Methods and systems are provided for filtering an oil dilution amount based on a current value of the oil dilution amount. In one example, filtering the oil dilution amount may include decreasing a sensitivity of filtering at lower oil dilution below a threshold; otherwise, increasing the sensitivity of filtering. The sensitivity of the filtering may be decreased by implementing a larger time constant, while the sensitivity of the filtering may be increased by implementing a smaller time constant.

Methods and systems for failure prediction using analysis of oil or other lubricant. Raw data about feature(s) of each of a plurality of particles filtered from a fluid sample are used to categorize each particle into one of a plurality of categories, each category being defined by one or more of: chemical composition, size and morphology. Particle physical characteristics in each category are quantified to obtain a set of categorized data. The categorized data are compared with historical data. Results of the comparing are evaluated to generate a prediction of any failure or mechanism of failure.

The present invention introduces a groundbreaking technology for precise and real-time monitoring of engine/transmission oil, revolutionizing the automotive industry's maintenance practices. Utilizing an optional array of sensors, including Turbidity, Magnet Inductance, Conductivity, Permittivity, Chemiresistors, and ChemFETs, the system continuously assesses the oil's state, providing users with invaluable insights into its health and condition. By eliminating guesswork and manufacturer-recommended schedules, the invention empowers users to make informed decisions about oil changes, extending engine/transmission lifespan and optimizing operational lubricity.

The technology's key benefits include improved gas mileage, cost savings on fuel, and enhanced protection against premature power train failure. The invention also offers a unique advantage by recording and graphing changes in oil lubricity between oil changes, aiding in the early detection of engine/transmission problems. Moreover, the incorporation of chemical sensors allows the detection of newly created breakdown chemicals, unburned petrol, and antifreeze accumulation, further safeguarding against potential issues and expensive parts failures.

The system's implementation includes a user-friendly dipstick embodiment, featuring an electronic enclosure housing sensors and a microcontroller. Upon reinsertion into the dipstick tube, the dipstick performs a series of tests to determine oil level and clarity, storing baseline measurements in nonvolatile memory. A low-power Bluetooth module enables seamless data transmission to the user's cell phone app, providing access to recorded test results, graphs, and timely oil status alerts.

Additionally, an advanced version of the technology contemplates continuous oil sampling during vehicle operation through a test sample isolation chamber. This innovative concept allows for comprehensive monitoring of the engine/transmission oil, offering a comprehensive analysis of the oil's health in real-world conditions.

In conclusion, the present invention represents a game-changing advancement in automotive maintenance, offering unparalleled accuracy, improved engine/transmission health, and cost-effective oil management. By integrating cutting-edge sensors and intelligent data processing, this technology empowers users to make data-driven decisions, ensuring optimal engine/transmission performance and prolonging the lifespan of these vital systems.

A computing system is disposed remote from a vehicle and communicably coupled to the vehicle over a network. The computing system includes: a communication interface structured to communicably couple to the network; one or more processors; and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: receive, via the communication interface and from a vehicle, vehicle operational data and vehicle metadata; determine a lubricant oxidation rate based on a statistical model; determine a lubricant drain interval based on the lubricant oxidation rate relative to a predefined lubricant oxidation limit; and, provide the lubricant drain interval to an output device. The lubricant may be a lubricant for the vehicle, such as oil.

A method is described of controlling at least one operation in at least part of a lifecycle of a replaceable container which is arranged to be removably seated in a dock in a vehicle and which at least before seating in the dock contains an ancillary fluid for use by the vehicle. A controller communicates with a data carrier carried by the container, determines, on the basis of the communication with the data carrier, data associated with at least one of the container, its contents and the vehicle, and controls carrying out of at least one action in relation to at least one of the container and its contents on the basis of the data associated with at least one of the container, its contents and the vehicle.

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.

Disclosed herein are systems and methods for estimating remaining useful life of vehicle engine oil. Such methods may comprise operating at least one processor to: receive telematics data originating from a plurality of vehicles, the telematics data comprising odometer data and engine oil quality data associated with each of the plurality of vehicles; determine, for one or more of the plurality of vehicles, a start point of a current oil cycle based on when an oil cycle event previously occurred by identifying within the engine oil quality data: a first series of engine oil quality datapoints, and a second series of engine oil quality datapoints immediately following the first series, a difference between a final datapoint of the first series and an initial datapoint of the second series being greater than a predetermined threshold; synchronize the odometer data and the engine oil quality data by associating odometer datapoints and engine oil quality datapoints reported within a same time period; determine a remaining useful vehicle engine oil distance by applying to synchronized odometer and engine oil quality data reported during the current oil cycle a regression model; and determine a remaining useful vehicle engine oil time by converting the remaining useful vehicle engine oil distance thereto based on an average difference in odometer datapoints reported during a selected time period, whereby the remaining useful life of vehicle engine oil is estimated based on vehicle operational factors associated with the current oil cycle, and independently from those of a previous oil cycle.

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.

A vehicle including an internal combustion engine and an automatic transmission capable of transmitting and receiving torque to and from an output shaft of the internal combustion engine is controlled. During operation of the internal combustion engine, a process that calculates a diluted water amount based on an operation state of the internal combustion engine is executed. The diluted water amount is the amount of water contained in lubricating oil in the internal combustion engine. Further, a process that controls the automatic transmission such that torque per unit period in the internal combustion engine becomes smaller when the diluted water amount is relatively large compared to when the diluted water amount is relatively small, while continuing the operation of the internal combustion engine, is executed.

A device for determining fluid degradation includes a memory and processing circuitry configured to cause the device to generate first calibration data of an e-machine at a first time, generate second calibration data of the e-machine at a second time subsequent to the first time, and determine that the fluid is degraded in response to a difference between the first calibration data and the second calibration data being greater than or equal to a degradation threshold.