Replaceable Engine Fluid Container With Data-Linked Fit Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a replaceable fluid container system for engines that prevents inappropriate use or incorrect fitting of fluid supplies, ensuring proper fluid management and reducing risks associated with fluid replenishment and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A replaceable fluid container system with a reservoir, self-sealing coupling, and data module that communicates with the engine control device, providing data on fluid properties and ensuring correct fluid type and condition, and inhibiting engine operation if the fluid is not properly coupled or of incorrect type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a replaceable fluid container system is implemented without data communication capabilities, then the ease of operation and fluid replacement is improved, but the reliability and prevention of inappropriate fluid use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a data provider in the fluid container that communicates fluid property data to an engine control device. The control device receives this data and can determine whether the fluid is appropriate for the engine, providing feedback control that prevents operation with inappropriate fluids while maintaining ease of replacement through a straightforward connect-and-go interface.
2Reliability
If a data communication system is added to the fluid container, then the reliability and fluid management are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct functional components: a fluid container with a data provider, a self-sealing coupling mechanism, and an engine control device. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable fluid management through modular architecture.
3Reliability
If self-sealing couplings are used for fluid connection, then the reliability and prevention of leakage are improved, but the ease of operation and replacement speed may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The self-sealing coupling is designed to automatically seal the fluid passage before the container is fully removed or installed. This preliminary sealing action prevents leakage during the replacement process, maintaining reliability while allowing for relatively quick operation since the sealing function is built into the coupling mechanism itself rather than requiring additional steps.
Data Source
AI summary
A replaceable fluid container for an engine comprising: a reservoir for holding a fluid; a fluid coupling adapted to provide fluidic communication between the reservoir and a fluid circulation system of an engine; and a data provider arranged such that positioning the container to permit fluidic communication between the reservoir and the fluid circulation system of the engine arranges the data provider for data communication with an engine control device of the engine. There is also provided a method of facilitating control of an engine and an engine control system, apparatus and a vehicle.