Motor Load Fluid Filter Service Interval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the service interval of fluid filters in vehicle fluid systems with electrically driven pumps are inefficient, often leading to unnecessary filter replacements and undiagnosed mechanical issues due to arbitrary mileage or usage-based schedules, which can result in increased maintenance costs and downtime.
Innovation Solution
A system that calculates pressure drop across fluid filters using voltage, current, and Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) provided to electric motors, monitoring the rate of change of pressure drop over the filter's life to determine appropriate service intervals and diagnose potential failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If filters are replaced based on arbitrary mileage or usage intervals, then maintenance scheduling is simplified, but filter replacement timing becomes inaccurate leading to unnecessary replacements or extended service life
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors motor current consumption and compares it against threshold values to provide feedback on filter status. This feedback mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of service intervals based on actual filter degradation rather than fixed schedules, resolving the contradiction between scheduling simplicity and interval accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter basis from fixed mileage/time intervals to real-time motor current measurements. By monitoring current consumption changes that reflect filter degradation, the system achieves precise service interval determination while maintaining operational simplicity through automated monitoring.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed mileage intervals are used for filter replacement, then maintenance planning is easier, but mechanical issues remain undiagnosed and fluid flow may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides continuous feedback on motor current consumption, enabling early detection of mechanical issues such as bearing failures or fluid leaks that affect pump performance. This feedback mechanism maintains reliability while preserving planning ease through automated monitoring and diagnosis.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor current measurement acts as an intermediary indicator that reflects both filter status and mechanical health. By monitoring this intermediary parameter, the system can diagnose mechanical issues without complicating the maintenance planning process.
3Use of energy by moving object
If electrically driven pumps are used to reduce parasitic loads, then engine load is reduced, but filter degradation measurement becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces direct mechanical pressure measurement with electrical measurement of motor current consumption. This substitution enables filter degradation detection in electrically driven pumps where mechanical pressure sensing is complex, maintaining energy efficiency while simplifying measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
Motor current consumption serves as an intermediary parameter that indirectly measures filter degradation. This electrical intermediary is easier to measure than direct fluid pressure or flow, resolving the measurement difficulty while preserving the energy efficiency benefits of electrically driven pumps.
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 allows for more precise determination of fluid filter service intervals, reducing unnecessary replacements and enabling timely diagnosis of mechanical issues, thereby minimizing downtime and maintenance costs while maintaining filtration efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The control module is configured to calculate pressure drop across the fluid filter by way of voltage, current, and/or Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) provided to the electric motor
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement and method for determining the service interval of a fluid filter includes a filter and a pump driven by an electric motor. A control module calculates pressure drop across the filter by way of voltage, current, and/or PWM provided to the electric motor. The control module monitors the rate of change of the pressure drop across the filter over the life of the filter. The volume flow rate of the fluid may or may not be held constant. If an abrupt or sudden characteristic change in the pressure drop across the filter occurs, or if the pressure drop across the filter exceeds a threshold amount, the arrangement and method provides a notification that either the filter needs to be replaced or serviced, or that it is probable that a mechanical condition has developed, depending upon the characteristics of the change in pressure drop across the filter.