Oil make-up and replenishment oil filter and method of use

摘要

An oil filter and oil-additive dispensing device comprising an oil filter and oil additive replenishment system further comprising: a full-flow oil filter; a by-pass oil filter; an oil additive dispensing system; and an on-vehicle controller to dispense additive as required, track additive consumption and signal the need for a replacement system is described. Also a method of using such oil filter and oil-additive dispensing device to extend the useful life of lubricating oil in a vehicle engine is described.

主权项

1. An on-vehicle oil filter and oil-additive dispensing device for an internal combustion engine in a vehicle, the vehicle engine comprising a circulation system for providing a continuing flow of lubricant fluid to engine parts, the lubricant comprising a base oil and at least one additive for lubrication performance, the additive being progressively exhausted during engine operation; the engine additionally comprising at least one sensor capable of making measurements representative of oil condition and additive usage; the vehicle comprising a computer in operative communication with the sensor and capable of processing sensor measurements to assess the current concentration of base oil additives; the oil filter and oil-additive dispensing device being contained within a common housing, attachable to the engine, for receiving full flow of circulating lubricant during engine operation and comprising:
the common housing having an interface for attachment to the engine, the interface comprising a lubricant input and at least two lubricant outlets; an oil filtration system within the housing that receives circulating oil from the lubricant input and discharges oil from the lubricant outputs; a storage facility within the housing in communication with the lubricant flow in the device for at least one lubricating oil additive; and a dispensing mechanism within the housing for repeatedly transferring an amount of additive from the storage facility into the lubricant flow within the housing responsive to the sensed additive content of the circulating oil being depleted to below a predetermined threshold content.