Patent Application
20210318678
Embodiments herein relate to filter elements and filtration systems. More specifically, embodiments herein relate to filter elements and filtration systems configured to convey data.
Fluid streams often carry particulate material therein. In many instances, it is desirable to remove some or all of the particulate material from a fluid flow stream. For example, air intake streams to engines for motorized vehicles or power generation equipment, gas streams directed to gas turbines, and air streams to various combustion furnaces, often include particulate material therein. The particulate material, should it reach the internal workings of the various mechanisms involved, can cause substantial damage thereto. It is therefore desirable for such systems to remove the particulate material from the fluid flow upstream of the engine, turbine, furnace or other equipment involved.
A variety of air filter or gas filter arrangements have been developed for particulate removal. Beyond particulate removal, filtration systems can also be used as gas phase or liquid phase contaminant removal systems.
Many filtration systems include portions that are designed to be substantially permanent (such as filter housings) and portions that are designed to be replaced periodically to assure proper operation (such as filter elements that fit within filter housings).
Embodiments herein include filter elements and filtration systems. In an embodiment, a filter element for a filtration system is included. The filter element can include a filter body, filter media disposed within the filter body, and a data storage element associated with the filter element, the data storage element comprising operational program data.
In an embodiment, a filtration system is included. The filtration system can include a filter element including a filter body, filter media disposed within the filter body, and a data storage element associated with the filter body, the data storage element comprising operational program data. The system can also include a reader device external to the filter element and in wired or wireless communication with the filter element.
In an embodiment, a method of providing data to a filtration system in the field is included. The method can include operations of storing operational program data on a filter element, the filter element comprising a filter body, a filter media disposed within the filter body, and a data storage element associated with the filter body. The method can further include operations of installing the filter element within a filter housing, the filter housing defining an interior volume, the filter element configured to fit within the interior volume of the filter housing. The method can also include an operation of passing the operational program data onto a reader.
This summary is an overview of some of the teachings of the present application and is not intended to be an exclusive or exhaustive treatment of the present subject matter. Further details are found in the detailed description and appended claims. Other aspects will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the following detailed description and viewing the drawings that form a part thereof, each of which is not to be taken in a limiting sense. The scope herein is defined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.
Aspects may be more completely understood in connection with the following drawings, in which:
While embodiments are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example and drawings, and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the scope herein is not limited to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope herein.
As described above, many filtration systems include a portion (such as a filter element) that must be replaced periodically to maintain a desired level of filtration performance. Other portions of the filtration system, such as the filter housing, are designed to be substantially permanent and remain in place after initial installation (either during initial system/vehicle assembly in an OEM scenario or after installation of an after-market kit).
In some cases, filtration systems (or other components separate from the filtration system such as a separate reader or computation device) can include one or more processing circuits and/or processors and may execute various operations including performing various calculations, including but not limited to, end-of-life (EOL) calculations, plugging calculations, and the like. Firmware or other types of stored electronic instructions and/or operating software can be used to direct the operations performed by the system.
If the filtration system can be connected to a data network then it can be possible to send instructions to the filtration systems remotely and/or send updates including updates to firmware, operating software, or the like. However, the filtration system may not be connected to a data network and/or it may be impossible to send instructions or updates to the filtration systems installed in the field over a data network. Further, in some scenarios the filtration system may be connected to a data network, but for various reasons data flow may be limited to one-way (e.g., machine to network). In yet other scenarios, there may be a network connection, but it may be unreliable or inconsistently available. In these cases, it can be extremely challenging to keep the system components updated with the latest firmware, operating software, etc.
In accordance with embodiments herein, certain types of data, such as firmware and/or other software updates, can be loaded onto replaceable filter elements (or other replaceable system components) and can be conveyed onto filtration systems that are installed in the field when a filter element or other replaceable element is installed. In this manner, firmware and other software updates can be provided to remote, field-installed systems despite there being no direct connection available to those remote, field-installed systems through a data network. This approach can solve a long-standing problem associated with providing updates to remote, field-installed systems that are not directly reachable through a data network such as the Internet or another type of data network.
As used herein, the term “firmware” shall refer to a specific class of computer software that provides the low-level control for the device's specific hardware. Firmware is generally held in non-volatile memory devices such as ROM, EPROM, or flash memory.
Referring now to
At or after the time of filter element manufacture, data can be loaded onto the filter elements 108, 110. For example, in some embodiments data can be loaded onto the filter elements at a manufacturing facility 112. In some embodiments, data can be loaded onto a data storage element prior to filter element manufacture and then the data storage element can be integrated with the other filter element components during filter element manufacturing processes (e.g., an inventory of pre-programmed data storage elements could be maintained and then used during the manufacturing process). In other embodiments, a data storage element can be integrated with other filter element components during manufacturing first and then data can be loaded onto the data storage element later (e.g., an inventory of data storage elements that still require programming could be maintained). In some embodiments, data can be loaded onto the filter elements after they have left the manufacturing facility 112, but are still within the supply chain. For example, in some embodiments, data can be loaded onto the filter elements at a distribution or transport facility. In still further embodiments, data can be loaded onto the filter elements at a customer facility before installation of the filter elements.
The filter elements can include data storage circuits/components thereon with which to receive and store the data. The data can be of various types, such as such as firmware and/or other software updates. In some embodiments, the filter elements 108, 110 are ultimately installed in a filtration system 104 within a vehicle 102. In this case, the filtration system 104 is a remote, field-installed system within a vehicle 102. However, it will be appreciated that the remote field-installed system could also be within another type of environment besides a vehicle such as a remote plant or factory with an industrial air filtration system. The vehicle 102 can include an ECU (engine control unit) 106 and can, of course, also include many other components. In some embodiments, the ECU 106 and the filtration system 104 can exchange data. In some embodiments, the filtration system 104 can send data to the ECU 106 or receive data from the ECU 106 through a CAN bus system or other type of local data network. In other embodiments, however, the filtration system 104 and the ECU 106 are completely isolated from one another in terms of data exchange. In non-engine applications, a device equivalent to an ECU can be present, such as a master control system or other high-level system including a processor or other computing device and taking inputs from the overall system.
Referring now to
A data storage element 222 can be associated with the secondary or safety filter element 221. A data storage element 224 can also be associated with the primary filter element 220. However, while not intending to be bound by theory, it is believed that in some embodiments the primary filter element 220 is replaced more often than the secondary or safety filter element 221. As such, in some embodiments, to maximize opportunities to convey data while simultaneously reducing cost and overall complexity of the system, only the primary filter element 220 includes a data storage element 224 and not the secondary or safety filter element 221. Alternatively, in some embodiments, a data storage element 222 associated with a secondary or safety filter element 221 stores a lesser amount of data, and/or a different kind of data, than that stored by a data storage element 224 associated with a primary filter element 220.
One or both of the data storage elements 222, 224 can communicate, either through a wired or wireless data connection, with a filter housing associated reader device 226. Alternatively, or in addition, one or both of the data storage elements 222, 224 can communicate, either through a wired or wireless data connection, with a separate reader device 228. The separate reader device 228 can be part of a vehicle or other equipment structure or can be off-vehicle or completely separate from other equipment structures.
It will be appreciated that filtration systems herein can take on many different shapes and configurations. Referring now to
The proximal end of the internal volume 314 is configured to engage with a cover 304 that fits adjacent to the proximal end 330 in order to seal off the proximal end of the housing from the flow of fluid there through.
A first data storage element 224 can be associated with, such as disposed on or in, the primary filter element 320 and a second data storage element 222 can be associated with, such as disposed on or in, the secondary filter element 321. One or both of the data storage elements 222, 224 can communicate, either through a wired or wireless data connection, with a filter housing associated reader 226. Alternatively, or in addition, one or both of the data storage elements 222, 224 can communicate, either through a wired or wireless data connection, with a separate reader device 228.
Referring now to
In some embodiments, the electronic circuit or electronic component 402 storing data can be in electronic communication with other components such as a communication circuit, and antenna, a power source (such as a battery), or the like.
The data 404 stored by the electronic circuit or electronic component 402 can be of various types 406 including, but not limited to filter element intrinsic data 408, operational program data 410, and extrinsic data 412.
By way of example, in some embodiments, the data 404 can include filter element intrinsic data 408. Examples of filter element intrinsic data 408 can include, but are not limited to, a manufacturing date; a filter element ID; a filter element model ID; a filter element manufacturer ID; a filter element manufacturing plant ID; and a filter element performance characteristic. Filter element performance characteristics can include, but are not limited to, filter element capacity information, filter element terminal pressure drop associated with model ID, filter element loading curves, filter element loading coefficients, typical fuel consumption rate for a machine associated with the filter element model ID, fuel usage penalty factor for increased filter element pressure drop for a machine associate with the filter element model ID. In various embodiments, the filter element intrinsic data 408 can be in the form of ASCII, hexadecimal, octal, decimal, binary, HTML, or other character or symbol codes stored electronically. In various embodiments, the filter element intrinsic data 408 is not in the form of compiled code. In some embodiments, filter element intrinsic data 408 can be encrypted at rest on the filter element.
In some embodiments, the data 404 can include operational program data 410. Examples of operational program data 410 can include, but are not limited to, an algorithm definition, an operating software update, and a firmware update. In some embodiments, an algorithm definition can include at least one of an end-of-life (EOL) prediction algorithm definition, a regeneration event recommendation algorithm definition, and a filtration performance algorithm definition. In various embodiments, the operational program data can be compiled code, compiled code modules, one or more compiled code libraries, binary code libraries, object code, assembly code, and/or machine code or the like. In some embodiments, operational program data 410 can be encrypted at rest on the filter element.
In some embodiments, the operating software update can be a reader device operating software update or an operating software update for a device other than a reader device. In some embodiments, the firmware update can be a reader device firmware update or a firmware update for a device other than a reader device.
In some embodiments, the data 404 can include extrinsic data 412. Extrinsic data can be important for calculating economically optimal filter element change/replacement times/intervals. Examples of extrinsic data 412 can include, but are not limited to, fuel cost per unit of fluid measure, fuel formulation data, environmental emissions regulation data, date of extrinsic data revision, cost of filter element, labor cost to change filter element associated with filter element model ID, etc. In various embodiments, the extrinsic data 412 can be in the form of ASCII, hexadecimal, octal, decimal, binary. HTML, or other character or symbol codes stored electronically. In various embodiments, the extrinsic data 412 is not in the form of compiled code. In some embodiments, extrinsic data 412 can be encrypted at rest on the filter element.
Further examples of the types of data that can be conveyed in accordance with embodiments herein are shown with respect to Table 1 below.
In various embodiments, data carried by filter elements or portions thereof can be encrypted and/or digitally signed to secure the data and/or provide authentication as to the source of the data. Referring now to
At a manufacturing facility 112, or at another point during distribution, data can be loaded onto a data storage element of a filter element. In some embodiments, the data can be digitally signed using a manufacturer-specific private key 512 (part of a standard public/private key architecture or PKI—public key infrastructure). By applying a digital signature with a manufacturer-specific private key 512, later on the public key 510 for that manufacturer can be used to verify that the data carried by the filter element is authentic and did, in fact, come from the manufacturer or the holder of the private key.
Alternatively, or in addition to digitally signing the data, the data can be encrypted using a manufacturer specific public key. In this way, only a device holding the manufacturer specific private key (forming a pair with the public key used for encryption—separate from the key pair used for digitally signing) can be used to decrypt the data.
The filter elements 108, 110 can be installed in a filter housing 202. After installation, a public key of the manufacturer can be used to verify the digital signature applied at the manufacturing facility 112. Alternatively, or in addition, a private key of the manufacturer can be used to decrypt the data content stored by the data storage element. A private key of the manufacturer can be stored with the filter housing 202 and/or a reader device at the time the filter housing 202 or reader device is manufactured or at the time the filter housing 202 or the reader device is installed on vehicle, machine, in a plant location, etc. The public key of the manufacturer can also be stored with the filter housing 202 and/or reader device. In some embodiments, the public key of the manufacturer can be passed along to the filter housing 202 or reader device by being carried with a filter element.
Circuitry associated with filter elements herein can include various specific electronic components in order to execute operations as described herein. Similarly, circuitry associated with reader devices herein (either as associated with a filter housing or other filter structure or as located separately from a filter housing or other filter structure) can include various specific electronic components in order to execute operations as described herein. Referring now to
Components associated with a data storage element 224 can include one or more of an antenna 610, a power supply circuit 612 (which can include one or more of a battery, a capacitor, a power-receiver such as a wireless power receiver), a control circuit 602 (which can include a processor, a microcontroller, an ASIC, or the like), a memory storage circuit 604 (which can include volatile or non-volatile electronic memory), a communication circuit 606, and a cryptographic circuit 608 (which can include a specialized cryptographic processor and/or data associated with cryptographic functions). In some embodiments herein, a wireless power receiver can include an LC circuit. In some embodiments, the wireless power receiver can include an RF power receiver. In some embodiments, one or more components of a power supply circuit, such as a wireless power receiver, can be disposed on or in the filter body.
It will be appreciated that in some embodiments a specific data storage element 224 may not include all of the components shown and described with respect to
Components associated with a reader device 226 can include one or more of an antenna 622, a power supply circuit 624 (which can include one or more of a battery, a capacitor, or a power-receiver), a control circuit 626 (which can include a processor, a microcontroller, an ASIC, or the like), a memory storage circuit 628 (which can include volatile or non-volatile memory), a communication circuit 630, a cryptographic circuit 632 (which can include a specialized cryptographic processor and/or data associated with cryptographic functions), a clock circuit 634, and a location circuit 636.
In some embodiments, communication between components of a system can be conducted wirelessly. However, in other embodiments, communication between components of a system can be conducted through a wired connection. Referring now to
Components associated with a data storage element 224 can include one or more of a control circuit 602 (which can include a processor, a microcontroller, an ASIC, or the like), a memory storage circuit 604 (which can include volatile or non-volatile electronic memory), a communication circuit 606, and a cryptographic circuit 608 (which can include a specialized cryptographic processor and/or data associated with cryptographic functions). Power can be provided from a power supply 706 that is external to the data storage element (and could be from a vehicle or another source).
The data storage element 224 can be connected to the power supply via electrical contacts 702. As represented in
Components associated with a reader device 226 can include one or more of a control circuit 626 (which can include a processor, a microcontroller, an ASIC, or the like), a memory storage circuit 628 (which can include volatile or non-volatile memory), a communication circuit 630, a cryptographic circuit 632 (which can include a specialized cryptographic processor and/or data associated with cryptographic functions), a clock circuit 634, and a location circuit 636. Power can be provided from a power supply 706 that is external to the data storage element (and could be from a vehicle or another source). The reader device 226 can be connected to the data storage element 224 (such as when the filter element is installed in a filter housing) via wires 704.
Various methods are included herein. In some embodiments, a method of providing data to a filtration system in the field is included. The method can include storing operational program data on a filter element, the filter element comprising a filter body; a filter media disposed within the filter body; and a data storage element associated with the filter element. The method can further include installing the filter element within a filter housing. The filter housing can define an interior volume. The filter element can be configured to fit within the interior volume of the filter housing. The method can further include passing the operational program data onto a reader device.
Referring now to
The method can also include operations of passing data from a data storage element associated with a filter element to a reader device (associated with the filter housing or remotely located). In some embodiments, data can be passed in a particular order. By way of example, data that is directly needed for operation of the filtration system, if any, can be transferred first. For example, filter element intrinsic data such as that described above can be transferred 806 first in some embodiments. In some embodiments, extrinsic data can be transferred 808 next. In some embodiments, operational program data can be transferred 810 last.
In some embodiments, reader devices herein can prompt the filter element and/or the data storage element thereon when certain types of data are desired. In some embodiments, certain types of data are automatically provided by the data storage element while other types of data are only provided after receiving a specific prompt for the same. For example, in some embodiments operational program data may only be provided after the filter element receives a specific prompt from a reader device and/or only after the reader device is properly authenticated. Referring now to
The method can also include an operation of passing filter element intrinsic data 906 from a data storage element associated with a filter element to a reader device (associated with the filter housing or remotely located). The method can also include an operation of passing extrinsic data 908 from a data storage element associated with a filter element to a reader device (associated with the filter housing or remotely located). The method can also include an operation of waiting for a further request from the reader device 910. Assuming such a request is received, the method can also include an operation of passing operational program data 912 from a data storage element associated with a filter element to a reader device (associated with the filter housing or remotely located).
The transfer of data from the filter element onto a reader device can be impacted by the outcome of the authentication protocol 904. In some embodiments, if the authentication protocol 904 fails, then no data is transferred. However, in some embodiments, some data can be transferred even if the authentication protocol 904 fails. For example, filter element intrinsic data 906 is provided regardless of whether proper authentication resulted from the authentication protocol 904, but other types of data are held back if the authentication protocol 904 fails. In some embodiments, the system can enter a default or baseline operating mode if the authentication protocol 904 fails. In some embodiments, the default or baseline operation mode can include the filtration system sending a signal on to other components that it has entered a default or baseline operation mode. In some embodiments, the default or baseline operation mode can include the use of algorithms that are more conservative (e.g., predicting an earlier end-of-life for the filter element and/or shorter servicing intervals) than would be applied if the authentication protocol 904 terminated successfully.
In various embodiments, the transfer and/or use of certain types of data, such as operational program data can be contingent based on other data such as dates of revisions and/or version information. For example, information such as a date or version of a carried piece of operational program data such as a software or firmware update can be evaluated before or after transferring the operational program data. In this manner, if the reader device (or other device that would be updated using the operational program data carried) has already received the update or is already operating with a more recent version of the operational program data then the operational program data may not be transferred.
Alternatively, if data that is outdated or otherwise obsolete is transferred, then it may simply be discarded if the reader device (or other device that would be updated using the operational program data carried) has already received the update or is already operating with a more recent version of the operational program data.
Similarly, information such as a date of extrinsic data revision can be evaluated before the extrinsic data in question is actually put to use in calculations. If the extrinsic data revision date is not sufficiently recent or if the currently relied upon extrinsic data has a more recent revision date, then the system can reject the extrinsic data carried by the filter element and rely upon previously obtained extrinsic data and/or default extrinsic data values.
Data can also be evaluated and excluded or included based on additional factors. By way of example, various types of data herein, and particularly extrinsic data can be specific for geography (for example, country and/or region). As such, data herein, such as extrinsic data can be marked with one or more countries and/or regions of validity. This can be evaluated by one or more components of the system based on the current location and/or stored location of the filtration system and/or reader device. If the extrinsic data is not valid based on a country and/or region determination, then the system can reject the extrinsic data carried by the filter element and rely upon previously obtained extrinsic data and/or default extrinsic data values. In some embodiments, multiple versions of data can be carried by a filter element. For example, multiple versions of one or more types of extrinsic data can be carried by a filter element wherein the multiple versions correspond to multiple countries and/or regions. In some embodiments, the system and/or reader device can evaluate the versions and select the correct version and discard the rest. In some embodiments, a country and/or region can be provided to the filter element by the system and/or reader device and then the filter element only transfers the correct version to the system and/or reader device.
In some embodiments, evaluation of a date relating to data carried by a filter element can include comparing the date to a date value provided by an ECU or a date value maintained by a clock circuit that forms part of the filtration system or with which the filtration system communicates. If the comparison reveals that the date of the data carried by the filter element exceeds a threshold value (such as greater than 10, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, 365, or 730 days old), then the system can initiate one or more of terminating any further transfer of data, discarding the transferred data, reverting operation to a default or baseline mode, or the like.
It will be appreciated that while many embodiments herein are directed to filtration systems and associated filter elements, aspects herein can also be used in conjunction with systems other than filtration systems. For example, embodiments herein can include disposable elements that include a data storage element and move through a supply chain and can be installed within a system in the field to deliver a data payload to the system in the field. Such systems can include those relying upon disposable/consumable elements and can specifically include, but are not limited to, consumer appliances, industrial systems, power systems, and the like. Specific disposable/consumable elements can include batteries, tool blades, physical consumables, and the like.
In some embodiments, data can be passed in a particular order. By way of example, data that is directly needed for operation of the filtration system, if any, can be prioritized and transferred first. In various embodiments, the data payload carried by the filter element can include prioritized and non-prioritized data. The prioritized data can be transferred first to a reader device associated with a housing or a reader device external to the filter housing. For example, filter element intrinsic data can be prioritized data and can be transferred first in some embodiments. In some embodiments, extrinsic data can be transferred after filter element intrinsic data. In some embodiments, operational program data, including but not limited to compiled program code, object code, assembly code, and/or machine code, can be given the lowest priority and can be transferred last.
Aspects have been described with reference to various specific and preferred embodiments and techniques. However, it should be understood that many variations and modifications may be made while remaining within the spirit and scope herein. As such, the embodiments described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art can appreciate and understand the principles and practices.
It should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
It should also be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the phrase “configured” describes a system, apparatus, or other structure that is constructed or configured to perform a particular task or adopt a particular configuration to. The phrase “configured” can be used interchangeably with other similar phrases such as arranged and configured, constructed and arranged, constructed, manufactured and arranged, and the like.
All publications and patent applications in this specification are indicative of the level of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. All publications and patent applications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated by reference.
This application is being filed as a PCT International Patent application on Aug. 2, 2019 in the name of Donaldson Company, Inc., a U.S. national corporation, applicant for the designation of all countries and Daniel E. Adamek, a U.S. Citizen, Brian R. Tucker, a U.S. Citizen. David W. Mulder a U.S. Citizen, Matthew Anderson, a U.S. Citizen and Michael J. Lockert, a U.S. Citizen, inventors for the designation of all countries, and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/715,551, filed Aug. 7, 2018, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in its/their entirety/entireties.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US2019/044944 | 8/2/2019 | WO | 00 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62715551 | Aug 2018 | US |
