STATUS OF A FILTER ELEMENT

Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of priority to Chinese Utility Model Application No. 201920189174.5, filed February 11, 2019 and the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety

Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to systems for sensing parameters and providing indications relating to the sensed parameters.

Background

[0003] Many systems such as vehicles, power-generation equipment and other systems include one or more filtration systems including a filtration element, e.g. air, fuel, water, lubricant, and/or other filtration elements configured to filter matter from the respective fluids. A differential pressure positioned across a filter element may be used to determine a status of the filter element. For example, the differential pressure sensor may be used to determine an amount of particulate matter loading on the filter element, which is used to determine remaining life of the filter element. The differential pressure sensor is generally operatively coupled to a controller such as an electronic control module (ECM) of the system including the filtration system via hard wired connections, for example, wire harnesses, clips, connectors, etc. This increases mounting complexity, production time, and production cost.

Summary

[0004] Embodiments described herein relate to an assembly that includes wireless pressure sensors and a filter status module that receives wireless pressure signals from the wireless pressure sensors and determines a status of the filter element therefrom. [0005] In some embodiments, a sensing assembly for use in a filtration system comprises a first pressure sensor fluidly coupled to an inlet of a filter element and configured to measure an inlet pressure of a fluid entering the filter element. The first pressure sensor includes a first wireless transmitter configured to generate an inlet pressure signal corresponding to the inlet pressure. A second pressure sensor is fluidly coupled to an outlet of the filter element and configured to measure an outlet pressure of the fluid exiting the filter element, the second pressure sensor including a second wireless transmitter configured to generate an outlet pressure signal corresponding to the outlet pressure. The sensing assembly also comprises a filter status module comprising a housing. A sensor signal receiving circuitry is disposed in the housing and configured to wirelessly receive the inlet and outlet pressure signals. A

differential pressure determination circuitry is disposed in the housing and configured to determine the inlet pressure from the inlet pressure signal, determine the outlet pressure from the outlet pressure signal, and determine a differential pressure across the filter element based upon the inlet pressure and the outlet pressure. A filter operating parameter determination circuitry is disposed in the housing and configured to determine an operating parameter of the filter element based upon the differential pressure, and a communication interface is configured to indicate the operating parameter of the filter element to a user.

[0006] In some embodiments, each of the first wireless transmitter and the second wireless transmitter comprises a radio frequency transmitter.

[0007] In some embodiments, each of the first wireless transmitter and the second wireless transmitter comprises a Bluetooth transmitter.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first wireless transmitter and the second wireless transmitter are configured to transmit the inlet pressure signal and the outlet pressure signal to the filter status module a predetermined number of times per day.

[0009] In some embodiments, the filter status module further comprises a display, and wherein the filter status module is configured to indicate the operating parameter of the filter element to the user on the display. [0010] In some embodiments, the communication interface is configured to generate a user device signal configured to indicate the operating parameter of the filter element on a user device.

[0011] In some embodiments, the communication interface is further configured to generate a cloud server signal configured to communicate data corresponding to at least one of the inlet pressure, the outlet pressure, the differential pressure, or the operating parameter of the filter element to a cloud server.

[0012] In some embodiments, the filter status module comprises a fault determination circuitry configured to: in response to the differential pressure being greater than a first pressure threshold, determine that the filter element is plugged; and indicate to the user that the filter element is plugged.

[0013] In some embodiments, the fault determination circuitry is further configured to: in response to the differential pressure being less than a second pressure threshold, determine that the filter element has failed; and indicate to the user that the filter element has failed.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first pressure sensor comprises a first energy storage device, and the second pressure sensor comprises a second energy storage device.

[0015] In some embodiments, the sensing assembly further comprises at least one T- connector comprising: a first port configured to be removably coupled to an inlet of the filter element or the outlet of the filter element; an second port configured to be removably coupled to a fluid delivery hose configured to deliver fluid to the filter element or a fluid return hose configured to receive filtered fluid from the filter element; and a sensing port configured to removably receive the first pressure sensor or the second pressure sensor.

[0016] In some embodiments, the filter status module comprises an energy storage device.

[0017] In some embodiments, the filter status module comprises a power input configured to receive electrical power from a power source. [0018] In some embodiments, the communication interface comprises a radio frequency transmitter.

[0019] In some embodiments, the communication interface comprises a Bluetooth

transmitter.

[0020] In some embodiments, the filter status module comprises a processor and a memory, the processor configured to process instructions stored on the memory.

[0021] In some embodiments, the operating parameter comprises a remaining life of the filter element.

[0022] It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed in greater detail below (provided such concepts are not mutually

inconsistent) are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of claimed subject matter appearing in this disclosure are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0023] The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only several

implementations in accordance with the disclosure and are therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings.

[0024] FIG. l is a schematic illustration of a sensing assembly for a filtration system, according to an embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a first pressure sensor, a second pressure sensor, and a filter status module included in the sensing assembly of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment. [0026] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a filter element having the first and second pressure sensors of the sensing assembly of FIG. 2 mounted to an inlet sensor mounting port and an outlet sensor mounting port of the filter element, respectively, according to an embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the filter element of FIG. 3 showing a T-connector configured to mount a first or second pressure sensor to an inlet or outlet of the filter element, respectively.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a schematic flow diagram of an example method for wirelessly monitoring a filter status of a filter element.

[0029] Reference is made to the accompanying drawings throughout the following detailed description. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative implementations described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other implementations may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and made part of this disclosure.

Detailed Description of Various Embodiments

[0030] Embodiments described herein relate to an assembly that includes wireless pressure sensors and a filter status module that receives wireless pressure signals from the wireless pressure sensors and determines a status of the filter element therefrom.

[0031] Various conventional filtration systems include a differential pressure sensor disposed across a filter element and configured to determine the differential pressure across the filter element. The differential pressure sensor is generally operatively coupled to a controller such as an electronic control module (ECM) of the system including the filtration system via hard wired connections, for example, wire harnesses, clips, connectors, etc. This increases mounting complexity, production time, and production cost.

[0032] In contrast, embodiments of the assemblies described herein may provide one or more benefits including, for example: (1) enabling wireless transmission of inlet and outlet pressures of a fluid entering and exiting a filter element, therefore eliminating the use of wiring harnesses, clips and connectors; (2) reducing manufacturing complexity and cost; (3) allowing monitoring of filter status (e.g., remaining filter life) via a filter status module wirelessly coupled to wireless pressure sensors; (4) enabling communication of filter status data to a user device such as mobile device, and/or a cloud server; and (5) permitting the installation and use of the system on an aftermarket/post-original equipment manufacturing basis.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a system 1 including a sensing assembly 100, according to an embodiment. The system 1 may include, for example, a vehicle (e.g., a passenger vehicle, a truck, a bus, etc.), a power generation system (e.g., a residential or commercial power generation system) or any other system. The system 1 includes a filtration system comprising a filter element 10. The filter element 10 may be configured to filter air, fuel, water, lubricant or any other fluid. The filter element 10 may include a housing defining an internal volume within which a filter media (e.g., a porous media) configured to filter a fluid flowing therethrough is disposed. The filter element 10 includes an inlet 12 configured to receive unfiltered fluid, and an outlet 14 configured to expel filtered fluid from the filter element 10. While shown as including the filter element 10, in various embodiments, the system 1 may include a plurality of filter elements configured to filter a respective fluid used by the system 1. In such embodiments, one or more sensing assemblies 100 may be operatively coupled to each of the plurality of filter elements included in the system 1.

[0034] The sensing assembly 100 comprises a first pressure sensor 110, a second pressure sensor 120, and a filter status module 170. The first pressure sensor 110 is fluidly coupled to the inlet 12 of the filter element 10 and configured to measure an inlet pressure of a fluid entering the filter element 10. FIG. 2 shows a schematic block diagram of the first pressure sensor 110, according to an embodiment. The first pressure sensor 110 includes a first pressure transducer 112 configured to sense the inlet pressure of the fluid entering the filter element 10 via the inlet 12. The first pressure sensor 110 also includes a first energy storage device 114, a first processor 116, and a first wireless transmitter 118.

[0035] The first processor 116 may comprise a microprocessor, programmable logic controller (PLC) chip, an ASIC chip, an analog to digital or any other suitable processor, configured to interpret the pressure sensed by the first pressure transducer 112. In some embodiments, the first processor 116 may comprise an analog-to-digital convertor (ADC) configured to convert the analog inlet pressure signal generated by the first pressure transducer 112 into a digital signal.

[0036] The first energy storage device 114 is configured to store and provide electrical power to the first processor 116 and the first wireless transmitter 118. The first energy storage device 114 may include a battery, a cell (e.g., a coin cell), and may be removably disposed in a housing of the first pressure sensor 110, for example, to be removed and replaced with a new energy storage device once the first energy storage device 114 is discharged. In other embodiments, the first energy storage device 114 may be rechargeable. For example, the first pressure sensor 110 may include a charging port to allow recharging of the first energy storage device 114. In still other embodiments, the first pressure sensor may be coupled to a power supply of the system 1 (e.g., wirelessly coupled or hard wired thereto). In such embodiments, the first energy storage device 114 may be excluded.

[0037] The second pressure sensor 120 includes a second pressure transducer 122, a second energy storage device 124, a second processor 126, and a second wireless transmitter 128, which may be substantially similar to the first pressure transducer 112, the first energy storage device 114, the first energy storage device 116, and the first wireless transmitter 118, respectively. The first wireless transmitter 118 is configured to generate an inlet pressure signal corresponding to the inlet pressure, and the second wireless transmitter 128 is configured to generate and outlet pressure signal corresponding to the outlet pressure, respectively. The inlet and outlet pressure signals include wireless signals broadcast by the first wireless transmitter 118 and the second wireless transmitter 128. In some embodiments, the first wireless transmitter 118 may comprise a radio frequency (RF) transmitter. In other

embodiments, the first wireless transmitter 118 may comprise a Bluetooth (e.g., a Bluetooth low energy (BTLE) transmitter), or any other suitable wireless transmitter. In some embodiments, the first wireless transmitter 118 and the second wireless transmitter 128 may also be configured to receive data from the filter status module 170, for example, firmware updates, calibration data, etc.

[0038] In some embodiments, the first wireless transmitter 118 and the second wireless transmitter 128 are configured to transmit the inlet pressure signal and the outlet pressure signal to the filter status module 170 a predetermined number of times per day. For example, the first processor 116 and the second processor 126 may be configured to activate the first wireless transmitter 118 and the second wireless transmitter 128 at predetermined times during the course of a day to broadcast the inlet and outlet pressure signals, respectively. The first processor 116 and the second processor 126 deactivate the first wireless transmitter 118 and the second wireless transmitter 128 between the activation times. In this manner, the power or charge stored in the first energy storage device 114 and the second energy storage device 124 is conserved, therefore prolonging the life of the first energy storage device 114 and the second energy storage device 124.

[0039] While FIGS. 1 and 2 show the sensing assembly 100 as the first pressure sensor 110 and the second pressure sensor 120, in other embodiments, the sensing assembly 100 may include a wireless differential pressure sensor mounted across the filter element 10. In such embodiments, an inlet port and an outlet port of the wireless differential pressure sensor is coupled to the inlet 12 and outlet 14 of the filter element 10, respectively and configured to generate a wireless differential pressure signal indicative of the differential pressure across the filter element 10. In still other embodiments, the sensing assembly 100 may include a single wireless pressure sensor (e.g., a wireless gauge pressure sensor) configured to monitor a status of the filter element 10. For example, in some embodiments, the filter element 10 may be an air filter, and the sensing assembly 100 may include a wireless gauge pressure sensor disposed downstream of the filter element 10. The gauge pressure sensor may be configured to determine a pressure downstream of the filter element 10, and wirelessly broadcast a signal corresponding to the pressure. The downstream pressure may be indicative whether the filter is operating properly or is plugged. [0040] The first pressure sensor 110 and the second pressure sensor 120 may be coupled to the filter element 10 or any other filter element using any suitable means. For example, FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a filter element 20, according to an embodiment. The filter element 20 includes a filter housing 21 defining an internal volume within which a filter media is disposed. A filter head or cover 23 is coupled to the filter housing 21. The filter housing 21 may be removably coupled to the filter head 23, for example, via mating threads, pins, snap-fit, friction fit, etc.

[0041] The filter head 23 includes an inlet 22 structured to allow unfiltered fluid to be inserted through the filter head 23 into the filter housing 21, and an outlet 24 to expel filtered fluid from the filter housing 21. The filter head 23 also includes an inlet sensor mounting port 26 that is located opposite to and axially aligned with the inlet 22. The inlet sensor mounting port 26 is structured to removably receive the first pressure sensor 110 and is fluidly coupled to the inlet 22 so as to enable the first pressure sensor 110 to measure the inlet pressure.

[0042] The filter head 23 also includes an outlet sensor mounting port 28 located opposite to and axially aligned with the outlet 24. The outlet sensor mounting port 28 is structured to removably receive the second pressure sensor 120 so as to enable the second pressure sensor 120 to measure the outlet pressure. In various embodiments, the inlet and outlet sensor mounting ports 26, 28 may include threads structured to allow the first pressure sensor 110 and the second pressure sensor 120 to be removably coupled thereto via mating threads defined thereon. In other embodiments, the first pressure sensor 110 and the second pressure sensor 120may be coupled to the inlet and outlet sensor mounting ports 26, 28 using any other suitable means, for example, via pins, snap-fit or friction fit thereto.

[0043] In other embodiments, the first pressure sensor 110 and the second pressure sensor 120 may be mounted to the filter head 23 via a T-connector. For example, FIG. 4 shows a top perspective view of the filter element 20. Different from FIG. 3, a T-connector 40 is used to install the first pressure sensor 110 on the filter head 23. Expanding further, the T-connector 40 comprises a first port 42 configured to be removably coupled to the inlet 22 of the filter element 20. The T-connector 40 also comprises a second port 44 configured to be removably coupled to a fluid delivery hose 92 that is configured to deliver the fluid to the filter element 20. The T-connector 40 also includes a sensing port 46 configured to removably receive the first pressure sensor 110. While not shown, the filter element can include another T-connector having a first port configured to be coupled to the outlet 24, a second port configured to be coupled to a fluid return hose 94 configured to receive filtered fluid from the filter element 20, and a sensing port configured to removably receive the second pressure sensor 120.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the filter status module 170 is configured to wirelessly receive inlet and outlet pressure signals from the first pressure sensor 110 and the second pressure sensor 120 and indicate a filter status of the filter element 10 to a user. For example, the system 1 may include a vehicle, and the filter status module 170 may be removably positioned in a cab of the vehicle where the user (e.g., an operator of the vehicle) is located.

The filter status module 170 comprises a housing 171 defining an internal volume within which components of the filter status module 170 are disposed. As shown in FIG. 2, the filter status module includes a processor 172, a memory 174, an energy storage device 175, a

communication interface 176, a display 178, and a power input 179. The filter status module 170 also comprises a sensor signal receiving circuitry 174a, a differential pressure

determination circuitry 174b, a filter life determination circuitry 174c, and a fault determination circuitry 174d.

[0045] The processor 172 can comprise a microprocessor, programmable logic controller (PLC) chip, an ASIC chip, or any other suitable processor. The processor 172 is in

communication with the memory 174 and configured to execute instructions, algorithms, commands, or otherwise programs stored in the memory 174.

[0046] The memory 174 comprises any of the memory and/or storage components discussed herein. For example, memory 174 may comprise a RAM and/or cache of processor 172. The memory 174 may also comprise one or more storage devices (e.g., hard drives, flash drives, computer readable media, etc.). The memory 174 is configured to store look up tables, algorithms, instructions, or processed data.

[0047] The energy storage device 175 (e.g., a battery such as Li-ion battery) is disposed within the internal volume defined by the housing 171 and is configured to provide electrical power to the components of the filter status module 170 The power input 179 is configured to be removably coupled to a charging port provided in the system 1 (e.g., a cigarette lighter port, a USB port, or a charging plug port) via an electrical lead and configured to provide electrical power to the energy storage device 175 so as to recharge the energy storage device 175

[0048] In one configuration, the sensor signal receiving circuitry 174a, the differential pressure determination circuitry 174b, the filter life determination circuitry 174c, and the fault determination circuitry 174d are embodied as machine or computer-readable media (e.g., stored in the memory 174) that is executable by a processor, such as the processor 172. As described herein and amongst other uses, the machine-readable media (e.g., the memory 174) facilitates performance of certain operations to enable reception and transmission of data. For example, the machine-readable media may provide an instruction (e.g., command, etc.) to, e.g., acquire data. In this regard, the machine-readable media may include programmable logic that defines the frequency of acquisition of the data (or, transmission of the data). Thus, the computer readable media may include code, which may be written in any programming language including, but not limited to, Java or the like and any conventional procedural programming languages, such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages. The computer readable program code may be executed on one processor or multiple remote processors. In the latter scenario, the remote processors may be connected to each other through any type of network (e.g., CAN bus, etc.).

[0049] In another configuration, the sensor signal receiving circuitry 174a, the differential pressure determination circuitry 174b, the filter life determination circuitry 174c, and the fault determination circuitry 174d may be embodied as one or more circuitry components including, but not limited to, processing circuitry, network interfaces, peripheral devices, input devices, output devices, sensors, etc.

[0050] In some embodiments, the sensor signal receiving circuitry 174a, the differential pressure determination circuitry 174b, the filter life determination circuitry 174c, and the fault determination circuitry 174d may take the form of one or more analog circuits, electronic circuits (e.g., integrated circuits (IC), discrete circuits, system on a chip (SOCs) circuits, microcontrollers, etc.), telecommunication circuits, hybrid circuits, and any other type of “circuit.” In this regard, the sensor signal receiving circuitry 174a, the differential pressure determination circuitry 174b, the filter life determination circuitry 174c, and the fault determination circuitry 174d may include any type of component for accomplishing or facilitating achievement of the operations described herein. For example, a circuit as described herein may include one or more transistors, logic gates (e.g., NAND, AND, NOR, OR, XOR, NOT, XNOR, etc.), resistors, multiplexers, registers, capacitors, inductors, diodes, wiring, and so on.

[0051] Thus, the sensor signal receiving circuitry 174a, the differential pressure

determination circuitry 174b, the filter life determination circuitry 174c, and the fault determination circuitry 174d may also include programmable hardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable logic devices or the like. In this regard, the sensor signal receiving circuitry 174a, the differential pressure determination circuitry 174b, the filter life determination circuitry 174c, and the fault determination circuitry 174d may include one or more memory devices for storing instructions that are executable by the processor(s) of the sensor signal receiving circuitry 174a, the differential pressure determination circuitry 174b, the filter life determination circuitry 174c, and the fault determination circuitry 174d. The one or more memory devices and processor(s) may have the same definition as provided below with respect to the memory 174 and the processor 172.

[0052] In the example shown, the filter status module 170 includes the processor 172 and the memory 174. The processor 172 and the memory 174 may be structured or configured to execute or implement the instructions, commands, and/or control processes described herein with respect the sensor signal receiving circuitry 174a, the differential pressure determination circuitry 174b, the filter life determination circuitry 174c, and the fault determination circuitry 174d. Thus, the depicted configuration represents the aforementioned arrangement where the sensor signal receiving circuitry 174a, the differential pressure determination circuitry 174b, the filter life determination circuitry 174c, and the fault determination circuitry 174d are embodied as machine or computer-readable media. However, as mentioned above, this illustration is not meant to be limiting as the present disclosure contemplates other

embodiments such as the aforementioned embodiment where the sensor signal receiving circuitry 174a, the differential pressure determination circuitry 174b, the filter life determination circuitry 174c, and the fault determination circuitry 174d, or at least one circuit of the sensor signal receiving circuitry 174a, the differential pressure determination circuitry 174b, the filter life determination circuitry 174c, and the fault determination circuitry 174d are configured as a hardware unit. All such combinations and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0053] The processor 172 may be implemented as one or more general-purpose processors, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a digital signal processor (DSP), a group of processing components, or other suitable electronic processing components. In some embodiments, the one or more processors may be shared by multiple circuits (e.g., the sensor signal receiving circuitry 174a, the differential pressure determination circuitry 174b, the filter life determination circuitry 174c, and the fault determination circuitry 174d may comprise or otherwise share the same processor which, in some example embodiments, may execute instructions stored, or otherwise accessed, via different areas of memory). Alternatively, or additionally, the one or more processors may be structured to perform or otherwise execute certain operations independent of one or more co processors. In other example embodiments, two or more processors may be coupled via a bus to enable independent, parallel, pipelined, or multi -threaded instruction execution. All such variations are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0054] The memory 174 (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash Memory, hard disk storage, etc.) may store data and/or computer code for facilitating the various processes described herein. The memory 174 may be communicably connected to the processor 172 to provide computer code or instructions to the processor 172 for executing at least some of the processes described herein. Moreover, the memory 174 may be or include tangible, non-transient volatile memory or non volatile memory. Accordingly, the memory 174 may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described herein.

[0055] The sensor signal receiving circuitry 174a is disposed in the housing 171 and configured to wirelessly receive the inlet and outlet pressure signals from the first and second pressure sensors 110 and 120, respectively. For example, the sensor signal receiving circuitry 174a may include an RF receiver or Bluetooth receiver configured to receive wirelessly receive the inlet and outlet pressure signals. In some embodiments, the sensor signal receiving circuitry 174a may also be configured to selectively generate first and second pressure sensor activation signals for activating the first wireless transmitter 118 and the second wireless transmitter 128 respectively, for example, at predetermined time of the day, so as to receive the inlet and outlet pressure signals therefrom, respectively.

[0056] The differential pressure determination circuitry 174b is disposed in the housing 171. The differential pressure determination circuitry 174b is configured to determine the inlet pressure from the inlet pressure signal and determine the outlet pressure from the outlet pressure signal. Furthermore, the differential pressure determination circuitry 174b is configured determine the differential pressure across the filter element 10 based upon the inlet pressure and the outlet pressure, for example, a difference between the inlet pressure and the outlet pressure. The differential pressure corresponds to a pressure drop across the filter element 10, which is based on an amount of particle loading on the filter media of the filter element 10.

[0057] The filter operating parameter determination circuitry 174c is disposed in the housing 171 and configured to determine an operating parameter of the filter element 10 based on the differential pressure. In some embodiments, the operating parameter may comprise a remaining life of the filter element 10. For example, when the filter element 10 is new, it includes a filter media that is relatively free of particulate matter (i.e., has no particulate matter loading). The new filter element 10 may have a first pressure drop thereacross corresponding to 100% remaining life of the filter element 10. During operation, particulate matter accumulates on the filter media increasing the pressure thereacross, corresponding to a decrease in operational life of the filter element 10. In various embodiments, the filter life determination circuitry 174c may store algorithms, equations or lookup table configured to correlate the differential pressure to the remaining life of the filter element 10.

[0058] The communication interface 176 may include wireless interfaces (e.g., jacks, antennas, transmitters, receivers, communication interfaces, wire terminals, etc.) for conducting data communications with the components of the filter status module 170 and/or external components. In some embodiments, the communication interface 176 may be structured to communicate via local area networks or wide area networks (e.g., the Internet, etc.) and may use a variety of communications protocols (e.g., IP, LON, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BTLE), ZigBee, radio, cellular, near field communication, etc.) with external components, for example, a user device 50 or a cloud server 60. In other embodiments, the communication interface 176 may include a wired interface (e.g., a CAN bus, a serial interface, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface) to allow coupling of the filter status module 170 to the external component. In particular embodiments, the communication interface 176 may include a RF transmitter. In other embodiments, the communication interface 176 may include a Bluetooth transmitter.

[0059] The communication interface 176 is configured to indicate the remaining life of the filter element 10 to a user. For example, in some embodiments, the filter status module 170 may include a display 178 (e.g., an LED display, a LCD display, a dot matrix display, or any other suitable display) and the filter status module 170 may be configured to indicate the remaining life of the filter element 10 to the user on the display 178. In some embodiments, the display 178 may also be configured to display percent life remaining of the energy storage device 175, and/or the first energy storage device 114 and the second energy storage device 124, and/or any other data.

[0060] In other embodiments, the communication interface 176 is configured to generate a user device signal that is configured to indicate the remaining life of the filter element 10 on the user device 50. The user device 50 may include a mobile device (e.g., a cell phone, tablet, or laptop computer) including a graphical user interface on which the remaining life of the filter element is displayed (e.g., within a filter status monitoring application executable on the user device 50). Alternatively, or additionally, the communication interface 176 may be configured to generate a cloud server signal configured to communicate data corresponding to the inlet pressure signal, the outlet pressure signal, the differential pressure signal, and/or the remaining life of the filter element 10 to the cloud server 60, for example, a remote physical, or virtual server. In some embodiments, the cloud server 60 may also be configured to communicate signals to the filter status module 170 via the communication interface 176. Such signals may include, for example, updates to firmware, calibration data, user alerts, etc. [0061] In some embodiments, the filter status module 170 may also include a fault determination circuitry 174d configured to detect and indicate a malfunction of the filter element 10 to the user. The fault determination circuitry 174d may be configured to determine that the filter element 10 is plugged, in response to the differential pressure being greater than a first pressure threshold, and indicate to user that the filter element 10 is plugged (e.g., on the display 178, or communicate to the user device 50 or the cloud server 60 via the

communication interface 176).

[0062] For example, the first pressure threshold may correspond to less than 10% or less than 5% remaining life of the filter element 10 due to a high particulate matter loading on the filter media of the filter element 10, which plugs or blocks the pores of the filter media. This prompts the user to replace the plugged filter element 10 with a new filter element 10. In some embodiments, the filter status module 170 may be configured to detect that a new filter element has been installed, for example, due to the differential pressure based on the inlet and outlet pressures corresponding to a pressure drop across a new filter, or the user physically resetting the filter status module 170.

[0063] In some embodiments, the fault determination circuitry 174d may be configured to, in response to the differential pressure being less than a second pressure threshold, determine that the filter element 10 has failed and indicate to user that the filter element 10 is plugged (e.g., on the display 178, or communicate to the user device 50 or the cloud server 60 via the

communication interface 176). For example, in some instances, the filter media of the filter element 10 may crack, allowing the fluid to bypass the filter media. In such embodiments, the differential pressure may drop below the second pressure threshold (e.g., a minimum pressure drop that would be expected from a new filter or a differential pressure of approximately 0 psi) indicating that the filter element 10 has failed, that is indicated to the user by the fault determination circuitry 174d.

[0064] FIG. 5 is a schematic flow diagram of an example method 300 for wirelessly monitoring a status of a filter element included in a filtration system. The filtration system may include a subsystem of a vehicle. The filter element (e.g., the filter element 10, 20) includes an inlet (e.g., the inlet 12, 22) and an outlet (e.g., the outlet 14, 24). The method 300 includes fluidly coupling a first pressure sensor (e.g., the first pressure sensor 110) to an inlet (e.g., the inlet 12, 22) of the filter element, at 302. The first pressure sensor is configured to measure an inlet pressure of a fluid entering the filter element. The first pressure sensor includes a first wireless transmitter (e.g., first wireless transmitter 118) configured to generate an inlet pressure signal corresponding to the inlet pressure.

[0065] At 304, a second pressure sensor (e.g., the second pressure sensor 120) is fluidly coupled to the outlet (e.g., the outlet 14, 24) of the filter element. The second pressure sensor is configured to measure an outlet pressure of a fluid exiting the filter element. The second pressure sensor includes a second wireless transmitter (e.g., the second wireless transmitter 128) configured to generate an outlet pressure signal corresponding to the outlet pressure.

[0066] At 306, a filter status module (e.g., the filter status module 170) is positioned in a cab of a vehicle that includes the filtration system having the filter element. The filter status module is wirelessly coupled to the first and second pressure sensors (e.g., via RF or Bluetooth as previously described herein). The filter status module is configured to wirelessly receive the inlet and outlet pressure signals and display a remaining life of the filter element to the user, for example, on a display thereof. In various embodiments, the filter status module includes the filter status module 170.

[0067] It should be noted that the term“example” or“exemplary” as used herein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such term is not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

[0068] As used herein, the term“approximately” generally mean plus or minus 10% of the stated value. For example, about 0.5 would include 0.45 and 0.55, about 10 would include 9 to 11, about 1000 would include 900 to 1100.

[0069] As utilized herein, the terms“substantially’ and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise arrangements and /or numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the inventions as recited in the appended claims.

[0070] The terms“coupled,” and the like as used herein mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another.

[0071] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the various

embodiments presented herein are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Additionally, it should be understood that features from one embodiment disclosed herein may be combined with features of other embodiments disclosed herein as one of ordinary skill in the art would understand. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0072] While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any inventions or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular implementations of particular inventions. Certain features described in this specification in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.