Measuring and testing – Internal combustion engine or related engine system or... – Compression
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-14
2001-04-03
McCall, Eric S. (Department: 2855)
Measuring and testing
Internal combustion engine or related engine system or...
Compression
C073S117020
Reexamination Certificate
active
06209390
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to turbochargers and devices/methods used to monitor turbocharger fatigue life and, more particularly, to devices/methods designed to monitor the fatigue life of a turbocharger based on the dynamic or actual operating parameters of a turbocharger, e.g., turbine wheel speed and temperature.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Turbochargers are used in a variety of vehicle and stationary applications powered by gasoline and diesel internal combustion engines. The turbochargers that are used in each different dynamic or actual application are subjected to different turbocharger operating conditions, e.g., different operating speeds, temperatures, and duration. Additionally, turbochargers that are made for and used with a particular application, e.g., diesel-powered vehicles, may also be exposed to different turbocharger operating conditions depending on how the particular application is operated. Accordingly, turbochargers designed for use in a particular application such as a diesel-powered truck, can be subjected to a wide range operating conditions such as temperature, speed, and duration of use that will impact the service life of the turbocharger.
In an effort to reduce or minimize the probability of a turbocharger-related failure adversely impacting the operational efficiency of the particular application, it is desired that the turbocharger be removed for servicing or replacement prior to failing in service. Devices and methods known in the art for indicating such turbocharger service intervals include those that are designed to measure turbocharger service duration, i.e., hours or vehicle mileage. Such known devices provide an indication of whether turbocharger service is needed based on a preset duration. A disadvantage of such turbocharger service monitor devices is that they are designed to predict the turbocharger service interval for a particular turbocharger independent of the actual operating or performance conditions of that turbocharger. Additionally, the preset duration used to predict such service interval is intentionally selected to be conservative to minimize the possibility of in-service turbocharger failure. Thus, such known turbocharger service monitor devices can cause some turbochargers to be replaced or repaired before any such repair is actually required, are subjected to relatively mild operating conditions, and can cause some turbochargers to fail in service, if subjected to relatively extreme operating conditions. Underestimating the actual service life of a turbocharger is not desired because premature replacement of the turbochargers incurs both unnecessary expense and requires that the turbocharged application be prematurely removed from service. Overestimating the actual service life of a turbocharger is also not desired for the obvious reason of causing an in-service turbocharger failure, which both unpredictably removes the turbocharged application from service and could cause damage to other engine systems.
It is, therefore, desired that a turbocharger monitoring device/method be constructed that is capable of providing an indication of recommended or needed turbocharger based on the actual turbocharger operating conditions, thereby extending the service interval for turbochargers subjected to mild operating conditions and reducing the service interval for turbochargers subjected to extreme operating conditions to optimize turbocharger use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Turbocharger fatigue life monitors, constructed according to principles of this invention, are designed to provide an indication of recommended
eeded turbocharger service based on the actual operating conditions of the turbocharger that is being monitored, contrasted to other turbocharger monitors that provide an indication of turbocharged service based preset time or distance parameters without consideration of actual turbocharger operating conditions such as turbine speed, temperature and the like. Turbocharger fatigue life monitor devices incorporating the present invention includes at least one sensor that measures some actual operating condition of the turbocharger, e.g., turbine rotational speed or turbine inlet temperature. If it is necessary to monitor only the turbocharger compressor wheel, a speed sensor is used. If operational characteristics dictate, monitoring the turbocharger turbine wheel and/or the compressor wheel, both a speed sensor and a turbine inlet temperature sensor are used.
The device comprises means for receiving information from the sensors and processing the information, using programs and predetermined turbocharger information, e.g., turbocharger material and stress data stored in one or more storage means in communication with the processing means, to provide an actual probability of turbocharger failure. The processing means compares the calculated probability of turbocharger failure to a predetermined specified probability of turbocharger failure stored in the storage means to determine whether turbocharger service is needed. The processing means provides a signal that operates an annunciator to indicate recommended or necessary turbocharger service when the actual probability of turbocharger failure exceeds the specified probability of turbocharger failure. The processing and storage means can be packaged as part of an existing turbocharged application system, such as an engine control module when the turbocharged application is a vehicle.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4046003 (1977-09-01), Armstrong et al.
patent: 4277830 (1981-07-01), Reid et al.
patent: 4334427 (1982-06-01), Armstrong
patent: 4356725 (1982-11-01), Armstrong
patent: 4499733 (1985-02-01), Farr et al.
patent: 4604701 (1986-08-01), Fujawa et al.
patent: 4707796 (1987-11-01), Calabro et al.
patent: 4953110 (1990-08-01), Chartrand
patent: 5099411 (1992-03-01), Blotenberg et al.
patent: 5377112 (1994-12-01), Brown, Jr. et al.
patent: 5479350 (1995-12-01), Barakchi et al.
patent: 5546795 (1996-08-01), Yamagishi
patent: 6050250 (2000-04-01), Kerkau
Baker Donald Ervin
LaRue Gerald Duane
Fischer Felix L.
Langton Grant T.
McCall Eric S.
LandOfFree
Turbocharger fatigue life monitor does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Turbocharger fatigue life monitor, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Turbocharger fatigue life monitor will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2448995