Technical Background and Objectives
Background
The technical field of ‘engine brake improve performance’ related to ‘engine brake’ has shown an overall upward trend in patent applications over the years, indicating sustained research and development efforts. This trend suggests a strong market demand and commercial interest in enhancing engine brake technology, driven by factors such as fuel efficiency, emissions reduction, and safety considerations. In contrast, literature publications have remained relatively stable with a gradual increase, indicating that fundamental theoretical research may have reached a level of maturity.
Objectives
The primary objective is to investigate and develop innovative solutions to enhance the performance of engine brakes. This research aims to achieve higher braking efficiency, better control, and increased safety, particularly in demanding situations such as steep descents or emergency stops. Additionally, optimizing engine brake performance can reduce wear on the primary braking system, leading to lower maintenance costs and extended service life.
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Technical Current Status Analysis
Engine Brakes
Engine brakes, also known as compression release engine brakes or Jake brakes, are auxiliary braking systems used primarily in heavy-duty vehicles such as trucks, buses, and construction equipment. They improve braking performance, reduce wear on service brakes, and enhance safety.
Applications and Impact:
- Trucking Industry: Crucial for maintaining control and safety when hauling heavy loads or traveling on mountainous terrain.
- Construction and Mining: Essential for controlling heavy machinery on uneven or steep terrain.
- Noise Pollution: Increased noise levels are a concern in urban areas and residential neighborhoods, leading to regulations limiting their use.
Technical Characteristics and Challenges:
- Braking Force and Efficiency: Determined by factors like engine displacement, compression ratio, and the design of the compression release mechanism.
- Noise Levels: Engine brakes can produce significant noise due to the rapid opening and closing of exhaust valves.
- Integration with Other Braking Systems: Ensuring seamless integration with service brakes and other braking systems is crucial.
- Durability and Reliability: High stresses and temperatures can lead to wear and potential failure of components.
- Electronic Control and Monitoring: Modern engine brakes incorporate electronic control systems to optimize performance and provide diagnostic information.
Technological Paths:
- Advanced Materials and Coatings: Enhancing durability, wear resistance, and thermal stability.
- Noise Reduction Technologies: Implementing optimized valve timing, exhaust system modifications, and active noise cancellation.
- Integrated Braking System Control: Developing advanced control algorithms for seamless integration with other braking systems.
- Predictive Maintenance and Condition Monitoring: Enabling real-time monitoring of component wear and performance.
- Electrification and Hybrid Technologies: Integrating engine brakes with electrified or hybrid powertrain technologies for improved performance and energy recovery.
Research Content
Research Objectives
The primary objective is to develop innovative solutions to enhance the performance of engine brakes, focusing on advanced materials, noise reduction, integrated control systems, and predictive maintenance.
Research Direction and Focus
Engine Brake Design Optimization
- Comprehensive analysis of existing engine brake designs, including operating principles, components, and limitations.
- Use computational simulations, experimental testing, and iterative design iterations to optimize geometry, valve timing, and control mechanisms.
Advanced Control Strategies
- Investigate advanced control algorithms and strategies that adapt to varying operating conditions, vehicle dynamics, and driver inputs.
- Explore predictive control, model-based control, and intelligent control systems leveraging sensor data and machine learning techniques.
Integration with Existing Systems
- Develop solutions that can be effectively integrated with existing vehicle systems, such as primary braking systems, engine management systems, and electronic stability control.
- Study interactions between different systems, identify potential conflicts or synergies, and develop strategies for optimal coordination and control.
Technical Development Roadmap
Key Areas of Advancement
- Exhaust Brake Technologies: From constant throttle valve exhaust brakes to electric exhaust brake actuators.
- Compression Release Brake Technologies: From traditional Jacobs systems to integrated compression release and exhaust brake systems.
- Transmission Brake Technologies: From hydraulic to electric motor-assisted transmission retarders.
These advancements aim to improve vehicle safety, fuel efficiency, and reduce emissions. The integration of electronic control systems and electric motors enables precise and responsive braking, enhancing overall performance.
Main Player Analysis
Key Players and Focus
- Sathyabama University: Focus on alternative fuels and emissions reduction using biodiesels, nanoparticle additives, and advanced combustion modes.
- Toyota Motor Corp.: Extensive patents in advanced combustion strategies, fuel injection systems, and hybrid powertrain systems.
- Hyundai Motor Co. Ltd.: Research on advanced fuel injection systems, variable valve timing, and alternative fuels.
- Anna University: Research on biodiesels, nanoparticle additives, and advanced combustion modes.
- Ford Global Technologies LLC: Patents on advanced combustion strategies, fuel injection systems, and hybrid powertrain systems.
Current Technical Solution Overview
Engine Brake Control for Automatic Transmissions
Various methods and devices are disclosed for controlling the engine brake in vehicles with automatic transmissions, improving braking performance and preventing stalling or damage.
- Automatic Engine Brake Control: Techniques for automatically controlling engine parameters to enhance braking performance.
- Coordinated Control of Engine Brake and Transmission: Optimizing braking performance through coordinated control of engine brake and transmission.
- Adaptive Engine Brake Control: Adjusting engine brake parameters based on real-time driving conditions.
- Fail-Safe Engine Brake Control: Automatically engaging engine brakes in emergency situations for supplementary braking force.
Engine Brake Systems with Compression Release
These inventions utilize compression release mechanisms to enhance braking performance by selectively opening exhaust valves during the compression stroke.
- Compression Release Brake Systems: Generating braking force by releasing compressed air during the compression stroke.
- Improving Compression Release Brake Performance: Techniques to enhance braking force and vehicle control.
- Combined Engine Brake Systems: Combining compression release braking with other mechanisms for comprehensive braking capabilities.
- Control and Diagnostics of Compression Release Brakes: Utilizing advanced control systems and diagnostic tools.
Engine Brake Control Based on Operating Parameters
Methods and systems for controlling the engine brake based on various operating parameters to optimize braking performance and prevent engine damage.
- Engine Brake Control Based on Operating Parameters: Adjusting engine brake based on parameters like engine speed, load, and throttle position.
- Integration with Vehicle Service Brakes: Coordinating engine brake with vehicle’s service brakes for improved performance.
- Variable Control of Engine Decompression Brake: Modulating braking force based on driving conditions.
- Engine Brake Control for Automatic Transmissions: Providing appropriate braking force during downshifts or when the accelerator is released.
- Exhaust System Modifications: Enhancing performance through modifications like valve timing changes.
Integrated Engine Brake and Turbocharger Systems
Integrating the engine brake system with the turbocharger to improve braking performance and efficiency.
- Turbocharger Operation to Increase Brake Effectiveness: Adjusting turbocharger operation to enhance engine brake performance.
- Integration of Engine Brake and Turbocharger Systems: Coordinating turbocharger and engine brake for optimal performance.
- Turbocharger Design for Improved Engine Braking: Optimizing turbocharger components for better braking performance.
- Control Strategies for Engine Brake and Turbocharger Coordination: Advanced control strategies for coordinated operation.
- Turbocharger Braking Systems: Specialized braking systems integrated into turbochargers.
Methods for Improving Engine Brake Performance
Techniques and modifications to enhance the braking performance of engine brakes.
- Controlling Engine Parameters: Adjusting parameters to improve braking force.
- Integrating Engine Brake with Vehicle Brake Systems: Coordinated braking for enhanced performance.
- Monitoring and Testing Brake Performance: Techniques for evaluating and optimizing performance.
- Improving Lubrication and Engine Components: Enhancing lubrication and component durability.
- Controlling Noise and Emissions: Reducing noise and emissions during engine braking.
Key Patent Interpretation
Patent Highlights
Patent 1: Method and System for Engine Braking in an Internal Combustion Engine Using a Stroke Limited High Pressure Engine Brake
- Core Invention Points:
- Utilizing a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) to control exhaust back pressure.
- Controlling pressure gradient across the VGT turbine to avoid control instability.
- Extending the VGT variation range for wider application in braking and power operations.
Patent 2: Method and System for Engine Braking in an Internal Combustion Engine
- Core Invention Points:
- Using VGT to increase intake and exhaust manifold pressures.
- Recognizing advantages of bleeder brakes, such as lower valve actuation force and reduced noise.
- No additional data provided.
Patent 3: System for Controlling a Continuously Variable Transmission in Response to a Sensed Wheel Deceleration
- Core Invention Points:
- Utilizing drive wheel rotational condition for control input.
- Varying transmission ratio to reduce inertia torque.
- No additional data provided.
Possible Research Directions
- Engine Brake Control Strategies: Optimize performance by regulating parameters like exhaust valve timing, fuel injection, and air intake.
- Integration with Transmission Systems: Coordinate engine brake with transmission systems for efficient braking performance.
- Compression Release and Exhaust Brake Mechanisms: Enhance braking performance by releasing compressed air or restricting exhaust flow.
- Safety and Damage Prevention Systems: Incorporate systems to monitor and ensure safe braking performance, preventing engine or component damage.
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