Multi-modal fluid condition sensor platform and system therefor

摘要

This invention encompasses embodiments for multi-modal integrated simultaneous measurement of various aspects of fluids contained in circulating systems such as automotive reciprocating engines and vehicle transmissions. These circulating systems perform constant internal lubrication, and heat and contaminant removal to protect the internal moving parts from the inherent friction and damage in normal operation. Most commonly this is achieved with fluids based on hydrocarbon and/or related synthetics, which, over time, can lose their protective properties, and vary in their performance or breakdown/decay due to internal and external events. Several components within the lubricant fluid can be measured and can provide insight into the efficacy of the system to perform its designed mission. Described herein is a real-time, simultaneous, integrated, multi-modal sensor system for early warning notification that can be further enhanced using specifically designed nanoparticles that can be introduced into the system, engineered to specifically bind with the contaminants and/or undergo an irreversible state change upon certain experienced conditions to both increase the detectability as well as provide for a framework to improve filter performance.

主权项

1. An oil drain plug for monitoring multiple properties of a vehicle comprising:
a. a plurality of sensors in a self-contained system for continuous monitoring of multiple properties of a vehicle fluid, wherein the plurality of sensors is embedded into the oil plug, and an aperture at an end of the oil plug allows the plurality of sensors to contact said fluid; and b. a plurality of non-sensor elements of the self-contained system comprising a controller and radio frequency transmitter.