Metal wear detection apparatus and method employing microfluidic electronic device
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for detection of wear particles in a lubricant comprising:
- a microfluidic device comprising;
a microchannel sized for a lubricant containing wear particles to pass therethrough, and at least one coiled electrode in the microchannel; and
a detection system for detection of a wear particle passing through the microchannel based on a change in an electrical property of the at least one coiled electrode as a wear particle passes the coiled electrode.
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Abstract
An apparatus and a method for detection of wear particles in a lubricant are disclosed. The apparatus includes a microfluidic device including a microchannel sized for a lubricant containing wear particles to pass therethrough and first and second electrodes extending into the microchannel. A detection system is coupled with the electrodes for detection of wear particles passing through the microchannel, based on a change in capacitance of the electrodes.
48 Citations
27 Claims
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1. An apparatus for detection of wear particles in a lubricant comprising:
- a microfluidic device comprising;
a microchannel sized for a lubricant containing wear particles to pass therethrough, and at least one coiled electrode in the microchannel; and
a detection system for detection of a wear particle passing through the microchannel based on a change in an electrical property of the at least one coiled electrode as a wear particle passes the coiled electrode. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
- a microfluidic device comprising;
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24. A method for detection of wear particles in a lubricant comprising:
- supplying a lubricant containing wear particles to a microchannel;
monitoring changes in an electrical property as wear particles pass at least one coiled electrode positioned in the microchannel; and
detecting wear particles passing through the microchannel based on the monitored change in the electrical property. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26)
- supplying a lubricant containing wear particles to a microchannel;
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27. A method for forming an apparatus for detection of wear particles in a lubricant comprising:
- providing a coiled electrode on a substrate;
mounting a body to the substrate such that a microchannel is defined between the substrate and the body over the coiled electrode, such that the coiled electrode is in the microchannel;
coupling the ends of the coiled electrode with a detection system capable of detecting a change in capacitance or inductance generated when a lubricant containing a wear particle passes through the microchannel;
wherein the detection system can differentiate between ferrous and non-ferrous particles.
- providing a coiled electrode on a substrate;
Specification