ratio cannot be maintained, which further results in increased emissions. Furthermore, insufficiency of air in the combustion chamber also negatively impacts the fuel economy. Furthermore, dust accumulation on the filter element may also impact the durability of the engine parts in the long run.

[0009]

[0005] Thus, there is a need in the art for a system and method for detecting clogging of an air filter in a vehicle which addresses at least the aforementioned problems.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011]

[0006] In one aspect, the present invention is directed towards a system for detecting clogging of an air filter in a vehicle. The system has a sensing unit disposed in an air intake path. The sensing unit is configured to detect a parameter associated with the air intake path, wherein the sensing unit is positioned downstream of the air filter in the air intake path in a flow direction of intake air. At least one processor is communicatively coupled with the sensing unit. The processor is configured to receive the parameter associated with the air intake path from the sensing unit, and compare the parameter with a predetermined threshold. The processor is further configured to determine the clogging of the air filter based on comparison of the parameter with the predetermined threshold.

[0012]

[0007] In an embodiment of the invention, the parameter is a negative pressure value of intake air, and the sensing unit detects the negative pressure value of intake air in the air intake path downstream of the air filter in flow direction of intake air.

[0013]

[0008] In a further embodiment of the invention, the sensing unit includes a mechanical pressure sensor. The mechanical pressure sensor has an elastic element, a shaft connected to the elastic element and a diaphragm connected to the shaft. The diaphragm moves from a first position to a second position based on the negative pressure value in the air intake path. In that, the air filter is determined as clogged based on a movement of the diaphragm that is greater than the predetermined threshold. Further, the mechanical pressure sensor has a casing that houses the elastic element, the shaft, and the diaphragm. In an embodiment, the casing is a transparent casing configured to allow visual inspection of the movement of the diaphragm to a user of the vehicle.

[0014]

[0009] In a further embodiment of the invention, the sensing unit includes an electronic pressure sensor. In this embodiment, the processor receives the negative pressure value from the electronic pressure sensor, compares the negative pressure value with the predetermined threshold and determines the clogging of the air filter based on the negative pressure value that is greater than the predetermined threshold. Further, the processor outputs an alert, via a user interface, indicating the clogging of the air filter.

[0010] In a further embodiment of the invention, the parameter is an air flow rate of intake air. The sensing unit includes one or more electronic air flow rate sensors that detect air flow value in the air intake path downstream of the air filter in the flow direction of intake air.

[0015] [Oi l] In a further embodiment of the invention, the processor receives the air flow rate from the one or more electronic air flow sensors, compares the air flow rate with the predetermined threshold, and determines the clogging of the air filter based on the air flow rate that is lesser than the predetermined threshold. Further, the processor outputs an alert, via a user interface, indicating the clogging of the air filter.

[0016]

[0012] In a further embodiment of the invention, one or more suction tubes are in fluid communication with the air filter. The one or more suction tubes is configured to transmit intake air downstream of the air filter in the flow direction of the intake air. The one or more electronic air flow sensors are disposed in the one or more suction tubes.

[0017]

[0013] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for detecting clogging of an air filter in a vehicle. The method has the steps of: sensing a parameter associated with an air intake path downstream of the air filter in a flow direction of intake air; receiving the parameter associated with the air intake path from the sensing unit; comparing the parameter with a predetermined threshold; and determining clogging of the air filter based on comparison of the parameter with the predetermined threshold.

[0018] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019]

[0014] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.

[0020] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of an exemplary vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0021] Figure 2 illustrates another side view of the vehicle with the system for detecting clogging of an air filter with some vehicle parts removed, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0022] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic view of the system for detecting clogging of the air filter, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0023] Figure 4 illustrates a top view of an air intake assembly for the system for detecting clogging of the air filter, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention.

[0024] Figure 5 illustrates a sectional view of the air intake assembly for the system for detecting clogging of the air filter along Section A-A illustrated in Figure 4, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0025] Figure 6A, 6B and 6C illustrate a side view, a sectional view, and another sectional view of a mechanical pressure sensor, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Figure 7 illustrates a sectional view of the air intake assembly for the system for detecting clogging of the air filter along Section A-A illustrated in Figure 4, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

[0026] Figure 8 illustrates method steps involved in a method for detecting clogging of an air filter, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0027] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028]

[0015] The present invention relates to detecting of clogging of an air filter in a vehicle. In particular, the present invention relates to a system and a method for detecting clogging of an air filter in a vehicle. In this aspect, the vehicle is at least one of a saddle type vehicle, a three wheeled vehicle, a trike, or other multi wheeled vehicles, as required. However, it should be understood that the present invention may be incorporated in any non-automotive application that has an internal combustion engine.

[0016] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a vehicle 10. As illustrated, the vehicle 10 has a frame assembly 20 that supports one or more vehicle components, including an air intake assembly 60. The air intake assembly 60 is configured to receive intake air from the atmosphere and transmit the same towards the internal combustion engine, post which the intake air is mixed with fuel for combustion. As referenced in Figure 2, the air intake assembly 60 defines an air intake path 110 through with the intake air travels inside the air intake assembly 60.

[0029]

[0017] As referenced in Figure 2, the air intake assembly 60 has an air filter 112 that is configured to filter intake air before the intake air is supplied to the internal combustion engine. As illustrated, the air intake assembly 60 has a pre -filtration chamber 110A that is provided upstream of the air filter 112 in a flow direction of the intake air. As the intake air travels inside the air intake path 110, the air travels from the pre-fil tration chamber 110 A, then passes through the air filter 112 and then reaches a post-filtration chamber HOB that is downstream of the air filter 112 in the flow direction of the intake air.

[0018] Figure 3 represents a schematic diagram of a system 100 for detecting clogging of the air filter 112 in the vehicle 10. As illustrated in Figure 3 when read with Figure 2, the system 100 comprises a sensing unit 120, at one processor 130, and a memory. The at least one processor 130 and the sensing unit 120 may communicatively coupled via a wired or wireless network. The sensing unit 120 comprises one or more sensors from a set of sensors provided on the vehicle 10, for example, including but not limited to an air flow sensor, an air pressure sensor etc. As illustrated in Figure 2, the sensing unit 120 is disposed in the air intake path 110. More specifically, the sensing unit 120 is disposed downstream of the air filter 112 in the air intake path 110 in the flow direction of intake air. The sensing unit 120 is configured to detect a parameter associated with the air intake path 110. The sensing unit 120 thus is disposed in the post-filtration chamber HOB downstream of the air filter 112, and detects the parameter associated with the air intake path 110 in the post-filtration chamber HOB that is downstream of the air filter 112 in the air intake path 110.

[0030]

[0019] Further, the system 100 comprises at least one processor 130.. Examples at least one processor 130 may include a Graphical Processing Unit (GPU), a Central Processing Unit (CPU), an x86-based processor, an x64-based processor, a Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) processor, an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) processor, a Complex Instruction Set Computing (CISC) processor, and / or other hardware processors. In an embodiment, the at least one processor 130 is incorporated in an electronic control unit of the vehicle 10 and is coupled to a memory 136 which stores the relevant data such as the predetermined threshold under different operating conditions. In another embodiment, the at least one processor 130 is provided in a standalone electronic control unit.

[0031]

[0020] The at least one processor 130 is configured to receive the parameter associated with the air intake path 110 from the sensing unit 120. Thereafter, the at least one processor 130 is configured to compare the parameter with a predetermined threshold. Further, the at least one processor 130 is configured to determine the clogging of the air filter 112 based on comparison of the parameter with the predetermined threshold. For example, if the predetermined if the parameter received by the at least one processor 130 is X, and the predetermined threshold is Y, based on the comparison of whether X is greater than Y or lesser than Y, the at least one processor 130 determines the clogging of the air filter. Thus, in the present invention, the clogging of the air filter 112 is monitored in real time as opposed to conventional monitoring at predetermined distances or times. This allows for the air filter 112 to be replaced or serviced as and when the air filter 112 is clogged, thus reducing the chances of the vehicle 10 running with a clogged air filter 112 for long periods of time.

[0032]

[0021] In an embodiment, the parameter is a negative pressure value of intake air and the sensing unit 120 is configured to detect the negative pressure value of intake air in the air intake path 110 downstream of the air filter 112 in flow direction of intake air. Herein, negative pressure value is defined as a pressure value measured by regarding the atmospheric pressure as zero.

[0033]

[0022] In an embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 4 and Figure 5, the sensing unit 120 comprises an electronic pressure sensor 124. As illustrated in Figure 4 and Figure 5, the electronic pressure sensor 124 is mounted on the air intake path 110 downstream of the air filter 112 in the flow direction of intake air. In other words, the electronic pressure sensor 124 is provided in the post filtration chamber HOB. In this embodiment, the at least one processor 130 is configured to receive the negative pressure value from the electronic pressure sensor 124 and compare the negative pressure value with the predetermined threshold.

[0034]

[0023] The at least one processor 130 then determines the clogging of the air filter 112 based on the negative pressure value that is greater than the predetermined threshold. Herein, the negative pressure value being greater than the predetermined threshold is indicative of air flow not being sufficient at the downstream side of the air filter 112 in the flow direction of intake air, which is indicative of the air filter 112 being clogged. Thus, in effect, if the negative pressure value is greater than the predetermined threshold, the at least one processor 130 determines that the air filter 112 is clogged. If the at least one processor 130 determines that the air filter 112 is clogged, the at least one processor 130 is configured to output an alert, via a user interface 132, wherein the alert indicates the clogging of the air filter 112. Herein, the user interface is either be provided on the vehicle 10 itself on instrument cluster, or is provided on an external or other device of the user. Once the user is alerted of the air filter 112 being clogged, the user then may replace or service the air filter 112.

[0035]

[0024] In an alternative embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 6A, Figure 6B and Figure 6C, the sensing unit 120 comprises a mechanical pressure sensor 122. The mechanical pressure sensor 122 has an elastic element (not shown), a shaft 122B connected to the elastic element and a diaphragm 122C connected to the shaft 122B. The mechanical pressure sensor 122 further has a casing 122D that houses the elastic element, the shaft 122B, and the diaphragm 122C.

[0036]

[0025] Herein, the diaphragm 122C is configured to move from a first position to a second position based on the negative pressure value in the air intake path 110. When the mechanical pressure sensor 122 is disposed in the air intake path 110, the negative pressure value in the air intake path 110 creates a suction force which causes the diaphragm 122C to move. Greater the suction force, higher will be the movement of the diaphragm 122C. In operation, when the air filter 112 is clogged and less air is flowing in the air intake path 110 downstream of the air filter 112, the engine makes an attempt to suck more air from air intake path 110, which leads to more suction and higher movement of the diaphragm 122C.

[0037]

[0026] In this embodiment, Figure 6B illustrates the diaphragm 122C in the first position and Figure 6C illustrates the diaphragm in the second position. Herein, the air filter 112 is determined as clogged based on a movement of the diaphragm 122C that is greater than the predetermined threshold. That is, when the movement of the diaphragm 122C from the first position to the second position is greater than the predetermined threshold, it is indicative of the air filter 112 clogged. In an embodiment, this movement of the diaphragm 122C is converted into an electronic value, which is then communicated to the at least one processor 130 based on which the at least one processor 130 determines the clogging. Alternatively, the casing 122D is a transparent casing which is configured to allow visual inspection of the movement of the diaphragm 122C to the user of the vehicle 10. One or more marks are provided on the transparent casing which allow for visual inspection by the user.

[0038]

[0027] In an alternative embodiment, the parameter is an air flow rate of intake air. In this embodiment, the sensing unit 120 comprises one or more electronic air flow rate sensors 126 which are configured to detect air flow rate in the air intake path 110 downstream of the air filter 112 in the flow direction of intake air. In an embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 7, wherein the air intake assembly 60 has one or more suction tubes 64. The one or more suction tubes 64 are in fluid communication with the air filter 112 such that the one or more suction tubes 64 transmit intake air in the air intake path 110 downstream of the air filter 112 in the flow direction of the intake air towards the engine. Herein, the one or more electronic air flow sensors 126 are disposed in the one or more suction tubes 64.

[0039]

[0028] In this embodiment, the at least one processor 130 is configured to receive the air flow rate from the one or more electronic air flow sensors 126 and compare the air flow rate with the predetermined threshold. Thereafter, the at least one processor 130 is configured to determine the clogging of the air filter 112 based on the air flow rate that is lesser than the predetermined threshold. For example, if the air flow rate determined by the at least one processor is 10m3 / s, and predetermined threshold is 15m3 / s, then the at least one processor determines that the air flow rate is lesser than the predetermined threshold, and determines the air filter 112 to be clogged. This means that if the air flow rate is lesser than the predetermined threshold, it is indicative of the air filter 112 being clogged. Thereafter, if the at least one processor 130 determines the air filter 112 to be clogged, the at least one processor 130 outputs an alert, via the user interface 132, wherein the alert indicates the clogging of the that air filter 112 as explained hereinbefore.

[0040]

[0029] In an embodiment, as explained earlier, the user interface 132 is either be provided on the vehicle 10 itself on instrument cluster, or is provided on the external or other device of the user. Once the user is alerted of the air filter 112 being clogged, the user then may replace or service the air filter 112. This alert provided by the user interface may be in the form of a visual indication by way of numbers, or a visual indication by way of a dedicated illumination or display, or by way of an audio or haptic alert. In an embodiment, the at least one processor 130 is configured to determine clogging percentage (say 50% or 80%) of the air filter 112 based on the comparison of the parameter with the predetermined threshold, and communicate the same to the user by means of the user interface 132.

[0041]

[0030] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method 200 of detecting clogging of the air filter 112 in the vehicle 10. Figure 8 illustrates the method steps involved in the method 200 for detecting clogging of the air filter 112. As illustrated, at step 202, the parameter associated with the air intake path 110 is sensed by the sensing unit 120 downstream of the air filter 112 in a flow direction of intake air. Thereafter, at step 204, the parameter associated with the air intake path 110 is received by the at least one processor 130 from the sensing unit 120. Thereafter, at step 206, the parameter is compared with the predetermined threshold. Thereafter, at step 208, clogging of the air filer 112 is determined by the at least one processor 130 based on comparison of the parameter with the predetermined threshold. Thus, as explained hereinbefore, in the present invention, the clogging of the air filter 112 is monitored in real time as opposed to conventional monitoring at predetermined distances or times.

[0042]

[0031] Advantageously, the present invention provides a system and a method for detecting clogging of an air filter in a vehicle whereby the clogging of the air filter is determined in real time by means of the processor with alerts to the user, as opposed to conventional manual monitoring after every distance or time interval. This allows the user to service or replace the air filter as soon as the air filter is detected to be clogged, which reduces the chances of the vehicle running with a clogged air filter for long periods of time.

[0043]

[0032] The assurance of air filter not being clogged and sufficient supply of intake air to the engine under all running conditions also ensures that the engine does not suffer from deteriorated performance. Further, supply of sufficient intake air also ensures maintenance of the required air fuel ratio in the combustion, which prevents any deterring effect on the fuel economy of the vehicle while also preventing any undesired deterioration in the emission properties of the vehicle.

[0044]

[0033] Moreover, prevention of dust being accumulated on the air filter for long periods of time also reduces potential wear and tear of engine components, thus enhancing engine life.

[0045]

[0034] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

[0046] List of Reference Numerals

[0047] 10: Vehicle

[0048] 20: Frame Assembly

[0049] 60: Air Intake Assembly

[0050] 64: Suction Tubes

[0051] 100: System for Detecting Clogging of an Air Filter

[0052] 110: Air Intake Path

[0053] 110A: Pre-filtration Chamber

[0054] HOB: Post-filtration Chamber

[0055] 112: Air Filter

[0056] 120: Sensing Unit 122: Mechanical Pressure Sensor

[0057] 122B: Shaft

[0058] 122C: Diaphragm

[0059] 122D: Casing 124: Electronic Pressure Sensor

[0060] 126: Electronic Air Flow Rate Sensors

[0061] 130: Processor

[0062] 132: User Interface

[0063] 136: Memory 200: Method for Detecting Clogging of an Air Filter

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A system (100) for detecting clogging of an air filter (112) in a vehicle (10), the system (100) comprising: a sensing unit (120), the sensing unit (120) being disposed in an air intake path (110), the sensing unit (120) being configured to detect a parameter associated with the air intake path (110), the sensing unit (120) being positioned downstream of the air filter (112) in the air intake path (110) in a flow direction of intake air; at least one processor (130) communicatively coupled with the sensing unit (120), the at least one processor (130) being configured to: receive the parameter associated with the air intake path (110) from the sensing unit (120); compare the parameter with a predetermined threshold; and determine the clogging of the air filter (112) based on comparison of the parameter with the predetermined threshold.

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the parameter is a negative pressure value of intake air, and the sensing unit (120) is configured to detect the negative pressure value of intake air in the air intake path (110) downstream of the air filter (112) in flow direction of intake air.

3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensing unit (120) comprises a mechanical pressure sensor (122), and the mechanical pressure sensor (122) comprising: an elastic element; a shaft (122B) connected to the elastic element; a diaphragm (122C) connected to the shaft (122B), wherein the diaphragm (122C) is configured to move from a first position to a second position based on the negative pressure value in the air intake path (110), the air filter (112) isdetermined as clogged based on a movement of the diaphragm (122C) that is greater than the predetermined threshold; and a casing (122D) that houses the elastic element, the shaft (122B), and the diaphragm (122C), wherein the casing (122D) is a transparent casing configured to allow visual inspection of the movement of the diaphragm (122C) to a user of the vehicle (10).

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the sensing unit (120) comprises an electronic pressure sensor (124).

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the at least one processor (130) is configured to: receive the negative pressure value from the electronic pressure sensor (124); compare the negative pressure value with the predetermined threshold; determine the clogging of the air filter (112) based on the negative pressure value that is greater than the predetermined threshold, and output an alert, via a user interface, wherein the alert indicates the clogging of the air filter (112).

6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the parameter is an air flow rate of intake air, the sensing unit (120) comprises one or more electronic air flow rate sensors (126) and the one or more electronic air flow rate sensors (126) being configured to detect air flow value in the air intake path (110) downstream of the air filter (112) in the flow direction of intake air.

7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the at least one processor (130) is configured to: receive the air flow rate from the one or more electronic air flow sensors (126); compare the air flow rate with the predetermined threshold;determine the clogging of the air filter (112) based on the air flow rate that is lesser than the predetermined threshold; and output an alert, via a user interface, wherein the alert indicates the clogging of the that air filter (112).

8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein one or more suction tubes (64) being in fluid communication with the air filter (112), the one or more suction tubes (64) being configured to transmit intake air downstream of the air filter (112) in the flow direction of the intake air, wherein the one or more electronic air flow sensors (126) being disposed in the one or more suction tubes (64).

9. A method (200) for detecting clogging of an air filter (112) in a vehicle (10), the method (200) comprising steps of: detecting, by a sensing unit (120), a parameter associated with an air intake path (110) downstream of the air filter (112) in a flow direction of intake air; receiving, by at least one processor (130), the parameter associated with the air intake path (110) from the sensing unit (120); comparing, the at least one processor (130), the parameter with a predetermined threshold; and determining, by the at least one processor (130), clogging of the air filter (112) based on comparison of the parameter with the predetermined threshold.

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