Coolant Circuit Sensor for Antifreeze Concentration Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing coolant circuits in internal combustion engines lack continuous monitoring of coolant concentration, leading to potential freezing issues due to inadequate antifreeze levels, which can cause significant damage, while excessive antifreeze concentrations can also be detrimental.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a permanently installed sensor for monitoring coolant concentration, connected to an electronic control unit and ambient temperature sensor, allowing for real-time detection of antifreeze levels and generating a warning signal when freezing temperatures are approached, thereby preventing engine damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If no sensor is installed for continuous monitoring, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of detecting improper coolant concentration is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The coolant monitoring system utilizes the existing coolant pump and cooling circuit infrastructure to perform self-monitoring. The sensor integrates into the current system without requiring separate monitoring infrastructure, allowing the cooling system to monitor its own coolant concentration using existing fluid flow paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual workshop-based coolant concentration checking with an automated electronic sensor system. The sensor continuously or periodically measures coolant concentration and sends signals to the control unit, substituting mechanical/manual inspection methods with electronic automation.
2Loss of time
If workshop visits are used for monitoring, then the device complexity is low, but the loss of time for detecting coolant issues is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is designed to monitor coolant concentration continuously or at regular intervals during engine operation, rather than relying on periodic workshop visits. This continuous monitoring ensures that coolant concentration issues are detected immediately when they occur, eliminating time delays associated with scheduled inspections.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a feedback mechanism where the sensor continuously measures coolant concentration and transmits this information to the control unit. When improper concentration is detected, the control unit can immediately trigger warnings or alerts, providing real-time feedback to the driver or maintenance system without waiting for the next scheduled workshop visit.
3Reliability
If permanent sensor installation is implemented, then the reliability of protection against freezing is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor and control unit are designed to serve multiple functions: monitoring coolant concentration, determining freezing points, comparing with ambient temperature, and triggering warnings. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, simplifying the overall manufacturing process despite the added monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors changes in coolant concentration parameters and uses these changes to dynamically determine freezing points. By focusing on parameter monitoring rather than physical modification of the cooling system, the patent maintains manufacturing simplicity while achieving reliable freezing protection through electronic sensing and control.
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
Ensures reliable detection of insufficient or excessive antifreeze levels, preventing engine damage by alerting the driver of potential freezing risks and ensuring the engine is not started when freezing conditions are met, thus conserving resources and avoiding costly repairs.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor for monitoring the coolant concentration is an ultrasonic sensor
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a coolant circuit for an internal combustion engine, with a coolant pump, at least one coolant line, a radiator and a coolant cavity in the internal combustion engine, wherein the coolant pump, the coolant line, the radiator and the coolant cavity are filled with a coolant. In order to create a coolant circuit for an internal combustion engine that protects the internal combustion engine permanently from damage due to improper usage of coolants, at least one sensor for monitoring the coolant concentration is fixedly and permanently arranged in and/or on the coolant circuit.