Virtual filter condition sensor

• US 10,287,935 B2
• Filed: 04/27/2018
• Issued: 05/14/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 01/24/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cummins Filtration IP Inc. (Cummins Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Cummins Filtration IP Inc. (Cummins Incorporated)
• Inventors: Verdegan, Barry Mark, Herman, Peter K., Robinson, Casey D., Lesmana, Andry, Noone, Corey J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Le, Toan K
• Application Number:
  US15/965,255
• Publication Number:
  US 20180245491A1
• Time in Patent Office: 382 Days
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 35/143 Filter condition indicators
• CPC Class Codes: F01M 11/10 Indicating devices; Other safety devices
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 15/08 Investigating permeability, pore-volume, or surface area of porous materials
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2015/084 Testing filters

Abstract

A system and method for determining a condition of a filter filtering fuel associated with an engine. Input information relating to the operation of the engine is provided by a plurality of sensors. At least some of the input information is used to determine a plurality of input variables, the plurality of input variables representing a plurality of engine operating conditions including engine run time, engine torque and engine speed. An algorithm incorporating the input variables is used to determine the condition of the filter. Information concerning the condition of the filter may be output to a user such as an operator or service provider.

Claims

1. A system for determining a condition of a filter filtering fluid associated with an engine system, the system comprising:

a plurality of sensors operatively connected to the engine system, the plurality of sensors configured to collectively provide information relating to engine run time, engine torque, and engine speed;

an engine control module communicatively connected to the plurality of sensors, the engine control module configured to;

receive the information from the plurality of sensors relating to engine run time, engine torque, and engine speed,

using at least some of the received information to determine a plurality of input variables, the plurality of input variables representing a plurality of engine operating conditions including engine run time, engine torque, and engine speed;

determine the condition of the filter based on an algorithm that incorporates the plurality of input variables; and

outputting information relating to the condition of the filter.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the plurality of sensors comprises a surface acoustic wave sensor on a cam shaft of the engine system, the surface acoustic wave sensor directly measuring engine torque.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the plurality of sensors comprises an engine speed sensor, and wherein the engine control module uses information from the at least one engine speed sensor to calculate engine torque.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the engine control module is configured to calculate the engine torque based on at least one input selected from the group consisting of air intake manifold pressure, throttle position and the engine speed.

5. The system of claim 1 further comprising a sensor configured to sense engine temperature, engine pressure, and fuel quality, wherein the algorithm further incorporates the engine temperature, engine pressure and fuel quality.

6. The system of claim 1 further comprising a. sensor operatively connected to the engine system and configured to sense engine pressure, wherein the algorithm further incorporates the engine pressure.

7. The system of claim 1 further comprising a sensor operatively connected to the engine system and configured to sense fuel quality, wherein the algorithm further incorporates the fuel quality.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein the algorithm further incorporates a variable that varies based upon an engine operating environment.

9. The system of claim 1 wherein the algorithm further incorporates a variable that varies based upon an engine characteristic.

10. The system of claim 1 wherein the algorithm further incorporates a variable that varies based upon, a lube oil filter characteristic.

11. The system of claim 1 further comprising a sensor configured to detect whether an appropriate lube oil filter has been installed in the engine;

and wherein the algorithm further incorporates whether the appropriate lube oil filter has been installed in the engine.

12. The system of claim 1 further comprising an output device configured to notify an operator of the condition of the filler;

wherein the engine control module is configured to operate the output device.

13. The system of claim 1 wherein the condition of the filter comprises remaining useful life of the filter.

14. The system of claim 1 wherein the algorithm is represented by the formula

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the value of A is dependent upon a type of engine used, wherein the value of B is dependent upon anticipated fuel quality, and wherein the value of C is dependent upon a type of filter used.

16. The system of claim 1 wherein the algorithm further incorporates duty cycle.

17. A system for determining a condition of a filter filtering fluid

associated with an engine system, the system comprising:

a plurality of sensors operatively connected to the engine system, the plurality of sensors configured to collectively provide information relating to engine run time, engine torque, and engine speed;

an engine control module communicatively connected to the plurality of sensors, the engine control module configured to;

receive the information from the plurality of sensors relating to engine run time, engine torque, and engine speed,

using at least some of the received information to determine a plurality of input variables, the plurality of input variables representing a plurality of engine operating conditions including engine run time, engine torque, and engine speed;

determine the condition of the filter based on a lookup table that takes into account the plurality of input variables; and

outputting information relating to the condition of the filter.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the plurality of sensors comprises a surface acoustic wave sensor on a cam shaft of the engine system, the surface acoustic wave sensor directly measuring engine torque.

19. The system of claim 17, wherein the plurality of sensors comprises an engine speed sensor, and wherein the engine control module uses information from the at least one engine speed sensor to calculate engine torque.

20. The system of claim 17, wherein the engine control module is configured to calculate the engine torque based on at least one input selected from the group consisting of air intake manifold pressure, throttle position and the engine speed.