Lubricant Particle Sensor Layout for Separate Wear Debris Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lubricant monitoring systems in machines, particularly in combustion engines and gas turbine engines, struggle to simultaneously detect different types of solid particles in suspension, limiting the ability to accurately diagnose their origin and predict the consequences of contamination.
Innovation Solution
An analysis device comprising ferromagnetic and non-ferromagnetic solid particle sensors, arranged to detect particles separately, with ferromagnetic sensors being inductive and non-ferromagnetic sensors being optical and/or acoustic. Additionally, grids are used to separate particles by size, allowing for more precise characterization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If multiple types of solid particle sensors are integrated into the lubrication circuit, then the detection capability for different particle types is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into specialized sensors for different particle types: ferromagnetic particle sensors for metallic particles, optical sensors for non-ferromagnetic particles, and acoustic sensors for abrasive particles. Each sensor type is positioned at specific locations in the lubrication circuit to detect particular particle categories, enabling comprehensive detection without requiring a single complex universal sensor
Solution Approach 2:
The analysis device integrates multiple sensor types (ferromagnetic, optical, acoustic) and additional analysis components (spectrometers, microscopes, filters) into a single multi-functional platform. This universal device can detect, analyze, and characterize various particle types simultaneously, reducing the need for multiple separate monitoring systems
2Quantity of substance
If sensors are positioned to detect all particle types simultaneously, then detection coverage is improved, but measurement precision for specific particle types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different sensor types are positioned at specific locations within the analysis device to optimize detection of particular particle types. Ferromagnetic sensors are positioned to detect metallic particles, optical sensors for non-ferromagnetic particles, and acoustic sensors for abrasive particles. The device also includes positioners that can adjust sensor positions to optimize detection angles and precision for different particle categories
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs intermediaries such as magnets to concentrate ferromagnetic particles onto ferromagnetic particle sensors, filters to separate particles by size and type before detection, and positioners to adjust sensor positioning. These intermediaries enhance the precision of particle detection by preparing and directing particles to the appropriate sensors
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 enables separate detection of ferromagnetic and non-ferromagnetic solid particles, along with size separation, leading to better diagnosis of their origin and more accurate prediction of contamination consequences, thus improving lubricant monitoring effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The ferromagnetic solid particle sensors can in particular be inductive sensors
Implementation Method 2
one or more magnets arranged so as to attract the ferromagnetic solid particles towards the ferromagnetic solid particle sensors by drawing them away from the other sensors
Implementation Method 3
the sensors of non-ferromagnetic solid particles can be optical and/or acoustic sensors and in particular be configured to detect the wavelength and/or light intensity reflected by non-ferromagnetic solid particles
Implementation Method 4
the sensors of non-ferromagnetic solid particles can be optical and/or acoustic sensors
Data Source
AI summary
Analysis device for detecting solid particles in suspension in a lubricant, the analysis device comprising one or more ferromagnetic solid particle sensors, one or more other sensors able to detect non-ferromagnetic solid particles, and one or more magnets. The ferromagnetic solid particle sensors are offset in a direction perpendicular to a main direction of flow of the lubricant in relation to the other sensors, and the magnets are arranged so as to attract ferromagnetic solid particles towards the sensors of ferromagnetic solid particles by drawing them away from the other sensors.