Transmission Debris Sensor Using Hall Effect Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle transmission systems lack a means to monitor the accumulation of debris on permanent magnets, making it difficult to determine when the magnet needs cleaning or replacement, and thus cannot assess debris-related issues without extensive maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A Hall Effect sensor is integrated proximate to the permanent magnet in the transmission pan to continuously monitor the magnetic field, providing data to a transmission control module for determining the quantity of debris and estimating the remaining service life of the magnet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a permanent magnet is secured to the inside bottom of the transmission pan to collect ferrous debris, then debris collection effectiveness is improved, but the ability to monitor debris accumulation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using a Hall effect sensor to continuously monitor the magnetic field strength of the permanent magnet and provide this information to a transmission control module. The sensor detects changes in magnetic field strength caused by debris accumulation on the magnet surface, and this feedback signal enables the TCM to determine when the magnet needs cleaning or replacement, thus resolving the monitoring capability loss while maintaining effective debris collection
2Measurement precision
If the transmission pan is dropped to inspect the magnet for debris accumulation, then debris quantity assessment is improved, but maintenance complexity and time loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical inspection method (dropping the transmission pan to visually assess debris) with an electronic sensing system. The Hall effect sensor electronically monitors magnetic field strength changes, and the TCM processes this data to assess debris quantity, eliminating the need for physical pan removal and visual inspection, thus reducing maintenance time while maintaining accurate debris assessment
3Ease of repair
If the transmission pan is dropped to clean or replace the magnet, then magnet maintenance is improved, but service interval frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by continuously monitoring the magnetic field strength and detecting debris accumulation trends before they reach critical levels. The TCM can predict when the magnet will need maintenance based on the rate of debris accumulation, allowing maintenance to be performed at optimal intervals rather than at fixed schedules or only after failure, thus extending service intervals while ensuring magnet effectiveness
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 monitoring of debris accumulation, allowing for timely service notifications and reducing the need for extensive maintenance by providing data on the state and service life of the magnet.
Implementation Method 1
A Hall effect sensor is disposed proximate the magnet which monitors, over time, the magnetic field of the debris collecting magnet
Implementation Method 2
a strong permanent magnet within the transmission housing which attracts and collects ferrous particulates from the transmission fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A debris sensor for a motor vehicle transmission includes a permanent magnet disposed on the inside bottom of the transmission pan to attract and retain magnetically attracted debris such as filings and particulates and a magnetic sensor such as a Hall effect sensor adjacent the permanent magnet. The magnetic sensor monitors, over time, the magnetic field of the debris collecting magnet. The output of the magnetic sensor is provided to a transmission control module (TCM) or similar electronic control or monitoring device. The output of the sensor is monitored and when the output changes sufficiently, relative to experimental or empirical data, a signal or alarm code is generated or stored relating to the possible need for transmission service. Alternatively, data from the sensor may be read at any time to infer the state of the transmission, the quantity of material on the magnet, a possible service issue based upon the quantity of material on the magnet and the vehicle mileage and the remaining service life of the magnet, for example.