Disposable Capsule for Machine Fluid Acid Degradation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensing systems for detecting the degradation of machine fluids, such as engine oil, transmission fluid, and hydraulic fluid, are either complex or expensive, and lack the ability to effectively monitor when these fluids have reached their usable life and need replacement.
Innovation Solution
A sensing system comprising a capsule with a dissolvable element and a tracer, where the dissolvable element dissolves when the acid content of the machine fluid reaches a predetermined level, releasing the tracer and allowing detection by a remote reader or on-machine detector, indicating fluid degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional sensing systems are used to detect machine fluid degradation, then detection capability is provided, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable capsule containing a dissolvable element and tracer that is discarded after use. The capsule is placed in the fluid, allows degradation detection through tracer release when the dissolvable element dissolves at a predetermined acid content level, and is then discarded. This eliminates the need for complex, expensive reusable sensing systems while maintaining effective degradation detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the sensing function from a complex reusable system and consolidates it into a simple, self-contained capsule that can be easily disposed of. The capsule contains all necessary components (dissolvable element, tracer) within a single unit that is removed from the system after use, simplifying the overall sensing system architecture.
2Measurement precision
If traditional sensing systems are used to detect machine fluid degradation, then detection capability is provided, but implementation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable capsule design significantly reduces implementation cost by eliminating the need for expensive reusable sensors, electronics, and associated infrastructure. The capsule can be manufactured at low cost using simple materials (dissolvable element, tracer, capsule housing) and discarded after single use, making the overall implementation much more cost-effective than traditional sensing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule is self-contained and self-activating - it automatically detects fluid degradation through the dissolvable element responding to acid content changes and releases the tracer accordingly. No external power source, control system, or maintenance is required, eliminating the need for expensive installation and operational infrastructure associated with traditional electronic sensing systems.
3Reliability
If filters are used to collect contaminants, then protection of engine parts is improved, but detection of fluid degradation capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the protective function of filters with the degradation detection function in a single integrated system. The capsule is placed within or alongside the filter assembly, allowing the filter to continue collecting contaminants while the capsule simultaneously monitors fluid degradation through tracer release. This merging provides both engine parts protection and degradation detection without requiring separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule acts as an intermediary between the fluid and the detection system. It contains the dissolvable element that responds to fluid degradation and releases a tracer that can be detected, bridging the gap between the filtering function and the need for degradation detection capability.
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
Provides a cost-effective and straightforward method for remotely monitoring machine fluid degradation, enabling timely replacement and reducing maintenance costs by detecting acid content levels indicative of fluid degradation.
Implementation Method 1
The dissolvable element is configured to at least partially dissolve when placed in contact with the machine fluid when an acid content of the machine fluid reaches a predetermined level
Data Source
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AI summary
A sensing system (120) for sensing degradation of a machine fluid (12) is disclosed. The sensing system (120) may comprise a capsule (122) including a dissolvable element (62). The dissolvable element (62) may be configured to at least partially dissolve when placed in contact with the machine fluid (12) having an acid content indicative of degradation of the machine fluid (12). The sensing system (120) may further comprise a tracer (124) encapsulated by the capsule (122). The tracer (124) may be at least partially released from the capsule (122) when the dissolvable element (62) at least partially dissolves.