Coolant Condition Detection Using Temperature and Conductivity Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Accurately detecting the condition of coolant solution, particularly its conductivity and temperature, is challenging due to variations with temperature and substance composition, leading to incorrect replenishment and potential freezing issues in vehicle cooling systems.

Innovation Solution

A cooling system equipped with a temperature sensor, conductivity sensor, and a controller that calculates a compensation coefficient using detected temperature and conductivity values to determine the coolant solution's condition, triggering alerts when it falls outside a predetermined range, thereby preventing freezing and ensuring proper coolant levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If coolant solution conductivity is measured to determine its condition, then the coolant condition can be monitored, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates due to temperature variations and substance composition changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoolant condition detection accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement reliability under varying conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by measuring both temperature and conductivity of the coolant solution, then using these parameters to calculate a compensation coefficient that accounts for temperature variations and substance composition changes. This allows accurate determination of coolant condition despite varying measurement conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a compensation coefficient as an intermediary parameter that mediates between the raw conductivity measurement and the actual coolant condition assessment. This coefficient compensates for the effects of temperature and composition variations, enabling reliable condition determination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If coolant solution is replenished without accurate condition detection, then the coolant level can be maintained, but the freezing point increases causing potential freezing in winter

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoolant levelVSAvoidfreezing risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring coolant temperature and conductivity, calculating the compensation coefficient, and using this information to determine when and what type of coolant replenishment is needed. This feedback loop prevents incorrect replenishment that could raise the freezing point

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary assessment of coolant condition through temperature and conductivity measurements before replenishment is performed. This preliminary action ensures that the correct type and amount of coolant is added, preventing freezing issues before they occur

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The system effectively monitors coolant conditions, preventing freezing and ensuring the cooling system operates normally by accurately determining when coolant levels need replenishment, thus maintaining the vehicle's cooling system functionality.

Implementation Method 1

a temperature sensor that detects a temperature of the coolant solution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature detection:

Implementation Method 2

a conductivity sensor that detects the conductivity of the coolant solution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conductivity detection:

Implementation Method 3

a coolant solution (e.g., anti-freeze) that exchanges heat with the heat generation device to cool the heat generation device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS9275500B2System and method for detecting the condition of a coolant in a vehicle

Publication Date: 2016.03.01 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A cooling system according to an exemplary embodiment may include a heat generation device that is cooled by a coolant solution that exchanges heat with the heat generation device to maintain the heat generation device at a required temperature. More specifically, the cooling system includes a temperature sensor that detects a temperature of the coolant solution, a conductivity sensor that detects the conductivity of the coolant solution, and a controller that uses coolant solution temperature and coolant solution conductivity that are detected through the temperature sensor and the conductivity sensor to determine a condition of the coolant solution.