Engine Breather Filter Assembly with Integrated Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine data loggers are large, costly, and inconvenient to install, requiring complex interfaces or additional measurement equipment, and struggle with remote data transmission, especially in geographically challenging areas, and lack retrofittable sensing functionality for legacy machines.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained engine breather filter assembly with a pressure sensor and processor that calculates engine firing frequency and torque, transmitting aggregated data summaries via a communications module, allowing for discreet and efficient monitoring without significant machine downtime or costly modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If additional measurement equipment (such as mechanical, magnetic or laser tachometers, or fuel measurement equipment) is used to obtain engine speed readings, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The engine's existing fuel injection system serves the dual purpose of its original function and as a measurement source for engine speed detection, eliminating the need for separate measurement equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement systems (tachometers) with an electronic/acoustic detection system that uses the fuel injection timing signals to determine engine speed
2Measurement precision
If an interface to the Control Area Network (CAN) bus is established to obtain engine speed readings from the Engine Control Unit (ECU), then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty and time consumption of establishing the interface
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed as a self-contained unit with all necessary components (sensor, processor, communication module) integrated, eliminating the need for complex interface establishment with the ECU
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the fuel injection system as an intermediary to obtain engine speed information indirectly through timing signals, avoiding direct interface requirements with the CAN bus or ECU
3Device complexity
If engine data loggers are made compact and low-cost by using the fuel injection system for sensing, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The processor analyzes the timing intervals between fuel injection events and uses feedback algorithms to calculate accurate engine speed and firing frequency measurements from the injection system signals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent detects engine firing events through acoustic vibrations and pressure variations in the crankcase, which occur at frequencies directly related to engine speed, providing precise measurement without complex sensors
4Loss of information
If internet connection is established for remote data transmission, then information transmission capability is improved, but reliability deteriorates in geographically challenging areas at the limits of network coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The communication module can dynamically change transmission parameters such as protocol type, data format, and transmission interval to adapt to varying network conditions and maintain reliable operation in remote areas
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses periodic local storage of engine data with intermittent transmission attempts, allowing data to be accumulated and transmitted when network connectivity is available, ensuring no data loss even during extended periods without connection
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables straightforward replacement of conventional breather filters with monitoring capabilities, reducing downtime and costs, providing accurate engine performance data with modest bandwidth requirements and compatibility with legacy engines, while maintaining low visibility and operational convenience.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor module comprises a pressure sensor and the sensed characteristic comprises engine crankcase pressure
Data Source
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AI summary
An engine breather filter assembly for monitoring an internal combustion comprises: a filter cavity configured to accommodate a breather filter element; a processor; and a sensor module configured to sense a characteristic of the internal combustion engine and output data representative of the sensed characteristic to the processor. The engine breather filter assembly is configured to provide a housing for the processor. The processor is configured to determine a value representative of the firing frequency of the internal combustion engine based on the output data.