Soot Concentration Measurement in Engine Oil Using Optical Energy Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern internal combustion engines face challenges in predicting soot entry into engine oil due to complex exhaust gas aftertreatment requirements, leading to shortened oil change intervals, which contradicts customer demands for longer intervals.

Innovation Solution

A method and device determining soot concentration in engine oil based on energy absorption, using an optical energy source like a diode laser to measure temperature differences across a flow cuvette, with temperature sensors arranged to account for varying soot concentrations, allowing for accurate and reliable soot concentration determination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If modern internal combustion engines are operated at operating points required by exhaust gas aftertreatment legislation, then exhaust gas treatment compliance is improved, but soot entry into engine oil increases leading to shortened oil change intervals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexhaust gas treatment complianceVSAvoidoil change interval

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by continuously monitoring soot concentration in engine oil using optical sensors before the oil actually deteriorates. This allows prediction of remaining oil life and proactive scheduling of oil changes, preventing both premature changes (wasting resources) and delayed changes (compromising engine protection). The system performs measurements in advance to determine when oil change will be necessary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If optical measurement methods are used to determine soot concentration, then measurement capability is improved, but measurement accuracy is insufficient for reliable soot entry prediction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoot concentration measurement capabilityVSAvoidsoot concentration measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by using multiple optical measurement wavelengths to detect different aspects of soot concentration. By measuring at different wavelengths and analyzing the spectral characteristics, the system can distinguish between soot particles and other contaminants, thereby improving measurement accuracy and reliability of soot concentration determination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite measurement approach combining multiple optical sensors with different detection principles (e.g., light absorption, light scattering) to measure soot concentration. This composite sensing system compensates for the limitations of individual measurement methods and provides more accurate and reliable soot concentration data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Device complexity

If simple measurement methods are used to determine soot concentration, then device complexity is reduced, but functional reliability of soot concentration determination deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement device simplicityVSAvoidsoot concentration determination reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by using the engine oil's own optical properties (light absorption and scattering characteristics) to measure soot concentration. The system requires no external sampling or complex sample preparation - measurements are performed directly in the oil circuit using in-situ optical sensors, thereby maintaining simplicity while ensuring reliable measurements of actual operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 reliable and simple determination of soot concentration, enabling prediction of soot entry over engine operating time, facilitating timely oil changes and optimizing engine operation.

Implementation Method 1

an optical energy source, such as a laser, for example a diode laser, by means of which optical energy is radiated into at least one defined irradiation point or area on the measurement section side

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical energy absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

the amount of energy that is absorbed in the engine oil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption by soot particles: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

a temperature increase or the temperature difference is determined and evaluated in such a way that a soot concentration can be determined

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature measurement:

Data Source

PatentEP2442098B1Method and device for determining the concentration of carbon black in motor oil of internal combustion engines

Publication Date: 2018.05.23 MAN TRUCK & BUS SE

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Figure 2~3

AI summary

The method involves guiding a defined amount of the engine oil with a defined flow rate along or through a measuring section (2). The engine oil is impinged in the area of the measuring section with energy of an energy source (13). The sooty particle contained in the engine oil absorbs the energy. The energy amount absorbed in the measuring section area is detected by a measuring unit. An independent claim is also included for a device for determining the carbon black concentration in the engine oil of internal combustion engines.