DESC:FIELD
The present disclosure relates to the field of automobile engines, particularly leakages in rear seals.
DEFINITION
As used in the present disclosure, the following terms are generally intended to have the meaning as set forth below, except to the extent that the context in which they are used indicate otherwise.
Rear Seal – The term ‘Rear seal’ hereinafter refers to a gasket placed between the engine and the transmission of an automobile to prevent leakage of oil from the oil gallery of the engine.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.
Typically, an engine of an automobile is provided with an oil seal retainer assembly that includes an oil seal and an oil seal retainer. The retainer assembly is configured to prevent leakage of oil from an oil gallery of the engine. The oil gallery is configured in the crankcase of the engine to store oil required for lubrication of the crankshaft. The retainer assembly is located between the engine and flywheel end of the crankshaft. Usually, heat and vibrations of the engine and human errors, while assembling the seal and the retainer on the engine, cause the seal to deform. Deformation of the seal allows engine oil to leak through the retainer assembly. The engine oil leaks into the transmission bell housing, and subsequently contaminates the clutch discs of the automobile.
Conventional methods used to detect the leakage in the retainer assembly employ a large number of components to either pressurize the area around the seal or create vacuum from outside around the seal by means of a vacuum system. In both cases, the leakage is detected by change in pressure. However, the pressurization is complicated as the lip seal is required to be pressurized internally. Further, the vacuum systems are costly, and require a customized configuration catering to all requirements of a particular retainer configuration.
There is, therefore, felt a need for a system for detecting the leakage in a rear seal of an engine that alleviates the aforementioned drawbacks.
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 for detecting leakage in a rear seal of an engine.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system that precisely and reliably detects leakage from a seal.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system that is compact.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system that is easy to use.
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 detecting leakage in a rear seal of an engine. The system comprises an adaptor, a vacuum generator, a control unit, and a pressure sensor. The adaptor is pressed against the seal. An opening is configured on the adaptor to enable interfacing with the seal. The vacuum generator is configured to be in fluid communication, via a first valve, with a reservoir which contains pressurized fluid therein. The vacuum generator includes a first port fluidly coupled to the first valve, a second port fluidly coupled to the opening of the adaptor via a second valve, and an exhaust port. The control unit is configured to open the first valve and the second valve for a first predetermined time period to facilitate creation of partial vacuum inside the vacuum generator for drawing in fluid from the adaptor to attain a predetermined negative pressure value in the adaptor. The control unit is further configured to close the first valve and the second valve for a second predetermined time period for maintaining the negative pressure value in the adaptor. The pressure sensor is coupled to the adaptor, and is configured to sense the pressure in the adaptor at the end of the first predetermined time period and at the end of the second predetermined time period, and generate a corresponding first pressure value and a second pressure value. The control unit receives the first pressure value and the second pressure value, and calculates the pressure difference value, thereby detecting leakage.
In an embodiment, the system includes a display unit configured to cooperate with the control unit to display the pressure difference value.
In another embodiment, the system includes a pressure regulator connected between the reservoir and the first valve to maintain flow of fluid at a constant pressure.
In yet another embodiment, the adaptor is configured with a pulling handle, and a groove is formed on the adaptor to enable accommodation of the O-ring of the seal therein.
In still another embodiment, the vacuum generator is a venturi vacuum generator.
In one embodiment, the first valve is a direction control valve.
In another embodiment, the first valve is a 3/2 direction control valve.
In yet another embodiment, the first valve is a solenoid valve.
In another embodiment, the second valve is a shut off valve.
In yet another embodiment, the pressure regulator is a digital pressure regulator.
The present disclosure also envisages a method for detecting leakage of a rear seal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
A system, of the present disclosure, for detecting leakage in a rear seal of an engine will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a pneumatic circuit diagram of the system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of an adaptor, of the system, pressed against the rear seal.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
100 – System
105 – Pressure regulator
110 – Direction control valve
115 – Vacuum generator
120 – Shut off valve
125 – Adapter
130 – Pressure switch
135 – Seal
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 processes, well-known apparatus 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, steps, operations, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The particular order of steps disclosed in the method and process of the present disclosure is not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance as described or illustrated. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
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.
The terms first, second, third, etc., should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure as the aforementioned terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another component, region, layer or section. Terms such as first, second, third etc., when used herein do not imply a specific sequence or order unless clearly suggested by the present disclosure.
Terms such as “inner,” “outer,” "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like, may be used in the present disclosure to describe relationships between different elements as depicted from the figures.
The present disclosure envisages a system for detecting leakage in a rear seal of an engine. The system is now described with reference to Figure 1 and Figure 2.
It is necessary that the leakage in the rear seal is timely detected before the engine oil from the oil gallery enters the other components of the engine, and contaminates the same.
Figure 1 illustrates a pneumatic circuit diagram of a system (100) for detecting leakage in a rear seal of an engine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
The system (100) comprises an adaptor (125), a vacuum generator (115), a control unit and a pressure sensor (130). The adaptor (125) is pressed against the rear seal (135) (as seen in Figure 2). An opening is configured on the adaptor (125) to enable interfacing with the seal (135). The vacuum generator (115) is configured to be in fluid communication, via a first valve (110), with a reservoir (not specifically shown in figures) that contains pressurized fluid therein. In an embodiment, the reservoir contains pressurized air therein.
The vacuum generator (115) has a housing having a first port (not specifically labelled in figures), a second port (not specifically labelled in figures) and a third port (not specifically labelled in figures) configured thereon. The first port is fluidly coupled to the first valve (110). The second port is fluidly coupled to the opening of the adaptor (125) via a second valve (120). The vacuum generator (115) further includes a venturi nozzle (not specifically shown in figures) and a receiver nozzle (not specifically shown in figures) configured therein, such that a chamber is formed between the nozzles.
The control unit (not specifically shown in figures) is configured to open the first valve (110) and the second valve (120) for a first predetermined time period. Opening the first valve (110) establishes connection between the vacuum generator (115) and the adaptor (125). As a result, the compressed fluid flows from the reservoir into the first port of the vacuum generator (115). The constriction in the venturi nozzle of the vacuum generator (115) increases the flow velocity of the fluid to supersonic speed. After exiting the venturi nozzle, the fluid expands and flows through the receiver nozzle into the exhaust port. Meanwhile, a region of partial vacuum is created in the chamber between the venturi and receiver nozzles. The region of partial vacuum generated causes the fluid from the adaptor (125) to be drawn into the vacuum generator (115) from the second port till a predetermined negative pressure value is attained in the adaptor (125). The fluid from the receiver nozzle is let out of the vacuum generator (115) through the exhaust port.
In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to open the first valve (110) and the second valve (120) for a first predetermined time period of five seconds.
The control unit is further configured to close the first valve (110) and the second valve (120) at the end of the first predetermined time for a second predetermined time period for maintaining the negative pressure value in the adaptor (125).
In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to open the first valve (110) and the second valve (120) for a second predetermined time period of five seconds.
The pressure sensor (130) is coupled to the adaptor (125). The pressure sensor (130) is configured to sense the pressure in the adaptor (125) at the end of the first predetermined time period, and at the end of the second predetermined time period. The pressure sensor (130) is further configured to generate a first pressure value corresponding to the pressure in the adaptor (125) at the end of the first predetermined time period, and a second pressure value corresponding to the pressure in the adaptor (125) at the end of the second predetermined time period. The control unit receives the first pressure value and the second pressure value, and calculates the difference in the first pressure value and the second pressure value to detect leakage in the seal (135).
In an embodiment, the lower limit of the pressure difference value that may indicate leakage is 0.1 bar or more.
The predetermined negative pressure value developed in the adaptor (125) during the leakage detection is equal; in magnitude to the pressure inside an oil gallery inside the crankcase of the engine. For example, if the pressure inside the crankcase of the engine during operative conditions is 1 bar, then the predetermined negative pressure that is to be attained in the adapter (125) should be -1 bar.
The system includes a display unit configured to cooperate with the control unit to display the pressure difference value.
The system further includes a pressure regulator (105) connected between the reservoir and the first valve (110). The pressure regulator (105) is configured to maintain fluid flow from the compressor to pass through the first valve (110) at a constant pressure. In an embodiment, the pressure regulator (105) is configured to maintain the fluid flow at a constant pressure value of 6 bars.
In an embodiment, the adaptor (125) is configured with a pulling handle. Further, an annular groove is formed on the adaptor (125) to enable accommodation of the O-ring of the seal (135) therein. The O-ring is configured to seal the surface of between the adaptor (125) and a retainer of the seal (135). In an embodiment, the adaptor (125) is of a light and corrosion resistant material like aluminum. In another embodiment, the O-ring is of a material which has high-tear resistant, high tensile strength and is stable in liquids like water/grease/oil. In yet another embodiment, the O-ring is of polyurethane.
In an embodiment, the vacuum generator (115) is a venturi vacuum generator.
In one embodiment, the first valve (110) is a direction control valve configured to control the direction of flow of the fluid. In another embodiment, the first valve (110) is a 3/2 direction control valve. In yet another embodiment, the first valve (110) is a solenoid valve.
In an embodiment, the second valve (120) is a shut off valve.
In one embodiment, the control unit is a programmable logic control unit.
In another embodiment, the pressure regulator (105) is a digital pressure regulator.
The system (100) helps to precisely and reliably detect leakage. The system (1000 has a simple operation, and is compact with few elements. Further, the system (100) is easy to install and cost-effective. Most essentially, the rework time that used to occur in conventional techniques for detecting leakage is eliminated by the system (100).
The system also envisages a method for detecting leakage in a rear seal (135) of an engine. The method comprises the following steps:
• pressing an adaptor (125) against the seal (135) such that an opening configured on the adaptor (125) interfaces with the seal (135);
• opening a first valve (110) and a second valve (120) connected to a first port and a second port of a vacuum generator (115), by a control unit, for a first predetermined time period;
• creating partial vacuum inside the vacuum generator (115) for drawing in fluid from an adaptor (125) through the second valve (120) to attain a predetermined negative pressure value at the interface of the adaptor (125) and the seal (135);
• measuring the pressure in the adaptor (125) at the end of the first predetermined time period, by a pressure sensor (130), to generate a first pressure value;
• closing the first valve (110) and the second valve (120), by the control unit, for a second predetermined time period;
• measuring the pressure in the adaptor (125) at the end of the second predetermined time period, by a pressure sensor (130), to generate a second pressure value; and
• receiving the first pressure value and the second pressure value, by the control unit, and calculating the pressure difference value to detect leakage.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and 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 ADVANCES AND ECONOMICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of system and method for detecting leakage in a rear seal of an engine, that:
• precisely and reliably detects leakage from a seal;
• is compact;
• is convenient to use;
• is easy to install;
• is cost-effective; and
• eliminates rework 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 reveal 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 detecting leakage in a rear seal (135) of an engine, said system (100) comprising:
• an adaptor (125) pressed against said seal (135), wherein an opening is configured on said adaptor (125) to enable interfacing with said seal (135);
• a vacuum generator (115) configured to be in fluid communication, via a first valve (110), with a reservoir containing pressurized fluid therein, said vacuum generator (115) including:
o a first port fluidly coupled to said first valve (110);
o a second port fluidly coupled to said opening of said adaptor (125) via a second valve (120); and
o an exhaust port;
• a control unit configured to open said first valve (110) and said second valve (120) for a first predetermined time period to facilitate creation of partial vacuum inside said vacuum generator (115) for drawing in fluid from said adaptor (125) to attain a predetermined negative pressure value in said adaptor (125), said control unit further configured to close the first valve (110) and said second valve (120) for a second predetermined time period for maintaining the negative pressure value in said adaptor (125); and
• a pressure sensor (130) coupled to said adaptor (125), and configured to sense the pressure in the adaptor (125) at the end of the first predetermined time period and at the end of the second predetermined time period, and generate a corresponding first pressure value and a second pressure value;
wherein said control unit receives the first pressure value and the second pressure value to calculate the pressure difference value by comparing the first pressure value and the second pressure value, thereby detecting leakage.
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, which includes a display unit configured to cooperate with said control unit to display the pressure difference value.
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, which includes a pressure regulator (105), connected between said reservoir and said first valve (110), to maintain flow of fluid at a constant pressure.
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said adaptor (125) is configured with a pulling handle, and a groove is formed on said adaptor (125) to enable accommodation of the O-ring of said seal (135) therein.
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said vacuum generator (115) is a venturi vacuum generator.
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first valve (110) is a direction control valve.
7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said first valve (110) is a 3/2 direction control valve.
8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said first valve (110) is a solenoid valve.
9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second valve (120) is a shut off valve.
10. A method for detecting leakage in a rear seal (135) of an engine, said method comprising the following steps:
• pressing an adaptor (125) against said seal (135) such that an opening configured on said adaptor (125) interfaces with said seal (135);
• opening a first valve (110) and a second valve (120) connected to a first port and a second port of a vacuum generator (115) respectively, by a control unit, for a first predetermined time period;
• creating partial vacuum inside said vacuum generator (115) for drawing in fluid from an adaptor (125) through said second valve (120) to attain a predetermined negative pressure value at the interface of said adaptor (125) and said seal (135);
• measuring the pressure in said adaptor (125) at the end of the first predetermined time period, by a pressure sensor (130), to generate a first pressure value;
• closing said first valve (110) and said second valve (120), by said control unit, for a second predetermined time period;
• measuring the pressure in said adaptor (125) at the end of the second predetermined time period, by the pressure sensor (130), to generate a second pressure value; and
• receiving the first pressure value and the second pressure value, by said control unit, and calculating the pressure difference value to detect leakage.