Combined oil quality and viscosity sensing system
US6553812B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 17, 2001 |
| Grant date | Apr 29, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 30, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N33/2888
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A combined oil quality and fuel contamination sensing system includes a capacitive dielectric sensor and pressure sensing arrangements for measuring the dielectric constant of the oil and the pressure of the oil, respectively, with the oil pressure being indicative of oil viscosity and contamination. The sensors take measurements as oil flows through an internal combustion engine and provide an indication of the cause of a problem with oil in an engine. The system may also include a microcomputer and circuitry for generating an indication of dielectric constant and circuitry for generating an indication of the presence of contaminants within the engine. The system may also include an additional sensor measuring the temperature of oil within the system to adjust oil dielectric constant and viscosity indications. The capacitive dielectric sensor constitute the principal restriction in the flow path between an input high pressure sensing port and an outlet low pressure port.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.