Exhaust Pressure Sensor Plugging-Mitigation Conduit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exhaust pressure sensing systems in internal combustion engines face inaccuracies and plugging issues due to deposits forming in sensor conduits, particularly from condensate accumulation, which affects the accuracy of exhaust pressure signals and can lead to engine operation interference.
Innovation Solution
An exhaust pressure sensing system with a plugging-mitigation conduit forming an always-open leakage path between the upstream and downstream sensor conduits, which conveys condensate and leaked exhaust, preventing pooling and ensuring continuous flow, thereby maintaining sensor accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sensor conduit is used to transmit exhaust pressure signals, then pressure sensing capability is provided, but condensate accumulates and plugs the conduit over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful condensate from the sensor conduit by providing a separate drainage pathway. A drainage conduit is connected to the sensor conduit, allowing condensate to be removed separately from the pressure signal transmission path, thus preventing plugging while maintaining sensing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary drainage system that mediates between the sensor conduit and the exhaust system. This intermediary pathway allows condensate to be vented or drained without interfering with the primary pressure signal transmission function of the sensor conduit.
2Reliability
If active regeneration is used to clean particulate filters, then filter performance is maintained, but energy consumption increases and engine operation is altered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback from pressure sensors to monitor exhaust conditions and determine optimal regeneration timing. By continuously monitoring pressure differential across the particulate filter and other exhaust parameters, the system can identify when regeneration is needed and schedule it to minimize energy consumption and impact on engine operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary monitoring and assessment of filter loading conditions through pressure sensing, allowing regeneration to be scheduled proactively rather than reactively. This enables the system to prepare for regeneration in advance, optimizing timing to minimize energy requirements and operational disruption.
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 solution effectively limits condensate pooling and maintains accurate exhaust pressure sensing by ensuring a continuous flow of exhaust through the sensor conduits, reducing the risk of sensor mis-readings and operational issues.
Implementation Method 1
convey condensate in a stream of leaked exhaust from the upstream sensor conduit to the downstream sensor conduit
Implementation Method 2
forms an always-open leakage path to convey condensate in a stream of leaked exhaust
Data Source
AI summary
An exhaust system includes an exhaust pressure sensing system having sensor conduits structured to fluidly connect to an exhaust conduit in an exhaust system and feed exhaust to a differential pressure sensor. The differential pressure sensor produces a pressure signal indicative of a pressure drop across an exhaust aftertreatment element such as an exhaust filter. A plugging-mitigation conduit provides an always-open leakage path to convey condensate in a stream of leaked exhaust between the sensor conduits to prevent formation of deposits that can impact pressure sensing accuracy.