Engine Oil Temperature Sensor Fault Detection via Cross-Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine control systems lack an efficient method to diagnose faults in engine oil temperature sensors, which is essential for ensuring proper engine operation and compliance with regulatory requirements, especially when the engine is running or powered off.
Innovation Solution
A control system that includes a diagnostic module to detect faults in engine oil temperature sensors by comparing engine coolant temperature, intake air temperature, and engine oil temperature, with a reporting module generating fault reports based on these comparisons, and also utilizing mass airflow data for fault detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If engine oil temperature sensor fault detection is implemented, then sensor reliability is improved, but diagnostic system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses intermediary parameters (coolant temperature, intake air temperature, mass airflow) as mediators to indirectly assess engine oil temperature sensor health. Instead of directly testing the oil temperature sensor, the system compares its readings against temperature data from other sensors and thermodynamic models of engine operation, allowing fault detection without adding dedicated test hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual model or 'copy' of expected engine oil temperature behavior based on coolant temperature, intake air temperature, and mass airflow data. This modeled temperature profile is then compared against actual sensor readings to detect deviations indicating sensor faults, eliminating the need for physical duplicate sensors or complex direct testing mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If multiple temperature parameters are compared for fault detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The diagnostic module performs multiple functions using the same set of temperature and airflow inputs: it monitors engine oil temperature sensor health, validates sensor readings against expected thermodynamic behavior, and detects faults across different operating conditions. This multi-functional approach uses existing sensor data for multiple diagnostic purposes without requiring additional dedicated measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple temperature measurements (coolant temperature, intake air temperature, engine oil temperature) and mass airflow data into a unified diagnostic analysis. By merging these parameters into a single comparative evaluation process, the system achieves enhanced measurement precision through cross-validation while avoiding the complexity of separate independent diagnostic systems for each parameter.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for evaluating an engine oil temperature sensor is provided. The control system includes a first diagnostic module that selectively detects a first engine oil temperature sensor fault based on a comparison of engine coolant temperature, intake air temperature, and engine oil temperature. A reporting module selectively generates a fault report based on the first engine oil temperature sensor fault.