Disposable Sensor Probe for Real-Time Fluid Quality Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack an efficient and cost-effective method to monitor the quality of in-service lubricating oil and diesel fuel in real-time, leading to inaccurate oil change intervals and potential engine damage from contaminants.
Innovation Solution
A disposable sensor probe integrated into fluid filter assemblies, utilizing chemically reactive materials to assess fluid quality and contaminant levels, providing real-time data and simplifying maintenance by being replaced with the filter element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional oil drain intervals are determined through manufacturer testing, then engine reliability is maintained under tested conditions, but accurate assessment of in-service oil quality cannot be achieved due to inability to simulate all real-world conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/engineering testing systems with chemical sensing systems. PBM sensor probes with chemically reactive materials detect oil degradation through chemical reactions with contaminants and degradation products, providing direct measurement of oil quality rather than relying on mechanical performance testing under simulated conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The PBM sensor probe acts as an intermediary between the oil and the monitoring system. The chemically reactive materials on the probe surface interact with oil contaminants and degradation products, translating chemical changes into measurable electrical signals that indicate oil quality and filter condition.
2Reliability
If PBM sensor probes are used to monitor fluid quality, then real-time assessment capability is provided, but device complexity and integration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the PBM sensor probe with the fluid filter assembly into a single integrated unit. The sensor probe is positioned within the filter housing to directly monitor fluid passing through the filter, eliminating the need for separate monitoring systems and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining real-time monitoring capability.
3Ease of operation
If sensor probes are integrated into disposable filter elements, then maintenance simplicity is improved by simultaneous replacement, but sensor probe replacement flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent treats the sensor probe as a disposable component integrated with the filter element. Both are replaced simultaneously as a single service unit, eliminating the need to separately maintain or calibrate the sensor probe. This approach is economically justified by the low cost of the sensor probe relative to the value of accurate monitoring and the labor savings from combined replacement.
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
Enhances maintenance efficiency, reduces costs, and ensures reliable fluid quality monitoring by providing accurate data on oil and fuel quality, preventing engine damage from improper filtration and contaminants.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor probe can include a chemically reactive material sensitive to at least one property of the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid filtration system may include a fluid filter assembly that includes a filter element configured to filter a fluid and a sensor probe incorporated into the fluid filter assembly. The sensor probe may include a chemically reactive material sensitive to at least one property of the fluid and at least a portion of the sensor probe may be exposed to the fluid.