Patent attributes
A microelectromechanical (MEM) fluid health sensing device comprises a viscosity sensor which provides an output that varies with the viscosity of a fluid in which it is immersed, and at least one other sensor which provides an output that varies with another predetermined parameter of the fluid. The viscosity sensor is preferably a MEM device fabricated by means of a “deep etch” process. The sensors are preferably integrated together on a common substrate, though they might also be fabricated separately and packaged together to form a hybrid device. A data processing means may be included which receives the sensor outputs and provides one or more outputs indicative of the health of the fluid. Sensor types which may be part of the present device include, for example, a temperature sensor, a MEM electrochemical sensor, a MEM accelerometer, a MEM contact switch lubricity sensor, and/or an inductive metallic wear sensor.
