Fuel Filter Probe with Internal Sensing Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel filter devices often fail to detect water contamination in a timely manner, leading to engine failure, and their sensors are prone to damage due to external exposure.
Innovation Solution
A water or contaminant detection filter with a probe and sensing unit that minimizes engine damage by detecting water in the fuel system and actuating a sensing circuit, featuring a spin-on metal filter design with a wireless sensor and signal communicator to alert for filter replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are located on the outside of the filter canister for contamination detection, then the sensing circuit can detect water or contamination, but the sensors are exposed to debris and damage especially when the filter is located in a wheel well
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing circuit is nested inside the filter canister rather than being mounted externally. The canister itself serves as the sensing element, with the sensor housed within the filtered fluid environment. This internal nesting protects the sensing components from external debris and physical damage while maintaining contamination detection capability through direct exposure to the filtered fluid via internal pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter canister acts as an intermediary structure that protects the sensing circuit. Instead of mounting sensors directly in the harsh external environment, the canister provides a protected internal housing while still allowing the sensor to detect contamination through the filtered fluid that passes through or contacts internal sensor surfaces.
2Loss of information
If contamination is detected after engine damage has already occurred, then the filter device can indicate the degree of contamination, but the detection timing is too late to prevent engine failure
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing circuit continuously monitors the filtered fluid for contamination before significant damage can occur. By placing the sensor inside the canister where it directly contacts or is exposed to the filtered fluid, the system detects water and contaminants in real-time during normal operation, providing early warning before contamination levels reach dangerous thresholds that would cause engine failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing circuit provides continuous feedback about contamination levels in the fuel system. This real-time monitoring allows the system to alert operators to contamination issues immediately upon detection, enabling timely filter replacement or system intervention before contamination causes engine damage.
3Reliability
If a spin on metal filter design is used for reliability, then the filter provides convenience and safety, but the sensing circuit must be integrated within the filter device to protect it
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing circuit is merged with the filter canister structure, combining the filtration and sensing functions into a single integrated unit. The canister housing serves dual purposes as both the filter container and the sensor protective enclosure, eliminating the need for separate external sensor mounts and reducing overall system complexity despite the added sensing functionality.
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 detects water contamination early, preventing engine damage and providing reliable and convenient operation by integrating a sensing circuit within the filter device, ensuring timely filter replacement and maintaining engine performance.
Implementation Method 1
A water or contaminant detection filter with a probe and sensing unit that minimizes engine damage by detecting water in the fuel system and actuating a sensing circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A filter device including a probe where a filter element probe first end selectively engages with a sensing unit located in a filter head and a filter element probe second end is located in a contaminant portion of a filter canister. The probe fixedly engages through the filter element utilizing a sealing component. The filter element is disposed in the filter canister that engages with the filter head.