Crankcase Pressure Sensor Separator Diagnosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack a reliable and cost-effective means for performing a functional diagnosis of separators in combustion engines that separate oil from blow-by gas, which is essential for meeting environmental regulations and reducing emissions, as existing solutions do not provide adequate quality control for these systems.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing existing crankcase pressure sensors to detect and compare output signals with reference values, allowing for functional diagnosis of separators without additional sensors, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and improving emission control, by determining the efficiency of the separator through dynamic comparisons during engine operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If additional sensors are added to perform functional diagnosis of the separator, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The crankcase pressure sensor is designed to serve multiple functions: it monitors crankcase pressure during normal engine operation and simultaneously performs functional diagnosis of the separator by analyzing pressure characteristics at specific operating points. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate diagnostic sensors, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision for separator diagnosis.
2Reliability
If additional sensors are added to perform functional diagnosis of the separator, then reliability of quality control is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing crankcase pressure sensor serves itself by providing diagnostic data for separator functionality without requiring additional dedicated diagnostic sensors. The sensor's normal operational data is repurposed for quality control, enabling the system to self-diagnose separator performance and reducing manufacturing costs associated with additional components.
3Device complexity
If existing sensors are utilized for functional diagnosis, then device complexity and manufacturing cost are reduced, but measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The diagnostic system achieves precise separator functionality assessment by analyzing crankcase pressure parameters at specific operating points (idle speed, specific engine load conditions). By changing the operational parameters and analyzing pressure characteristics under controlled conditions, the system extracts diagnostic information with sufficient precision using the existing sensor.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for functional diagnosis of a separator for separating oil present in a blow-by gas from a crankcase in a combustion engine. The crankcase comprises a crankcase pressure sensor, and is in fluid communication with the separator. The method comprises the steps of; detecting a first output signal of said crankcase pressure sensor at a first operational point or interval; comparing said first output signal of said crankcase pressure sensor with at least one reference value or signal; wherein the comparison between said first output signal of said crankcase pressure sensor and said at least one reference value or signal provides said functional diagnosis of said separator. The present invention provides a method which can perform a functional diagnosis without the use of additional sensors or complex algorithms, as a consequence is manufacturing costs are held at a minimum.