Crankcase Pressure Sensor for Breach and Oil Level Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crankcase ventilation monitoring systems are costly and complex due to the need for additional sensors and valves, with some sensors being underutilized, limiting their value in detecting breaches and determining oil levels.
Innovation Solution
A method using a common crankcase pressure sensor immersed in the oil sump to detect both crankcase breaches and oil levels, reducing hardware and complexity by leveraging mechanical damping for improved accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and valves are used to monitor crankcase ventilation system integrity, then detection accuracy is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the crankcase pressure sensor multi-functional by using it for both crankcase breach detection and oil level determination. The sensor is positioned in the oil sump and used to detect pressure changes indicating breaches while also measuring oil level through pressure correlation, eliminating the need for separate sensors for these functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple monitoring functions (breach detection and oil level sensing) into a single pressure sensor system. By merging these functions, the system reduces hardware requirements while maintaining detection capabilities, directly addressing the contradiction between accuracy and complexity.
2Reliability
If additional sensors are added to monitor crankcase ventilation, then monitoring capability is improved, but hardware cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing crankcase pressure sensor is made universal to perform multiple monitoring tasks including breach detection and oil level sensing, thereby improving overall monitoring capability without adding more hardware components.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sensor serves itself by providing multiple functions (breach detection and oil level measurement) that would traditionally require separate dedicated sensors, allowing the single sensor to monitor multiple system parameters effectively.
3Measurement precision
If pressure sensor is immersed in oil sump, then noise in pressure signal is reduced, but sensor positioning complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of oil immersion (corrosion, contamination) into a benefit by using the oil medium itself for mechanical damping of pressure signals. The oil provides natural filtration and damping that reduces noise in the pressure signal without requiring additional filtering components.
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 reduces system complexity and cost while providing accurate breach detection and oil level determination, enhancing the utility of existing sensors and minimizing noise in pressure signals.
Implementation Method 1
by immersing the pressure sensor in engine oil, mechanical damping may be provided by the oil, reducing noise in the pressure signal and improving accuracy of the pressure detection
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments for detecting crankcase breach are provided. In one example, a method includes indicating both crankcase ventilation system degradation and a crankcase oil sump level based on a common crankcase sensor. In this way, the same sensor can provide both crankcase breach detection and oil level determination.