Lubrication Circuit Diagnostics Using Viscosity and Engine Use Data
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for evaluating the state of lubricating liquid in internal combustion engines are not accurate, relying solely on kilometers traveled, which does not reliably assess the liquid's ability to perform its functions, leading to inadequate lubrication and potential engine damage.
Innovation Solution
A diagnostic system that includes a viscometer to measure lubricant viscosity, a temperature sensor, and sensors for engine usage conditions, coupled with a control unit and database to assess the lubricant's state based on viscosity, temperature, and usage history, triggering alerts or actions for replacement, filter regeneration, speed reduction, flow rate adjustment, and additive addition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If replacement of lubricating liquid is based only on kilometers traveled, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but the assessment of lubricant state is unreliable and inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the simple mechanical odometer-based replacement system with a diagnostic system using sensors (viscometer, temperature sensor), control units, and databases to measure and evaluate lubricant viscosity and temperature, enabling accurate assessment of lubricant state rather than relying solely on distance traveled
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors lubricant viscosity and temperature, compares measured values against reference values in a database, and provides feedback through warning signals when degradation is detected, creating a closed-loop system that adapts replacement timing to actual lubricant condition
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and diagnostic means are added to accurately assess lubricant state, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it receives data from various sensors (viscometer, temperature sensor, engine sensors), processes the information, compares it with database reference values, generates warning signals, and controls lubricant replacement timing - consolidating multiple functions into a single processing unit
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes engine operating parameters (rotation speed, torque, power, vehicle speed, distance traveled, outside temperature) that are already being measured by sensors present on the vehicle for other purposes, repurposing these existing measurements for lubricant condition assessment without requiring entirely new sensing infrastructure
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 more accurate assessment of lubricant condition, ensuring optimal engine performance, extending lubricant life, and preventing damage by triggering timely replacements and adjustments, thereby enhancing engine reliability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a viscometer adapted to detect the viscosity of a lubricating liquid of the lubrication circuit
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensor adapted to detect the temperature of the lubricating liquid
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
Diagnostic system for a lubrication circuit of an internal combustion engine (10) of a vehicle, the system comprising a viscometer (20) for detecting the viscosity of a lubricating liquid of the lubrication circuit, and a temperature sensor (25) suitable for detecting the temperature of the lubricating liquid. The diagnostic system further comprises means (26) for acquiring the date of last replacement of the lubricating liquid, means (27) for determining a condition of use of the engine (10), a database (29) capable of storing viscosity reference values for at least a given temperature of the lubricating liquid, a given date of last replacement of the lubricating liquid and s given condition of use of the engine (10), a control unit (28) capable of acquiring the state of the lubricating liquid, given by the viscosity detected for a given lubricating liquid condition, which includes the lubricating liquid temperature and the date of last replacement of the lubricating liquid, and for a given condition of use of the engine (10), and capable of assessing the state of the lubricating liquid by comparing the detected viscosity of the lubricating liquid with the viscosity reference values stored in the database (29) in the same or similar condition of lubricating liquid temperature, date of last replacement of the lubricating liquid and use of the engine (10).