In-Situ Oil Pan Density Estimation Without Ultrasonic Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional oil testers require transferring oil for density measurement, increasing effort and cost due to the use of expensive ultrasonic wave transducers.
Innovation Solution
An oil condition estimation device that calculates oil density using a pressure sensor and level sensor within the oil pan, eliminating the need for ultrasonic waves and external transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultrasonic wave transducer is used to measure oil density, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the ultrasonic wave transducer (acoustic field device) with a pressure sensor and level sensor (mechanical/electrical field devices) to measure oil density. The density calculation is performed using the formula ρ = P/(g×h), where P is pressure, g is gravitational acceleration, and h is oil height. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive ultrasonic equipment while achieving accurate density measurement through simpler, more cost-effective sensors.
2Measurement precision
If oil is transferred to external tank for measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the oil pan to serve itself for measurement by integrating pressure and level sensors directly into the oil pan structure. The oil pan's own bottom surface becomes the measurement location, eliminating the need to transfer oil to external tanks. The system uses the oil pan's inherent structure and gravity field to perform density measurement in-situ, making the operation simple and convenient.
Solution Approach 2:
The oil pan is designed to serve multiple functions: it stores oil during engine operation and simultaneously serves as the measurement container for density detection. The pressure sensor mounted on the oil pan bottom and level sensor inside the pan enable the oil pan to function as both a storage component and a measurement platform, eliminating the need for separate measurement equipment and oil transfer operations.
3Measurement precision
If ultrasonic wave method is used for density measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor and level sensor are pre-installed on and in the oil pan respectively, preparing the measurement system in advance. When density measurement is needed, the sensors immediately begin collecting data (pressure P and oil height h) without requiring oil transfer or equipment setup. This preliminary preparation of the measurement system eliminates time-consuming transfer operations and enables immediate density calculation using the formula ρ = P/(g×h).
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 accurate and cost-effective oil condition estimation without transferring oil, improving efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a first acquisition unit that acquires a pressure of oil stored in an oil pan from a pressure sensor provided on a bottom surface of the oil pan
Implementation Method 2
a second acquisition unit that acquires a distance between the bottom surface and a liquid level of the oil, from a level sensor provided in the oil pan
Data Source
AI summary
An oil condition estimation device includes a first acquisition unit that acquires a pressure of oil stored in an oil pan from a pressure sensor provided on a bottom surface of the oil pan of an internal combustion engine, a second acquisition unit that acquires a distance between the bottom surface and a liquid level of oil from a level sensor provided in the oil pan, and a calculation unit that calculates a density of oil on the basis of the pressure and the distance.