Filter Pressure Drop Calculation Using Segmented Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid filter systems rely on differential pressure sensors, which increase complexity and cost due to additional plumbing and hardware, leading to errors in diagnostic and prognostic procedures.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that determine the pressure differential across a fluid filter using inlet and outlet pressure sensors, engine speed data, and temperature data, eliminating the need for differential pressure sensors and reducing system complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a differential pressure sensor is used to measure pressure across a fluid filter, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional plumbing and hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pressure measurement function into two separate pressure sensors positioned at different locations (upstream and downstream of the filter) rather than using a single differential pressure sensor. This segmentation allows each sensor to measure absolute pressure at its location, and the differential pressure is calculated by subtracting these readings, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational approach where the differential pressure is not directly measured by a single sensor but is derived through calculation from two separate pressure measurements. This intermediary step of computation replaces the need for complex differential pressure sensor plumbing with simpler absolute pressure sensors and mathematical processing.
2Reliability
If a differential pressure sensor is installed to monitor filter performance, then reliability is improved through direct measurement, but ease of operation deteriorates due to maintenance complexity
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the differential pressure measurement into two separate absolute pressure sensors, the system allows each sensor to be independently maintained or replaced without affecting the other. This segmentation improves ease of operation as maintenance personnel can service individual sensors more easily compared to a integrated differential pressure sensor assembly with complex plumbing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-diagnostic capabilities where the controller continuously monitors pressure readings and can identify when maintenance is needed. The simplified sensor configuration allows for easier self-testing and troubleshooting, reducing the operational burden on maintenance personnel while maintaining reliable filter monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatuses provided herein relate to a controller for determining a pressure differential across a fluid filter by receiving inlet pressure data regarding a pressure of the fluid upstream of the filtering element, receiving outlet pressure data regarding a pressure of the fluid downstream of the filtering element, receiving engine speed data regarding a speed of the engine, receiving temperature data regarding a temperature of the fluid, and determining a pressure drop across the filtering element based on the inlet pressure data, the outlet pressure data, the engine speed data, and the temperature data.