Simple driveline condition sensing system
First Claim
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1. A method of monitoring lubricant quality in a driveline component comprising the steps of:
- (1) monitoring the component temperature, and comparing said monitored temperature to an ambient temperature to determine a temperature differential;
(2) storing said temperature differentials;
(3) comparing said temperature differential over time; and
(4) indicating a need for lubricant maintenance should said differential temperature increase over time, based upon said comparison of step 3.
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Abstract
A system for monitoring the condition of a lubricant in a driveline component monitors the temperature of the lubricant and compares it to an ambient temperature. A temperature differential is stored as a function of time, and if that differential temperature increases beyond a predetermined amount, then an indication is made that lubricant maintenance may be in order. To further refine this system, the compared temperature differentials may be selected under similar load conditions.
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Citations
8 Claims
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1. A method of monitoring lubricant quality in a driveline component comprising the steps of:
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(1) monitoring the component temperature, and comparing said monitored temperature to an ambient temperature to determine a temperature differential;
(2) storing said temperature differentials;
(3) comparing said temperature differential over time; and
(4) indicating a need for lubricant maintenance should said differential temperature increase over time, based upon said comparison of step 3. - View Dependent Claims (2, 4)
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3. A method of monitoring lubricant quality in a driveline component comprising the steps of:
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(1) monitoring the component temperature, and comparing said monitored temperature to an ambient temperature to determine a temperature differential;
(2) storing said temperature differentials;
(3) comparing said temperature differential over time;
(4) indicating a need for lubricant maintenance should said differential temperature increase over time; and
(5) said compared temperatures being selected from two times at similar load characteristics.
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5. A system for monitoring lubricant quality comprising:
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a driveline component receiving a lubricant;
a sensor for sensing a temperature within said driveline component;
a sensor for sensing an ambient temperature condition; and
a control for comparing said component temperature and said ambient temperature and identifying a temperature differential, and for comparing temperature differentials over a period of time and making a determination as to lubricant quality based on changes in said temperature differential, said changes being determined based upon said comparison of temperature differentials over a period of time. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7)
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8. A system for monitoring lubricant quality comprising:
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a driveline component receiving a lubricant;
a sensor for sensing a temperature within said driveline component;
a sensor for sensing an ambient temperature condition;
a control for comparing said component temperature and said ambient temperature and identifying a temperature differential, and for comparing temperature differentials over a period of time and making a determination as to lubricant quality based on changes in said temperature differential; and
said driveline component is an axle housing.
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Specification