Fluid Degradation Tag Using Acid-Triggered Dissolution Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sensing systems for detecting the degradation of machine fluids, such as engine oil, transmission fluid, and hydraulic fluid, are either complex or expensive, and lack the ability to reliably indicate when these fluids need to be replaced due to increased acidity and viscosity changes.
Innovation Solution
A sensing system comprising a tag with electrical contacts separated by a dissolvable element that obstructs communication until the acid content of the machine fluid reaches a level indicative of degradation, allowing wireless signal transmission to a remote reader when the contacts come into communication, indicating fluid degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex sensing systems are used to detect machine fluid degradation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable dissolvable element that is discarded after use, eliminating the need for complex reusable sensors. The dissolvable element is intentionally designed to be consumed during the monitoring period, providing accurate fluid degradation detection through its dissolution behavior without requiring maintenance or calibration of complex sensing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the sensing function from a complex electronic sensor system and embeds it within the dissolvable element itself. The dissolvable element's physical and chemical properties directly indicate fluid degradation, removing the need for separate electronic sensing, signal processing, and power management systems that would increase device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If traditional filtering systems are used to monitor machine fluid, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dissolvable element incorporates visual indicators that change color or appearance as the machine fluid degrades. This allows operators to easily assess fluid condition through simple visual inspection without requiring complex instrumentation, while maintaining accurate detection of degradation parameters through the element's controlled dissolution and color transformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The dissolvable element automatically monitors fluid degradation and provides visual feedback without requiring active operation by the user. The element passively dissolves in response to fluid acidity and contamination levels, continuously indicating fluid condition until replacement is needed, thereby combining operational simplicity with precise measurement.
3Measurement precision
If expensive sensing systems are implemented to detect machine fluid degradation, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dissolvable element is designed as a low-cost, single-use component that is intentionally consumed during the monitoring process. Its dissolution provides accurate degradation detection data, and after serving its purpose, it is discarded rather than requiring expensive recovery or regeneration processes. This approach reduces both material loss and system cost compared to reusable precision sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to discard the dissolvable element after its monitoring function is fulfilled. The element's dissolution into the fluid provides the measurement data needed, and its subsequent disposal eliminates the need for complex recovery or regeneration systems that would otherwise be required for reusable sensors, thereby reducing overall substance loss and system complexity.
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
Provides a cost-effective and straightforward method for remotely monitoring machine fluid degradation, enabling timely replacement of fluids and reducing wear on machine components.
Implementation Method 1
The dissolvable element may be configured to at least partially dissolve and allow electrical communication between the electrical contacts when an acid content of the machine fluid reaches a level indicative of the degradation of the machine fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A sensing system for detecting degradation of a machine fluid is disclosed. The sensing system may comprise a tag having electrical contacts. The tag may be configured to transmit a wireless signal when the electrical contacts are in electrical communication. The sensing system may further comprise a dissolvable element separating the electrical contacts and obstructing electrical communication between the electrical contacts. The dissolvable element may be configured to dissolve and allow electrical communication between the electrical contacts when an acid content of the machine fluid reaches a level indicative of the degradation of the machine fluid.