Engine Oil Sampling Tool for In-Place Wear Particle Collection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for monitoring engine wear, such as filter analysis and magnetic drain plug analysis, are costly, time-consuming, and limited in scope, as they either require frequent filter removal or only capture specific particle sizes, making them inefficient for frequent monitoring and comprehensive wear assessment.

Innovation Solution

An oil sampling assembly and method that includes a self-closing valve and a sampling tool with a pump and filter, allowing for the induction of lubrication fluid through a filter to collect particles without removing the engine filter, enabling the capture of a broader range of particle sizes and reducing waste by returning filtered fluid to the tank.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If filter analysis is performed to monitor engine wear, then wear detection capability is improved, but filter removal time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewear detection capabilityVSAvoidfilter removal time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts only the necessary function (particle collection) from the filter system by using a magnetic plug that can collect particles directly from the oil stream without requiring removal of the entire filter assembly. This allows wear monitoring while the filter remains in place.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter assembly is segmented into functional components: the filter element itself and the magnetic plug. The magnetic plug operates independently to collect particles, allowing particle collection functionality to be separated from the filter removal process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If magnetic drain plug analysis is used to collect particles, then collection simplicity is improved, but particle size range is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollection simplicityVSAvoidparticle size range

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the advantages of both filter analysis and magnetic plug analysis by combining a filter element with a magnetic plug in the same assembly. This allows the system to capture both larger particles (through filtration) and smaller ferrous particles (through magnetic attraction) within a single integrated system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Facilitates more frequent and comprehensive engine wear monitoring by capturing a wider range of particles without the need for filter removal, reducing costs and improving analysis efficiency while minimizing fluid waste.

Implementation Method 1

a pump configured to induce a flow of the lubrication fluid through the filter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPump: Pump

Implementation Method 2

a filter in fluid communication with the inlet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS11454571B2Sampling tool for lubricating fluid analysis

Publication Date: 2022.09.27 PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP

AI summary

A method and a sampling tool for collecting particles from lubrication fluid of an engine are disclosed. The particles collected may be used to conduct analysis to diagnose a condition of the engine. The tool can be detachably connectable to a lubrication system of the engine. The tool comprises an inlet for receiving lubrication fluid from the lubrication system of the engine, a filter and a pump configured to induce a flow of the lubrication fluid through the filter.