Engine Coolant Leak Detection via Pressure Oscillations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods fail to effectively detect coolant leaks in engines before the coolant level falls critically low, leading to unexpected shutdowns and potential engine damage, which can cause delays and costly repairs.
Innovation Solution
A method that diagnoses coolant leaks based on a low frequency pressure response of measured engine coolant pressure, identifying pressure deviations exceeding a threshold rate of change and frequency, corresponding to a loss of prime stability in the coolant pump, and generates alerts for timely intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional coolant level monitoring methods are used, then engine shutdown is prevented only when coolant falls below critical level, but early detection of coolant leaks is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of coolant leaks by monitoring pressure oscillations before coolant level falls to critical thresholds. The controller analyzes low-frequency pressure variations in the coolant system that indicate developing leaks, enabling early intervention before engine shutdown is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical float-based level sensors with a pressure-based detection system. By monitoring pressure oscillations and low-frequency pressure variations in the coolant circuit, the system detects leaks through pressure changes rather than direct liquid level measurement, enabling earlier and more sensitive leak detection.
2Device complexity
If no early leak detection system is implemented, then system simplicity is maintained, but engine damage from undetected leaks occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors pressure sensor data from the coolant system and provides feedback when low-frequency pressure oscillations indicate a leak. The system compares measured pressure variations against threshold values and triggers diagnostic alerts when leak conditions are detected, enabling timely maintenance before engine damage occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sensor acts as an intermediary element that indirectly detects coolant leaks through pressure oscillations in the coolant system. Rather than directly measuring coolant level or detecting leaks, the system uses pressure variations as an intermediate indicator of leak conditions, providing early warning with minimal additional hardware.
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 approach allows for early detection of coolant leaks, preventing engine shutdowns and damage by identifying pressure deviations indicative of a loss of prime stability, enabling proactive maintenance and reducing repair costs.
Implementation Method 1
a coolant pump disposed between the coolant reserve and the engine
Implementation Method 2
a coolant pressure sensor configured to measure engine coolant pressure
Data Source
AI summary
Presently disclosed are methods and systems for detecting and diagnosing a coolant leak of an engine. A method may include diagnosing a coolant leak of the engine based on a low frequency pressure response of a measured engine coolant pressure. A vehicle system is also disclosed, including an engine, a coolant system operatively connected to the engine. The coolant system includes a coolant reserve and a coolant pump between the engine and the coolant reserve. The vehicle also includes a coolant pressure sensor to measure coolant pressure, and a controller configured to measure an engine coolant pressure and diagnose a coolant leak of the coolant system based on a low frequency pressure response of the measured engine coolant pressure.