System and method for monitoring a performance characteristic using temperature and lubrication level of vehicle components
First Claim
1. A system for monitoring the performance of at least one selected component of a vehicle using more than one monitored variable, comprising:
- a first sensor supported on the vehicle that detects the temperature of the selected component;
a second sensor supported on the vehicle that detects an amount of lubrication associated with the selected component; and
an electronic controller in communication with the first and second sensors, the electronic controller determining a performance characteristic based upon the detected temperature and the detected amount of lubrication and determining whether the performance characteristic is within a predetermined first normal operation range and provides a signal indicating when either the detected temperature or the detected amount of lubrication causes the performance characteristic to be outside of the first range and within a second range outside of the first range or a third range outside of the first range, respectively.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and system for providing enhanced diagnostic ability for monitoring vehicle performance characteristics includes utilizing a combination of temperature and lubrication level information. A first sensor monitors the temperature of a selected component, such as an axle, while a second sensor detects an amount of lubrication associated with that component. An electronic controller utilizes the temperature and lubrication level information to determine a performance characteristic and determines whether the selected component is operating within an acceptable range. The electronic controller preferably provides information to a vehicle operator through an on-board display indicating the monitored and determined characteristics on a real-time basis. Additionally, the electronic controller includes a memory module that stores performance characteristics information over time so that information can be provided to a service technician utilizing an external diagnostic computer.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A system for monitoring the performance of at least one selected component of a vehicle using more than one monitored variable, comprising:
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a first sensor supported on the vehicle that detects the temperature of the selected component; a second sensor supported on the vehicle that detects an amount of lubrication associated with the selected component; and an electronic controller in communication with the first and second sensors, the electronic controller determining a performance characteristic based upon the detected temperature and the detected amount of lubrication and determining whether the performance characteristic is within a predetermined first normal operation range and provides a signal indicating when either the detected temperature or the detected amount of lubrication causes the performance characteristic to be outside of the first range and within a second range outside of the first range or a third range outside of the first range, respectively. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method of monitoring a condition of at least one selected vehicle component, comprising steps of:
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(A) detecting a temperature level associated with the selected component; (B) detecting an amount of lubrication associated with the selected component; (C) determining a performance characteristic based upon the detected temperature level and the detected amount of lubrication; (D) determining whether the performance characteristic is within a predetermined range; and (E) providing an indication that either the temperature level or the amount of lubrication is causing the performance characteristic to be outside of the predetermined range and within a second range or a third range, respectively. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method of monitoring a condition of at least one component on a vehicle, comprising the steps of:
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(A) detecting a temperature level associated with the selected component; (B) determining a rate of change in the temperature level relative to time; (C) determining whether the rate of change exceeds a preselected maximum rate; (D) determining whether the detected temperature exceeds a preselected maximum temperature; and (E) providing an indication that either the temperature level or the rate of change exceeds the respective preselected maximum. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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Specification