Method and apparatus for estimating replacement of vehicle engine oil
First Claim
1. An apparatus for generating a useful life indication of a lubricating fluid in an engine in a vehicle, the apparatus comprising:
- a first trigger that measures a first engine use parameter;
a second trigger that measures a second engine use parameter;
an operating model that (a) calculates average vehicle speed, and (b) is responsive to at least one of the first and second triggers for generating a useful life indication of a lubricating fluid in the engine, the operating model generating the useful life indication that is (1) based upon the first engine use parameter when the average vehicle speed is within a first value range, and (2) based upon the second engine use parameter when the average vehicle speed is within a second value range different than the first value range.
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Abstract
A method generates a useful life indication of a lubricating fluid in an engine. Initially, a quantity of use of an engine and a time of use of the engine are measured. A useful life indication of a lubricating fluid in the engine is generated based upon a first relationship between the quantity of use of an engine and the time of use of the engine when an operating characteristic is at or below a predetermined amount, such as the average speed of a vehicle containing the engine. The useful life indication of the lubricating fluid in the engine is generated based upon a second relationship between the quantity of use of an engine and the time of use of the engine when the operating characteristic is above the predetermined amount.
33 Citations
19 Claims
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1. An apparatus for generating a useful life indication of a lubricating fluid in an engine in a vehicle, the apparatus comprising:
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a first trigger that measures a first engine use parameter; a second trigger that measures a second engine use parameter; an operating model that (a) calculates average vehicle speed, and (b) is responsive to at least one of the first and second triggers for generating a useful life indication of a lubricating fluid in the engine, the operating model generating the useful life indication that is (1) based upon the first engine use parameter when the average vehicle speed is within a first value range, and (2) based upon the second engine use parameter when the average vehicle speed is within a second value range different than the first value range. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. An apparatus for generating a useful life indication of a lubricating fluid in an engine, the engine having one or more lubricating fluid quality sensors, the apparatus comprising:
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a first trigger that measures a first engine use parameter; a second trigger that measures a second engine use parameter; an operating model that calculates average vehicle speed, the operating model responsive to the first and second triggers for generating a useful life indication of a lubricating fluid in the engine, the operating model independent of the one or more lubricating fluid quality sensors, the operating model generating the useful life indication that is (1) based upon the first engine use parameter when the average vehicle speed is within a first value range, and (2) based upon the second engine use parameter when the average vehicle speed is within a second value range different than the first value. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification