Engine Oil Chip Detection Using Ionizing Radiation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing magnetic chip detectors in engine oil systems tend to get clogged over time, requiring regular cleaning and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A chip detection system using an emitter with a radioactive source to generate ionizing radiation particles, which are transmitted through the engine fluid system. A detector with a detecting element, such as a liner, generates an electric current in response to the ionizing radiation particles, and a controller compares this current to a threshold value to detect chips.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If magnetic chip detectors are used to detect chips in the oil system, then chip detection capability is provided, but the detector gets clogged over time requiring regular cleaning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechip detection capabilityVSAvoidmaintenance requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the magnetic collection mechanism with an optical detection system. Instead of using a magnetic field to collect and detect chips mechanically, the system uses light transmission through the oil and optical sensors to detect chip presence optically, eliminating the clogging issue inherent in magnetic detectors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium to detect chips. Light travels through the oil and interacts with chips, allowing indirect detection without physical contact between the detector and chips, thus preventing clogging while maintaining detection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The system effectively detects chips in the engine fluid without clogging issues, as the ionizing radiation particles can pass through the fluid and be deflected by chips, allowing for accurate current measurements and chip detection.

Implementation Method 1

the emitter including a radioactive source that generates ionizing radiation particles and transmits the ionizing radiation particles through a liquid within the fluid passage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonizing radiation: Radiation

Implementation Method 2

the detecting element generating an electric current in response to the ionizing radiation particles contacting the detector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonization: Ionisation

Data Source

PatentUS12241884B2Chip detection system for an engine fluid system

Publication Date: 2025.03.04 PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP

AI summary

A chip detection system for an engine fluid system includes an emitter located in a first position proximate to a fluid passage of the engine fluid system, the emitter including a radioactive source that generates ionizing radiation particles and transmits the ionizing radiation particles through a liquid within the fluid passage. A detector includes a detecting element located in a second position relative to the fluid passage with the liquid disposed between the emitter and the detector. The detecting element generates an electric current in response to the ionizing radiation particles contacting the detector. A controller is in communication with the detector to receive the electric current generated by the detecting element. The controller is operable to detect chips in the liquid when the electric current generated by the detecting element is greater than a threshold value of the electric current.