Method for continuously predicting remaining engine oil life
First Claim
1. A method for predicting remaining life of engine oil, comprising the acts of:
- counting down a remaining oil life value toward a predetermined early warning threshold at a first countdown rate;
at least partially based on a predetermined exemplary first oil life event, increasing the first countdown rate;
at least partially based on an upper early warning threshold, decreasing the first countdown rate;
using the countdown rate, providing a continuous indication of the remaining oil life.
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Abstract
A method for continuously predicting remaining engine oil life includes counting down a remaining oil life (ROL) from 100% ROL to a predetermined warning threshold at a first rate. If an oil life event occurs prior to the threshold, the countdown rate is increased until the threshold is reached. On the other hand, if the threshold is reached and the oil life event has not yet occurred, the countdown rate is decreased until the oil life event occurs. During the countdown, if fresh oil or an additive is added to the oil, the countdown rate is adjusted in a positive direction. On the other hand, if the oil becomes contaminated, the countdown rate is adjusted in a negative direction.
23 Citations
13 Claims
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1. A method for predicting remaining life of engine oil, comprising the acts of:
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counting down a remaining oil life value toward a predetermined early warning threshold at a first countdown rate;
at least partially based on a predetermined exemplary first oil life event, increasing the first countdown rate;
at least partially based on an upper early warning threshold, decreasing the first countdown rate;
using the countdown rate, providing a continuous indication of the remaining oil life. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A system for predicting remaining life of engine oil, including:
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at least one engine;
at least one oil pan providing oil to the engine;
at least one oil condition sensor communicating with the oil;
at least one control module electrically connected to the oil condition sensor, the control module including a program for predicting remaining oil life of the engine oil based on signals from the sensor; and
at least one display coupled to the control module for presenting an indication of the remaining oil life. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method for predicting remaining life of engine oil, comprising the acts of:
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based on an oil life event, counting down a remaining oil life value toward a predetermined threshold at a countdown rate; and
providing a continuous indication of the remaining oil life. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13)
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Specification