Fluid Dosing Unit Diagnosis via Hydraulic Stiffness Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dosing systems with multiple dosing units are challenging to diagnose accurately and efficiently, as current methods are time-consuming and not cost-effective, especially when diagnosing two or more units simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine hydraulic stiffness values by measuring pressure variations downstream of each dosing unit during sole operation, comparing these values to identify malfunctions, and using additional tests to pinpoint the affected unit, allowing for accurate and automated diagnosis of dosing units in fluid dosing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If volume measurement method is used to diagnose dosing units, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical volume measurement method with a pressure-based diagnostic method. Instead of measuring fluid volume changes in tanks to diagnose dosing units, the system uses pressure sensors to detect pressure variations in the fluid lines during dosing operations. This substitution of measurement principle dramatically reduces diagnostic time while maintaining accuracy, as pressure changes can be detected instantly compared to the time required for volume measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the diagnostic parameter from volume to pressure. By monitoring pressure variations in the fluid lines during dosing operations, the system can rapidly diagnose dosing unit functionality. The pressure parameter provides immediate feedback about dosing unit performance without requiring time-consuming volume measurements, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and diagnostic time.
2Measurement precision
If one dosing unit is diagnosed at a time with large fluid dosing, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the diagnostic process by using pressure sensors positioned at different locations in the fluid lines corresponding to different dosing units. Each pressure sensor monitors pressure variations specific to its associated dosing unit, allowing simultaneous independent diagnosis of multiple dosing units. This segmentation enables parallel processing of diagnostic information, dramatically increasing diagnosis throughput while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous monitoring of all dosing units simultaneously through pressure sensors that operate concurrently. Instead of sequentially diagnosing one dosing unit at a time with large fluid dosing, the system continuously monitors pressure variations from all dosing units in parallel, maintaining diagnostic precision while maximizing productivity through simultaneous operation.
3Productivity
If multiple dosing units are diagnosed simultaneously using existing methods, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses segmented pressure monitoring with individual pressure sensors for different dosing units or strategic positions in the fluid lines. This segmentation allows simultaneous diagnosis of multiple dosing units while maintaining precision by isolating pressure variations to their source dosing units, preventing cross-interference that would degrade measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pressure sensors as intermediary devices to diagnose multiple dosing units simultaneously without direct interference between them. The pressure sensors act as mediators that convert the dosing actions of multiple units into measurable pressure signals, allowing parallel diagnosis while maintaining the precision needed to distinguish between different dosing unit performances.
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
This approach provides a reliable, accurate, and cost-effective means to diagnose malfunctions in multiple dosing units, reducing diagnostic time and improving the overall efficiency of fluid dosing systems, applicable to various fluid dosing systems designs including reducing agent and fuel dosing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a pump unit for pressurizing said fluid for said dosing units
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for diagnosing functionality of dosing units of a fluid dosing system comprising at least two dosing units, a tank unit for holding a fluid, and a pump unit for pressurizing the fluid for the dosing units. The method comprises determining a first hydraulic stiffness value on the basis of first pressure variations and determining a second hydraulic stiffness value on the basis of said second pressure variations. The first hydraulic stiffness value and second hydraulic stiffness value are compared. In a case where the first hydraulic stiffness value and second hydraulic stiffness value differ to a certain extent, concluding that malfunction of at least one of said dosing units is at hand, and in a case where the first hydraulic stiffness value and the second hydraulic stiffness value do not differ to said certain extent, concluding that the first and second dosing units function as intended.