Optical Sensor for Particulate Trap Failure Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack compact and cost-effective sensors capable of detecting particulate trap failures in diesel engines during normal operation, leading to potential environmental harm and illegal emissions, as failures can only be detected during workshop tests.
Innovation Solution
A method using an optical sensor to detect the formation of particulate layers on the exhaust line walls downstream of the trap, employing radiation reflection, with control logic to ensure accurate sensing and prevent false readings, and integrated with a vehicle's On-Board-Diagnosis system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If workshop-based measurement systems are used to detect particulate trap failures, then measurement accuracy is improved, but detection timing is delayed until periodic servicing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with a simple optical sensor that detects particulate layers through light reflection principles. This substitution enables continuous monitoring during normal vehicle operation rather than requiring periodic workshop servicing, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and detection timing.
2Loss of time
If compact and cost-effective optical sensors are deployed for real-time monitoring, then detection timing is improved, but sensor reliability deteriorates due to false readings from condensation and temperature variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors optical sensor readings and compares them against threshold values, activating the particulate trap only when readings indicate actual particulate accumulation. This feedback mechanism filters out false readings caused by condensation or temperature variations, maintaining reliability while enabling real-time detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit pre-heats the exhaust line before activating the particulate trap to prevent condensation formation that could cause false sensor readings. This preliminary action ensures sensor reliability is maintained during the real-time monitoring process.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If continuous monitoring during normal operation is implemented, then environmental harm is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential function of particulate detection from complex measurement systems, using a simple optical sensor that detects light reflection changes caused by particulate layers. This extraction approach enables continuous monitoring during normal operation to reduce emissions harm while keeping the added system complexity minimal.
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 real-time detection of particulate trap failures, allowing for timely corrective actions and reducing the risk of harmful or illegal emissions during vehicle operation.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor detecting radiation reflected by said walls of the line
Data Source
Figure 1a~2e
AI summary
Method for detecting failures in a particulate trap for exhaust gases coming from an internal combustion engine, comprising the sensing of the formation of a layer of particulates deposited on the walls of a line (2') through which said gases flow, downstream of said trap (3), by means of an optical sensor (4'). System for reducing the particulate content of the exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine (1), comprising an exhaust line (2, 2') for said gases from said engine, a particulate trap (3) arranged on said line and an optical sensor (4) arranged on said line downstream of said trap, suitable to sense the formation of a layer of particulates deposited on the walls of said line. Vehicle provided with said system.