Radiator Pressure Variance Monitoring for Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal management systems, such as those with radiators, fail to effectively detect leaks or faulty radiator caps, leading to engine overheating and decreased efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a pressure sensor coupled to a radiator to monitor pressure variance, determining if a leak exists by comparing pressure readings against a threshold, and communicating a warning to schedule maintenance before significant damage occurs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a radiator system is used for thermal management, then engine cooling is achieved, but the system cannot detect leaks or faulty radiator caps, leading to engine overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/visual inspection methods with electronic pressure sensing and automated analysis. The pressure sensor continuously monitors radiator pressure, and the processor automatically detects leaks by analyzing pressure variance patterns, eliminating the need for manual inspection and providing reliable early warning of cooling system failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis by automatically monitoring its own operational parameters (pressure variations) and identifying faults without external intervention. The processor analyzes pressure data and generates warnings autonomously, enabling the thermal management system to detect and report its own issues.
2Measurement precision
If traditional radiator monitoring is used, then basic cooling function is maintained, but leaks are not detected until significant damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection by continuously monitoring pressure variations before leaks develop into significant problems. The pressure sensor and processor identify early signs of leakage through subtle pressure changes, enabling maintenance to be scheduled before engine damage occurs, thus preventing rather than just detecting issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by monitoring pressure variations and comparing them against expected ranges. When pressure variance exceeds thresholds indicating a leak, the system generates warnings and communicates them to maintenance systems, creating a closed-loop monitoring system that provides timely feedback on system health.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided that may include a pressure sensor coupled to a radiator. The pressure sensor may determine plural pressure readings of a radiator fluid in the radiator. The system may also include a vehicle controller of a vehicle system that includes one or more processors. The one or more processors may repeatedly determine the plural pressure readings of the radiator fluid, and determine a pressure variance of the plural pressure readings that is repeatedly determined. The one or more processors may further be configured to identify a pressure condition based on the pressure variance that is determined.