Description:FIELD
The present disclosure generally relates to the field of automotive. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for regenerating a diesel particulate filter (DPF) of an automotive.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.
In the realm of automotive technology, the pursuit of achieving Bharat Stage VI (BSVI) emissions standards has led to the incorporation of Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) in exhaust after-treatment systems. The DPF plays a pivotal role in trapping and storing particulate matter, necessitating a regeneration process to burn accumulated particles. However, this process, lasting approximately 25 to 30 minutes, poses challenges, primarily customer inconvenience during the idle waiting period.
The primary challenge revolves around safety concerns during the regeneration process, where exhaust temperatures can soar to 800 to 1000 degrees Celsius. Potential hazards include fire risks if the vehicle is not parked in a safe location, if dry grass is beneath it, and the presence of animals near the exhaust. Existing technologies lack robust safety monitoring during regeneration.
There is, therefore, a need to develop a system and a method that regenerates a diesel particulate filter (DPF) of a vehicle addressing gaps in the traditional methodologies.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a system and a method for regenerating a diesel particulate filter (DPF) of a vehicle.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system and a method that detects potential safety hazards.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system and a method that prevents an unsafe environment for any living being.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system and a method that provides complete control over the regeneration process remotely.
A further object of the present disclosure is to provide a system and a method that avoids the physical presence of any human being to initiate the regeneration process.
A further object of the present disclosure is to provide a system and a method that allows the scheduling of the regeneration at the user’s convenience and time.
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a system and a method that meets the emission standards of the automotive industry.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure envisages a system for regenerating a diesel particulate filter (DPF) of a vehicle. The system comprises a first sensing unit configured to be connected to the filter, the first sensing unit configured to sense the amount of particulate deposits in the filter, and further configured to intermittently generate a first sensed signal.
The system further comprises a control unit coupled to the first sensing unit to receive the first sensed signal to extract a sensed value therefrom, where the control unit is configured to generate a notifying signal if the sensed value exceeds a predetermined threshold value.
The system additionally comprises an input module coupled to the control unit to receive the notifying signal therefrom and display a notification based on the notifying signal, where the input module is configured to receive an input in response to the notification, and further configured to generate an input signal.
The control unit is configured to communicate with the input module to receive the input signal, and is further configured to communicate the input signal to a set of second sensing units.
The second sensing units are configured to sense a safe surrounding for initiating a process of regeneration of the diesel particulate filter and are further configured to communicate an actuating signal to the control unit, if the surrounding is safe.
The system includes an actuator configured to be coupled to the control unit to receive the actuating signal, the actuator configured to receive the actuating signal, and further configured to facilitate regeneration of the diesel particulate filter.
In an embodiment, the control unit includes:
o a transceiver configured to receive the first sensed signal from the first sensing unit;
o an analog to digital converter configured to cooperate with the transceiver to receive the first sensed signal, and further configured to convert the first sensed signal into the sensed value;
o a repository configured to store there within the predetermined threshold value; and
o a comparator configured to cooperate with the analog to digital converter to receive the sensed value, and further configured to cooperate with the repository to receive the predetermined threshold value, the comparator configured to compare the sensed value with the predetermined threshold value, and generate the notifying signal if the sensed value exceeds the predetermined threshold value.
In another embodiment, the comparator is configured to transmit a deactivating signal when the sensed value becomes less than the predetermined threshold value.
In still another embodiment, the actuator is configured to receive the deactivating signal to facilitate de-actuation of the system.
In yet another embodiment, the set of second sensing units is configured to monitor a set of critical parameters in the vicinity of the vehicle in an operative configuration of the system.
In a further embodiment, the set of critical parameters includes at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of temperature of the vicinity, presence of other vehicles, and presence of animals or humans in the vicinity.
In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to communicate with the set of second sensing units to receive a second sensed signal therefrom, if the surrounding is unsafe, where the control unit is configured to generate an alert signal and a stop signal.
In another embodiment, the input module is configured to receive the alert signal, and is further configured to display a warning based on the received alert signal.
In yet another embodiment, the actuator is configured to receive the stop signal, and is further configured to facilitate de-actuation of the system.
In a further embodiment, the input module is configured on the dash panel of the vehicle.
In a still further embodiment, the input module is configured in a remote appliance operatively coupled to the control unit.
In yet another embodiment, the input module is configured to receive voice commands as input.
A method for regenerating a diesel particulate filter (DPF) of a vehicle, the method comprising the steps of:
• sensing the amount of particulate deposits in the filter and intermittently generating a first sensed signal by a first sensing unit connected to the filter;
• receiving, by a control unit, the first sensed signal for extracting a sensed value therefrom, and generating a notifying signal if the sensed value exceeds a predetermined threshold value;
• receiving the notifying signal and displaying a notification based on the notifying signal by an input module;
• receiving an input in response to the notification, and generating an input signal in response to the input by the input module;
• receiving the input signal and communicating the input signal by the control unit to a set of second sensing units;
• sensing a safe surrounding for initiating a process of regeneration of the diesel particulate filter by the second sensing units and sensing the surroundings throughout the process continuously;
• communicating an actuating signal to the control unit, if the surrounding is safe by the second sensing units; and
• receiving the actuating signal and facilitating the regeneration of the diesel particulate filter by an actuator.
In an embodiment, the method further includes the steps of:
o receiving and converting the first sensed signal into the sensed value by an analog to digital converter;
o storing in a repository the predetermined threshold value; and
o receiving the sensed value, and receiving the predetermined threshold value, for comparing the sensed value with the predetermined threshold value by a comparator; and
o generating, by the comparator, the notifying signal if the sensed value exceeds the predetermined threshold value.
In another embodiment, the step of comparing further includes transmitting a deactivating signal when the sensed value becomes less than the predetermined threshold value.
In yet another embodiment, the method further includes monitoring a set of critical parameters in the vicinity of the vehicle by the set of second sensing units.
In another embodiment, the method further includes receiving input as voice commands.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
A system and a method for regenerating a diesel particulate filter (DPF) of a vehicle of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a system regenerating a diesel particulate filter (DPF) of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of a method for regenerating a diesel particulate filter of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS USED IN THE DESCRIPTION AND DRAWING:
100 System
102 Vehicle
102a First Sensing Unit
102b Second Sensing Units
102b’ A Set of Sensors
104 Control Unit
104-1 Transceiver
104-2 Analog to Digital Converter
104-3 Repository
104-4 Comparator
106 Input Module
108 Actuator
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known assembly structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “including” and “having” are open-ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
When an element is referred to as being “mounted on”, “engaged to”, “connected to” or “coupled to” another element, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, or coupled to the other element. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements.
In the realm of automotive technology, the pursuit of Bharat Stage VI (BSVI) emissions standards has led to the integration of Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) in exhaust after-treatment systems. The DPF plays a crucial role in trapping particulate matter, necessitating a 25 to 30-minute regeneration process. However, safety concerns arise as exhaust temperatures reach 800 to 1000 degrees Celsius, posing potential fire hazards if the vehicle is not parked safely or if dry grass is present. Additionally, existing patents lack robust safety monitoring during regeneration, highlighting the need for advancements in this critical aspect of automotive innovation. Therefore, the present disclosure envisages a system 100 and method 200 for regenerating a diesel particulate filter (DPF) of a vehicle.
Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a system (100) for regenerating a diesel particulate filter (DPF) of a vehicle. The system (100) comprises a first sensing unit (102a), a control unit (104), an input module (106), and an actuator (108).
The first sensing unit (102a) is configured to be connected to the filter of the vehicle (108). The first sensing unit (102a) is further configured to sense the amount of particulate deposits in the filter, and intermittently generate a first sensed signal.
The control unit (104) is coupled to the first sensing unit (102a) to receive the first sensed signal to extract a sensed value therefrom. The control unit (104) is further configured to generate a notifying signal if the sensed value exceeds a predetermined threshold value.
The input module (106) is coupled to the control unit (104) to receive the notifying signal therefrom and display a notification based on the notifying signal. The input module (106) is further configured to receive an input in response to the notification, and further configured to generate an input signal.
The control unit (104) is further configured to communicate with the input module (106) to receive the input signal, and is further configured to communicate the input signal to a set of second sensing units (102b).
The second sensing units (102b) are configured to sense a safe surrounding for initiating a process of regeneration of the diesel particulate filter and is further configured to communicate an actuating signal to the control unit, if the surrounding is safe. For example, the set of second sensing units (102b) may include any sensors for distance measurement between vehicle and other objects, object identification, AI based Image/video recognition, pressure/weight identification in a parking block, sound based sensors, and the like.
In an embodiment, the set of second sensing units (102b) is configured to monitor a set of critical parameters in the vicinity of the vehicle (102) in an operative configuration of the system (100).
In another embodiment, the set of critical parameters include at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of temperature of the vicinity, presence of other vehicles, and presence of animals or humans in the vicinity.
In yet another embodiment, a set of sensors (102b’) external to the vehicle system, some sensors can also work as external to the vehicle (102). For example, sensors placed in the parking to identify safe surroundings, such as a vehicle aggregator configured to communicate with 102b’ and can have designated parking (similar to an EV charging network) for a fleet of vehicles.
In a preferred embodiment, the control unit (104) is configured to communicate with the set of second sensing units (102b) to receive a second sensed signal therefrom, if the surrounding is unsafe, the control unit (104) is configured to generate an alert signal and a stop signal.
In another embodiment, the set of second sensing units (102b) senses a safe surrounding throughout the process of regeneration of DPF continuously.
In an embodiment, the input module (106) is configured to receive the alert signal, and is further configured to display a warning based on the received alert signal.
The actuator (108) is configured to be coupled to the control unit (104) to receive the actuating signal. The actuator (108) is further configured to facilitate regeneration of the diesel particulate filter based on the actuating signal.
In an embodiment, the control unit (104) includes a transceiver (104-1), an analog to digital converter (104-2), a repository (104-3), and a comparator (104-4). The transceiver (104-1) is configured to receive the first sensed signal from the first sensing unit (102a). The analog to digital converter (104-2) is configured to cooperate with the transceiver (104-1) to receive the first sensed signal, and further configured to convert the first sensed signal into the sensed value. The repository (104-3) is configured to store there within the predetermined threshold value. The comparator (104-4) is configured to cooperate with the analog to digital converter (104-2) to receive the sensed value, and further configured to cooperate with the repository (104-3) to receive the predetermined threshold value. The comparator (104-4) is configured to compare the sensed value with the predetermined threshold value, and generate the notifying signal if the sensed value exceeds the predetermined threshold value.
In another embodiment, the comparator (104-4) is configured to transmit a deactivating signal when the sensed value becomes less than the predetermined threshold value.
In yet another embodiment, the actuator (108) is configured to receive the deactivating signal to facilitate de-actuation of the system (100). The signal is in the form of the stop signal to facilitate de-actuation of the system (100).
In an embodiment, the input module (106) is configured on the dash panel of the vehicle (102). The input module (106) is configured in a remote appliance operatively coupled to the control unit (104).
In another embodiment, the input module (106) is configured to receive voice commands as input.
Figure 2 will now be described that illustrates a block diagram of a method for regenerating a diesel particulate filter (DPF) of a vehicle. The method (200) for regenerating a diesel particulate filter (DPF) of a vehicle (102). The method (200) comprises the following steps.
In step 202, the method (200) includes sensing the amount of particulate deposits in the filter and intermittently generating a first sensed signal by a first sensing unit (102a) connected to the filter.
In step 204, the method (200) includes receiving, by a control unit (104), the first sensed signal for extracting a sensed value therefrom, and generating a notifying signal if the sensed value exceeds a predetermined threshold value.
In step 206, the method (200) includes receiving the notifying signal and displaying a notification based on the notifying signal by an input module.
In step 208, the method (200) includes receiving an input in response to the notification, and generating an input signal in response to the input by the input module.
In step 210, the method (200) includes receiving the input signal and communicating the input signal by the control unit (104) to a set of second sensing units.
In step 212, the method (200) includes sensing a safe surrounding for initiating a process of regeneration of the diesel particulate filter by the second sensing units and sensing the surrounding throughout the process continuously.
In step 214, the method (200) includes communicating an actuating signal to the control unit (104), if the surrounding is safe by the second sensing units.
In step 216, the method (200) includes receiving the actuating signal and facilitating regeneration of the diesel particulate filter by an actuator.
In an embodiment, the method (200) further includes the sub-steps of:
• receiving and converting the first sensed signal into the sensed value by an analog to digital converter (104-2);
• storing in a repository (104-3) the predetermined threshold value;
• receiving the sensed value, and receiving the predetermined threshold value, for comparing the sensed value with the predetermined threshold value by a comparator (104-4); and
• generating, by the comparator (104-4), the notifying signal if the sensed value exceeds the predetermined threshold value.
In an embodiment, the step of comparing further includes transmitting a deactivating signal when the sensed value becomes less than the predetermined threshold value.
In another embodiment, the method (200) further includes monitoring a set of critical parameters in the vicinity of the vehicle (102) by the set of second sensing units (102b). The step of monitoring further includes receiving a second sensed signal, if the surrounding is unsafe and generating an alert signal and a stop signal.
In a preferred embodiment, the step of generating the alert signal includes displaying a warning based on the received alert signal. The step of generating the alert signal additionally includes receiving the stop signal facilitating de-actuation of a system (100).
In an embodiment, the method (200) further includes receiving input as voice commands.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a system and a method for regenerating a diesel particulate filter (DPF) of a vehicle, that:
• detects potential safety hazards;
• prevents unsafe environment for any living being;
• provides complete control over the regeneration process remotely;
• avoids physical presence of any human being to initiate regeneration process;
• allows scheduling of the regeneration at user’s convenience and time;
• meets emission standards of automotive industry;
• completely automates regeneration process; and
• saves user’s time.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveals the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles, or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions, or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation. , Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A system (100) for regenerating a diesel particulate filter (DPF) of a vehicle (102), said system (100) comprising:
• a first sensing unit (102a) configured to be connected to the filter, said first sensing unit (102a) configured to sense an amount of particulate deposits in the filter, and further configured to intermittently generate a first sensed signal;
• a control unit (104) coupled to said first sensing unit (102a) to receive said first sensed signal to extract a sensed value therefrom, said control unit (104) configured to generate a notifying signal if said sensed value exceeds a predetermined threshold value;
• an input module (106) coupled to said control unit (104) to receive said notifying signal therefrom and display a notification based on said notifying signal, said input module (106) configured to receive an input in response to said notification, and further configured to generate an input signal;
wherein said control unit (104) is configured to communicate with said input module (106) to receive said input signal, and is further configured to communicate said input signal to a set of second sensing units (102b);
wherein said second sensing units (102b) are configured to sense a safe surrounding for initiating a process of regeneration of the diesel particulate filter and further configured to communicate an actuating signal to the control unit (104), if said surrounding is safe; and
• an actuator (108) configured to be coupled to said control unit (104) to receive said actuating signal, said actuator (108) configured to receive said actuating signal, and further configured to facilitate regeneration of the diesel particulate filter.
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said control unit (104) includes:
o a transceiver (104-1) configured to receive said first sensed signal from said first sensing unit (102a);
o an analog to digital converter (104-2) configured to cooperate with said transceiver (104-1) to receive said first sensed signal, and further configured to convert said first sensed signal into said sensed value;
o a repository (104-3) configured to store therewithin said predetermined threshold value; and
o a comparator (104-4) configured to cooperate with said analog to digital converter (104-2) to receive said sensed value, and further configured to cooperate with said repository (104-3) to receive said predetermined threshold value, said comparator (104-4) configured to compare said sensed value with said predetermined threshold value, and generate said notifying signal if said sensed value exceeds said predetermined threshold value.
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said comparator (104-4) is configured to transmit a deactivating signal when said sensed value becomes less than said predetermined threshold value.
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said actuator (108) is configured to receive said deactivating signal to facilitate de-actuation of said system (100).
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said set of second sensing units (102b) is configured to monitor a set of critical parameters in the vicinity of said vehicle (102) in an operative configuration of said system (100).
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said set of critical parameters include at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of temperature of the vicinity, presence of other vehicles, and presence of animals or humans in the vicinity.
7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said control unit (104) is configured to communicate with said set of second sensing units (102b) to receive a second sensed signal therefrom, if said surrounding is unsafe, said control unit (104) configured to generate an alert signal and a stop signal.
8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said input module (106) is configured to receive said alert signal, and is further configured to display a warning based on said received alert signal.
9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said actuator (108) is configured to receive said stop signal, and is further configured to facilitate de-actuation of said system (100).
10. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said input module (106) is configured on the dash panel of the vehicle (102) or in a remote appliance operatively coupled to said control unit (104) and further configured to receive voice commands as input.
11. A method (200) for regenerating a diesel particulate filter (DPF) of a vehicle (102), said method (200) comprising the steps of:
• sensing the amount of particulate deposits in the filter and intermittently generating a first sensed signal by a first sensing unit (102a) connected to the filter, (202);
• receiving, by a control unit (104), said first sensed signal for extracting a sensed value therefrom, and generating a notifying signal if said sensed value exceeds a predetermined threshold value, (204);
• receiving said notifying signal and displaying a notification based on said notifying signal by an input module, (206);
• receiving an input in response to said notification, and generating an input signal in response to said input by said input module, (208);
• receiving said input signal and communicating said input signal by said control unit (104) to a set of second sensing units (210);
• sensing a safe surrounding for initiating a process of regeneration of the diesel particulate filter by said second sensing units and sensing the surrounding throughout the process continuously, (212);
• communicating an actuating signal to the control unit (104), if said surrounding is safe by said set of second sensing units, (214); and
• receiving said actuating signal and facilitating regeneration of the diesel particulate filter by an actuator, (216).
12. The method (200) as claimed in claim 11, wherein said method (200) further includes the steps of:
o receiving and converting said first sensed signal into said sensed value by an analog to digital converter (104-2);
o storing in a repository (104-3) said predetermined threshold value; and
o receiving said sensed value, and receiving said predetermined threshold value, for comparing said sensed value with said predetermined threshold value by a comparator (104-4); and
o generating, by said comparator (104-4), said notifying signal if said sensed value exceeds said predetermined threshold value.
13. The method (200) as claimed in claim 12, wherein said step of comparing further includes transmitting a deactivating signal when said sensed value becomes less than said predetermined threshold value.
14. The method (200) as claimed in claim 13, wherein said method (200) further includes monitoring a set of critical parameters in the vicinity of said vehicle (102) by said set of second sensing units (102b).
15. The method (200) as claimed in claim 14, wherein said set of critical parameters include at least one parameters selected from the group consisting of temperature of the vicinity, presence of other vehicles, and presence of animals or humans in the vicinity.
16. The method (200) as claimed in claim 11, wherein said method further includes steps of:
• receiving a second sensed signal, if said surrounding is unsafe and generating an alert signal and a stop signal;
• displaying a warning based on said received alert signal;
• receiving said stop signal facilitating de-actuation of a system (100); and
• receiving input as voice commands.
Dated this 13th day of December, 2023

_______________________________
MOHAN RAJKUMAR DEWAN, IN/PA – 25
of R.K.DEWAN & CO.
Authorized Agent of Applicant

TO,
THE CONTROLLER OF PATENTS
THE PATENT OFFICE, AT CHENNAI