Engine Fluid Line Excess Flow Detection by Downstream Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for monitoring fluid flow in engine fluid systems are complex and inefficient in detecting excessive flow caused by disconnected or broken fluid lines, which can lead to critical failures.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a fluid flow restrictor and a temperature sensor positioned downstream of the restrictor, which creates a change in temperature indicative of excessive flow, allowing for detection of fluid leaks or breaks in the engine's fluid system, utilizing existing temperature sensors and potentially integrating with Electronic Engine Control systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing methods are used to monitor fluid flow, then detection capability is provided, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical flow monitoring systems with a thermal-based detection system. A heater element heats a portion of the fluid line, and temperature sensors detect temperature changes caused by excessive flow. This substitution of mechanical monitoring with thermal sensing simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining reliable detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a thermal field as an intermediary between the fluid flow and the detection system. Instead of directly measuring flow parameters, the system uses temperature changes in the fluid line (mediated by the heater) to indirectly detect excessive flow. This intermediary approach enables reliable detection while avoiding complex direct flow measurement mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If pressure sensors are added to detect excessive flow, then detection accuracy improves, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs temperature sensors and heater elements that are significantly less expensive than pressure sensors. These thermal components can be easily manufactured and integrated into the fluid line without requiring precision pressure measurement equipment, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining adequate detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from pressure to temperature. Instead of using pressure sensors to detect flow conditions, the system monitors temperature changes in the fluid line caused by excessive flow. This parameter change enables the use of cheaper temperature-based components while providing sufficient detection capability.
3Reliability
If complex monitoring systems are implemented, then detection reliability improves, but maintenance time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal-based detection system requires minimal maintenance compared to complex mechanical or pressure-based systems. The heater elements and temperature sensors have no moving parts and require little intervention, enabling the system to be largely self-maintaining while preserving reliable detection capability throughout the engine's operational life.
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
Enables efficient detection of excessive fluid flow, reducing complexity and cost compared to adding pressure sensors, and facilitating timely maintenance actions to prevent engine failures.
Implementation Method 1
A system is disclosed which utilizes a fluid flow restrictor and a temperature sensor positioned downstream of the restrictor to create a change in temperature indicative of excessive flow
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a system and method for detecting excess flow in an engine fluid system (200, 200'), the method comprising sensing a temperature of a fluid flowing in a fluid line (202) of the fluid system (200, 200'), the fluid line (202) located downstream of a fluid flow restrictor (204) configured to receive the fluid from a source (210) upstream thereof and to flow the fluid from the source (210) into the fluid line (202) downstream thereof, comparing the temperature to a temperature threshold, and when the temperature is beyond the temperature threshold, detecting excess flow of the fluid in the fluid line (202) and outputting an excess flow indication accordingly.