Pump Power Monitoring for Fluid Deterioration Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems lack an efficient method to determine the deterioration of fluids used in mobile objects, such as lubricants, which affects machine component performance and requires timely replacement, especially considering varying usage conditions like household vs. commercial applications.
Innovation Solution
The system uses power consumption data from the motor driving the fluid circulation pump as an index to assess fluid deterioration, correlating it with temperature and viscosity changes, allowing for accurate determination of fluid state and timely replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluid deterioration is monitored using traditional methods, then maintenance can be performed, but the monitoring accuracy is insufficient and cannot account for varying usage conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/physical fluid sampling and laboratory analysis with an electrical/power-based monitoring system. The deterioration detection is achieved by measuring power consumption parameters of the fluid circulation pump, substituting complex mechanical testing with electrical measurements that can be continuously monitored without physical fluid extraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces power consumption as an intermediary parameter to indirectly measure fluid deterioration. Instead of directly measuring fluid properties like viscosity or contamination, the system measures the power required to circulate the fluid, which changes as the fluid deteriorates. This intermediary measurement simplifies the monitoring while maintaining detection accuracy.
2Productivity
If fluid is replaced based on fixed time intervals, then maintenance is simplified, but early replacement increases waste and delayed replacement risks component damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback-based maintenance system where power consumption measurements continuously inform the actual fluid condition. The system provides feedback signals when deterioration thresholds are reached, enabling maintenance to be performed based on actual fluid state rather than fixed schedules. This closes the loop between fluid condition and maintenance timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from time-based maintenance parameters to condition-based parameters. Instead of using time or usage hours as the sole basis for replacement, the system uses power consumption parameters that directly reflect fluid deterioration state. This allows dynamic adjustment of maintenance timing based on actual fluid conditions and usage intensity.
3Measurement precision
If power consumption monitoring is implemented, then fluid deterioration can be accurately detected, but energy processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial monitoring by focusing measurements only on the fluid circulation pump's power consumption rather than monitoring all system components. This selective approach achieves sufficient deterioration detection accuracy without the excessive energy expenditure of comprehensive system-wide monitoring. The system monitors only the critical parameter needed for fluid condition assessment.
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 enables precise prediction of fluid deterioration, reducing CO2 emissions, improving energy efficiency, and extending the use period of machine components, while minimizing manufacturing process emissions.
Implementation Method 1
a pump unit (270) that circulates the fluid (262)
Implementation Method 2
information indicating a value of an index that represents a state of the pump unit (270) and that is correlated with magnitude of power consumption of the pump unit (270)
Data Source
AI summary
(Solution) A determination apparatus configured to determine deterioration of a fluid to be used in circulation includes: a power index acquisition section configured to acquire information indicating a value of a power index, which is an index that represents a state of a pump for circulating the fluid and that is correlated with magnitude of power consumption of the pump; and a determination section configured to, based on the value of the power index acquired by the power index acquisition section, determine (i) whether the fluid has deteriorated, (ii) a degree of the deterioration of the fluid, and/or (iii) necessity of replacement of the fluid. The power index acquisition section may acquire the information indicating the value of the power index in each of one or more periods.