Coolant Circuit pH Sensor for Engine Degradation Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coolant management systems in internal combustion engines cannot accurately predict the optimal replacement interval for coolant, leading to potential engine damage due to degradation, especially in varying operational conditions of industrial vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A pH sensor is integrated into the coolant circuit to continuously monitor acidity levels, connected to an ECU that calculates and signals when the pH falls below a threshold, allowing for customized replacement intervals based on engine usage, temperature, and operational conditions, without requiring coolant depressurization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If average replacement interval is recommended based on general usage patterns, then maintenance simplicity is improved, but coolant degradation monitoring precision deteriorates leading to potential engine damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual coolant sampling and laboratory analysis with an automated in-circuit pH sensor system. The pH sensor continuously monitors coolant acidity directly in the cooling system, eliminating the need for physical coolant removal and manual testing, thereby maintaining ease of operation while achieving precise real-time degradation monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces pH as an intermediary parameter to indirectly measure coolant degradation. Instead of directly analyzing complex coolant composition changes, the system uses pH level as a reliable indicator of coolant health, correlating acidity changes with degradation stages and engine risk levels.
2Loss of time
If coolant replacement is delayed to extend service life, then loss of time and resources is reduced, but engine reliability deteriorates due to undetected degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system where the pH sensor continuously monitors coolant condition and provides real-time data to the control unit. The system compares measured pH values against predetermined thresholds and automatically alerts operators when degradation reaches critical levels, enabling timely intervention before engine damage occurs while maximizing coolant service life.
3Measurement precision
If frequent coolant sampling is performed to monitor degradation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase due to depressurization requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the pH sensor directly within the existing coolant circuit architecture. The sensor is integrated into the cooling system's existing structure, utilizing available space and fluid flow paths, thereby enabling continuous monitoring without adding external sampling infrastructure or requiring system depressurization.
4Reliability
If coolant monitoring system is added to track degradation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the pH sensor and control unit to serve multiple functions: continuous pH monitoring, degradation stage determination, engine risk assessment, and operator alerting. The system integrates with existing engine management architectures, allowing the same hardware to perform coolant monitoring while potentially sharing processing resources with other engine control functions.
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
This solution enables timely and condition-specific coolant replacement, preventing irreversible engine damage by accurately determining when coolant degradation occurs, thus maintaining engine integrity and adhering to real operational conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A pH sensor is integrated into the coolant circuit to continuously monitor acidity levels
Data Source
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AI summary
Internal combustion engine (E) comprising a coolant circuit (C) wherein coolant is recirculated through a pump (P) and wherein a PH sensor (PHS) is arranged in such a way to sense PH thereof and to signal a deterioration of the coolant requiring the replacement thereof with fresh one on the basis of said PH sensed.