System and method for estimating ring-related parameters

Abstract

A method for estimating at least one ring-related parameter associated with at least one piston ring may include estimating a bore deformation of a cylinder bore. The bore deformation may include a plurality of bore deformations corresponding to a plurality of corresponding piston positions within the cylinder bore. The method may also include receiving the bore deformation in a ring performance model, the ring performance model being configured to dynamically estimate a plurality of ring-related parameters associated with combustion in the cylinder bore during operation of an internal combustion engine. The ring performance model may be configured to receive a static data signal indicating a static parameter associated with operation of the internal combustion engine and a dynamic data signal indicating a dynamic parameter associated with operation of the internal combustion engine. The ring performance model may be configured to estimate at least one ring-related parameter associated with at least one piston ring during operation of the internal combustion engine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and method for estimating annulus related parameters, and more particularly, to a system and method for estimating annulus related parameters during operation of an internal combustion engine. Background Art

[0002] An internal combustion engine burns fuel and air to generate power. For example, in a reciprocating piston internal combustion engine, the internal combustion engine may include a cylinder block defining one or more cylinder bores, in each of which a piston may reciprocate during operation of the internal combustion engine. The piston and cylinder head may define a combustion chamber into which air and fuel may be supplied, burned and exhausted after combustion. The piston is coupled to a crankshaft, and combustion may force the piston down along the cylinder bore, resulting in torque being supplied to the crankshaft, which may be used to supply power for performing work. During repetition of the process, the piston may reciprocate within the cylinder bore. In order to improve efficiency and reduce undesirable emissions, one or more piston rings may be coupled to the piston to improve the sliding seal between the piston and the surface of the cylinder bore. When evaluating the operation of an internal combustion engine, it may be desirable to evaluate the performance of one or more piston rings, for example, during simulated operation of the internal combustion engine. However, some evaluations of internal combustion operation may lack the complexity sufficient to provide accurate results about one or more piston rings, thereby reducing the value of the evaluation.

[0003] An attempt to provide a method for determining blow-by gas species concentration is described in U.S. Patent No. 8,433,495 B2, issued on April 30, 2013 to Shieh et al. (the "'495 patent"). Specifically, the '495 patent describes a method for determining blow-by gas species concentration, the method comprising calculating one-dimensional engine performance data using a one-dimensional engine performance model. According to the '495 patent, the one-dimensional engine performance data can be based at least in part on engine operating conditions, and the one-dimensional engine performance data can be automatically transformed into piston ring motion data using a processor that executes a two-dimensional ring dynamics model. According to the '495 patent, the two-dimensional ring dynamics model simulates geometric changes in a piston ring pack flow path. The blow-by gas species concentration can be determined using a network model that includes the one-dimensional engine performance model and the two-dimensional ring pack model. According to the '495 patent, the two-dimensional ring pack model simulates species concentration changes in the piston ring pack flow path, and the '495 patent is intended to determine the blow-by gas species concentration using engine operating conditions and piston ring motion data.

[0004] Although the '495 patent purports to describe a two-dimensional ring dynamics model that simulates geometric changes in piston ring pack flow paths, the '495 patent may suffer from inaccuracies due to failure to accurately account for cylinder bore deformation. The systems and methods described herein may be directed to addressing one or more of the possible problems described above. Summary of the invention

[0005] A first aspect may include a computer-implemented method for estimating at least one ring-related parameter associated with at least one piston ring during operation of an internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine may include a cylinder block defining at least one cylinder bore having a cross-sectional shape and a cross-sectional size in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the cylinder bore. The method may include estimating a bore deformation indicating a difference between the cross-sectional shape and the cross-sectional size of the cylinder bore and an operating cross-sectional shape and an operating cross-sectional size of the cylinder bore during operation of the internal combustion engine. The bore deformation may include a plurality of bore deformations corresponding to a plurality of corresponding piston positions within the cylinder bore during operation of the internal combustion engine. The method may also include receiving the bore deformation in a ring performance model configured to dynamically estimate a plurality of ring-related parameters associated with combustion in the cylinder bore during operation of the internal combustion engine. The ring performance model may be configured to receive a bore deformation signal indicating the bore deformation, receive a static data signal indicating a static parameter associated with the internal combustion engine, and receive a dynamic data signal indicating a dynamic parameter associated with operation of the internal combustion engine. The ring performance model may also be configured to estimate at least one ring-related parameter associated with at least one piston ring during operation of the internal combustion engine based at least in part on at least one of the bore deformation, the static parameter, or the dynamic parameter.

[0006] Another aspect relates to a computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to estimate a bore deformation indicative of a difference between a cross-sectional shape and a cross-sectional size of a cylinder bore of an internal combustion engine and an operating cross-sectional shape and an operating cross-sectional size of the cylinder bore during operation of the internal combustion engine. The computer may be further caused to receive a bore deformation signal indicative of the bore deformation, receive a static data signal indicative of a static parameter associated with the internal combustion engine, and receive a dynamic data signal indicative of a dynamic parameter associated with operation of the internal combustion engine. The computer may be further caused to estimate at least one ring-related parameter associated with combustion in the cylinder bore during operation of the internal combustion engine based at least in part on at least one of the bore deformation, the static parameter, or the dynamic parameter.

[0007] According to another aspect, a system for estimating at least one ring-related parameter associated with at least one piston ring during operation of an internal combustion engine may include at least one processor configured to execute a ring performance model configured to dynamically estimate at least one ring-related parameter associated with at least one piston ring during operation of the internal combustion engine. The ring performance model may be configured to receive a bore deformation signal indicating bore deformation and estimate bore deformation indicating a difference between a cross-sectional shape and cross-sectional size of a cylinder bore of the internal combustion engine and an operating cross-sectional shape and operating cross-sectional size of the cylinder bore during operation of the internal combustion engine. The bore deformation may include a plurality of bore deformations corresponding to a plurality of corresponding piston positions within the cylinder bore during operation of the internal combustion engine. The ring performance model may be further configured to receive a static data signal indicating a static parameter associated with the internal combustion engine, receive a dynamic data signal indicating a dynamic parameter associated with operation of the internal combustion engine, and estimate at least one ring-related parameter associated with at least one piston ring during operation of the internal combustion engine based at least in part on at least one of the bore deformation, the static parameter, or the dynamic parameter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same reference numbers in different figures indicate similar or identical items.

[0009] Figure 1 is a partial schematic end cross-sectional view of an example internal combustion engine and a block diagram of an example system for estimating one or more ring-related parameters associated with one or more piston rings during operation of the internal combustion engine.

[0010] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an example architecture of an example computer system consistent with the example systems and methods described herein.

[0011] Figure 3 is a block diagram of an example system for estimating bore deformation indicative of a difference between a cross-sectional shape and a cross-sectional size of a cylinder bore of an internal combustion engine and an operating cross-sectional shape and an operating cross-sectional size of the cylinder bore during operation of the internal combustion engine.

[0012] Figure 4 is a top view of two different representations including a representation of an example cross-sectional shape and cross-sectional dimensions of a cylinder bore in an undeformed state and an example bore deformation estimate, each representation including an operating cross-sectional shape and an operating cross-sectional dimension of the cylinder bore during operation of an internal combustion engine.

[0013] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Partial cross-sectional perspective views of undeformed and deformed representations shown.

[0014] Figure 6 is a graph showing two example bore deformation estimates as a function of position along the length of the cylinder.

[0015] Figure 7 are graphs illustrating first and second example ring groove profiles of a first piston ring inner diameter based on first and second estimated bore deformations, respectively, as a function of crankshaft rotation.

[0016] Figure 8 is another graph illustrating first and second example ring groove profiles of a first piston ring outer diameter based on first and second estimated bore deformations, respectively, as a function of crankshaft rotation.

[0017] Fig. 9 is a block diagram of an example process for estimating one or more ring-related parameters associated with one or more piston rings during operation of an internal combustion engine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The present invention generally relates to a system and method for estimating one or more ring-related parameters associated with one or more piston rings during operation of an internal combustion engine. The ring-related parameters may include, but are not limited to, ring friction, ring wear, blowby, oil consumption, and / or the force to which the ring is subjected during operation of the internal combustion engine. In some examples, the ring-related parameters may be estimated using a computer-based model. The internal combustion engine (simulated or actual) may include a cylinder block defining one or more cylinder bores having a cross-sectional shape and a cross-sectional dimension in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder bore. In some examples, the cross-sectional dimension and the cross-sectional shape of the cylinder bore may define a substantially cylindrical inwardly facing surface in a substantially undeformed state in the longitudinal direction. During operation of the internal combustion engine, the one or more cylinder bores may deform, resulting in a difference between the cross-sectional shape and the cross-sectional dimension of the cylinder bore (e.g., in a substantially undeformed state) and the operating cross-sectional shape and the operating cross-sectional dimension of the cylinder bore during operation of the internal combustion engine, for example, as modeled by a computer-based model. Such deformation of the cylinder bore may affect one or more ring-related parameters estimated according to at least some examples of the systems and methods described herein. In some examples, the systems and methods may be used to estimate a bore deformation indicating a difference between a cross-sectional shape and a cross-sectional size of the cylinder bore (e.g., in a substantially undeformed state) and an operating cross-sectional shape and an operating cross-sectional size of the cylinder bore during operation of the internal combustion engine. In some examples, the bore deformation estimate may include a plurality of bore deformations corresponding to a plurality of corresponding piston positions within the cylinder bore during operation of the internal combustion engine. Estimating bore deformation according to at least some examples described herein may result in improved accuracy of estimates of one or more ring-related parameters.

[0019] Figure 1is a partial schematic end cross-sectional view of an example internal combustion engine 100 and a block diagram of an example system 102 for estimating one or more ring-related parameters 104 associated with one or more piston rings 106 during operation of the internal combustion engine 100 . Figure 1 The example partial internal combustion engine 100 shown is only one example, and the internal combustion engine 100 may be a compression ignition engine, a spark ignition engine, a homogeneous charge compression ignition engine, a two-stroke engine, a four-stroke engine, a six-stroke engine, or any type of internal combustion engine known to those skilled in the art.

[0020] Figure 1 The illustrated example internal combustion engine 100 includes a cylinder block 108 defining an example cylinder bore 110 defining a longitudinal axis X. Figure 1 A single cylinder bore 110 is shown, but it is contemplated that the internal combustion engine 100 may have a single or multiple cylinder banks, each cylinder bank including a single or multiple cylinder bores 110. Figure 1 As shown, the internal combustion engine 100 may include one or more intake manifolds 112 and one or more exhaust manifolds 114. The intake manifold 112 may be selectively fluidly connected to one or more cylinder bores 110 to provide an air-fuel mixture to each cylinder bore 110 for combustion. Fuel, such as diesel fuel, gasoline, alcohol, natural gas, mixtures thereof, and / or any known suitable fuel, may be injected into each cylinder bore 110 and combusted therein, for example, in a known manner. The exhaust manifold 114 may be selectively fluidly connected to one or more of the cylinder bores 110. Some examples of the internal combustion engine 100 may include a turbocharger system in fluid communication with the intake manifold 112 and in fluid communication with the exhaust manifold 114. The compressor of the turbocharger system may be driven by a turbine in fluid communication with the exhaust manifold 114 and may be configured to receive a compressible medium (e.g., such as ambient air) and compress the compressible medium. The compressor may be configured to supply compressed medium to the intake manifold 112 so that it may be used for combustion in one or more cylinder bores 110, for example, to increase the torque output and / or power output of the internal combustion engine 100. Some examples of the internal combustion engine 100 may also include an exhaust gas recirculation system that may be configured to control a mixture of compressed combustion gases received from a compressor of a turbocharger and exhaust gas recirculated from the exhaust gas recirculation system and may provide the mixture to the intake manifold 112.

[0021] During operation of some examples of the internal combustion engine 100, fuel (e.g., diesel fuel) may be injected into the cylinder bore 110 according to an ignition order and combusted when a piston 116 disposed within the cylinder bore 110 is at or near a top dead center position within the cylinder bore 110. Exhaust gas produced during the combustion process is allowed to flow (e.g., via the opening of an exhaust valve) from the corresponding cylinder bore 110 to an associated exhaust manifold 114. In some examples, the exhaust gas within the exhaust manifold 114 is allowed to flow to a turbine wheel of a turbine of a turbocharger system and rotatably drive the turbine wheel. The turbine may in turn rotatably drive a compressor of the turbocharger system via a shaft. Thereafter, in some examples, the exhaust gas may be discharged from the turbine to an exhaust aftertreatment system configured to reduce particulates and / or undesirable byproducts of the combustion process.

[0022] Figure 1 The example internal combustion engine 100 shown includes a crankshaft 118 rotatably supported in the cylinder block 108, for example, via one or more bearings coupled to the cylinder block 108. The example crankshaft 118 includes a crank pin 120 about which an aperture 122 in a connecting rod 124 is coupled and which rotates on a bearing 126 within the aperture 122 of the connecting rod 124 as the crankshaft 118 rotates through 360 degrees. The end of the connecting rod 124 opposite the crank pin 120 is rotatably coupled to the piston 116, for example, via a pin. Figure 1 The illustrated example cylinder bore 110 defines an example cylinder surface within which a piston 116 slides and reciprocates during operation of the internal combustion engine 100. In the illustrated example, the example cylinder bore 110 and the example piston 116 define a combustion chamber 128 that expands and contracts as the piston 116 reciprocates within the cylinder bore 110 during operation of the internal combustion engine 100.

[0023] The example internal combustion engine 100 also includes an intake valve 130 that is configured to open and provide flow communication with the combustion chamber 128 and allow air for combustion to enter the combustion chamber 128 via the intake manifold 112, and to close during the power stroke and / or the compression stroke to substantially seal the combustion chamber 128. The example internal combustion engine 100 may also include an exhaust valve 132 that is configured to open and provide flow communication between the combustion chamber 128 and the exhaust manifold 114 and allow combusted air and fuel to enter the exhaust manifold 114 after combustion, and to close during the power stroke and / or the compression stroke to substantially seal the combustion chamber 128. The example internal combustion engine 100 also includes a fuel injector 134 that is configured to selectively supply fuel to the combustion chamber 128, for example, in a substantially atomized form to promote uniform and / or efficient combustion.

[0024] In some examples, the piston 116 may be provided with one or more piston rings 106 received in corresponding circumferential grooves 138 on the outer surface of the piston 116, for example, forming a ring set 136. For example, Figure 1 The illustrated internal combustion engine 100 includes three piston rings 106, including a first piston ring 140, a second piston ring 142, and a third piston ring 144. Other numbers of piston rings 106 are contemplated. One or more piston rings 106 may be configured to provide a seal between the combustion chamber 128 and the crankcase of the internal combustion engine 100, which seal may provide a reservoir for receiving and retaining lubricant, improve heat transfer between the piston 116 and the cylinder block 108 through the cylinder bore 110, promote a proper amount of lubricant between the piston 116 and the cylinder bore 110, and / or promote lubricant from the surface of the cylinder bore 110 back to the crankcase, such as by wiping the lubricant down the cylinder bore 110 into the crankcase. In the illustrated example, the first piston ring 140 may be a compression ring, the second piston ring 142 may be a compression / wiping ring, and the third piston ring 144 may be an oil ring. Two or more piston rings 106 may together form a ring set 136.

[0025] According to some examples, during operation, during an intake stroke, the piston 116 may travel downward along the cylinder bore 110 (e.g., away from the intake valve 130) while the intake valve 130 is at least partially open and the exhaust valve 132 is substantially closed (e.g., but not necessarily completely closed) while the crankshaft 118 rotates, thereby drawing air into the combustion chamber 128. When the piston 116 reaches its lowest point (e.g., bottom dead center) in its travel downward along the cylinder bore 110, the intake valve 130 may close, and when the piston 116 reverses direction and travels back within the cylinder bore 110 toward the intake valve 130, a compression stroke may begin, thereby increasing the pressure in the combustion chamber 128. In some examples, when the piston 116 approaches or reaches the top of its stroke (e.g., top dead center) and / or shortly thereafter, the fuel injector 134 may be activated and supply fuel to the combustion chamber 128. In some examples (e.g., when the internal combustion engine 100 is part of a compression ignition engine), the temperature and / or pressure in the combustion chamber 128 can cause the mixture of fuel and air supplied to the combustion chamber 128 to ignite and combust, wherein the intake valve 130 and the exhaust valve 132 are closed (or substantially closed), essentially starting a power stroke, during which the piston 116 is forced away from the intake valve 130 and the exhaust valve 132 by the pressure in the combustion chamber 128, thereby driving the crankshaft 118 to rotate via its connection to the crankpin 120 of the crankshaft 118. After the piston 116 reaches the end of its downward stroke, the exhaust valve 132 can open, thereby providing flow communication between the combustion chamber 128 and the exhaust manifold 114. As the piston 116 travels toward the exhaust valve 132 during the exhaust stroke, the byproducts of the combustion air and fuel are pushed toward the exhaust manifold 114. This example cycle can be repeated, thereby generating torque and power.

[0026] Figure 1An example of a partially completed power stroke is shown, during which combustion occurs in the cylinder bore 110. Once combustion begins, the piston 116 and the cylinder bore 110 are subjected to elevated temperatures and pressures due to combustion. In addition, the cylinder bore 110 may be subjected to piston side loads. In some cases, the fasteners (e.g., bolts) that secure the different components of the internal combustion engine 100 together may apply compressive forces to the different components. For example, the cylinder head may be coupled to the cylinder block 108 via fasteners, and the fasteners may generate compressive forces that may cause the cylinder block 108 to deform or deform. In some examples, the varying temperature and pressure and / or compressive forces of the fasteners may result in, for example, deformation of one or more cylinder blocks 110, as explained herein. Such deformations may typically adversely affect the performance of the internal combustion engine 100, and / or more specifically, may adversely affect the performance of one or more piston rings 106. For example, the clearance between one or more piston rings 106 and the cylinder bore 110 may change due to bore deformation (e.g., by increasing and / or decreasing, depending on the location), thereby affecting the performance of one or more piston rings 106, for example, as indicated by one or more ring-related parameters 104.

[0027] like Figure 1 As schematically shown in FIG. 1 , one or more ring-related parameters 104 may be estimated (e.g., calculated) using a ring performance model 146, which may be an analytical model configured to estimate one or more ring-related parameters (e.g., ring-related performance parameters) based at least in part on one or more input parameters, which may be indicative of at least some components of a simulated internal combustion engine and / or an actual internal combustion engine. For example, the ring performance model 146 may be configured to receive a bore deformation 148, e.g., one or more bore deformation signals indicative of the bore deformation 148, static data 150 associated with the internal combustion engine 100, e.g., one or more signals indicative of static parameters associated with the internal combustion engine 100, and / or dynamic data 152, e.g., one or more signals indicative of dynamic parameters associated with operation of the internal combustion engine 100. Based at least in part on one or more of the bore deformation 148, the static data 150, or the dynamic data 152, the ring performance model 146 may be configured to estimate one or more ring-related parameters 104 associated with one or more piston rings 106 during operation (e.g., simulated and / or actual operation) of the internal combustion engine 100. For example, the ring-related parameters 104 may include ring friction, ring wear, blowby, oil consumption, and / or at least one ring force acting on one or more of the rings 106 .

[0028] As explained herein, the bore deformation 148 may indicate differences between the cross-sectional shape and cross-sectional dimensions of the cylinder bore 110 and the operational cross-sectional shape and operational cross-sectional dimensions of the cylinder bore 110 during operation (e.g., simulated and / or actual operation) of the internal combustion engine 100. In some examples, for example, as explained herein, the bore deformation 148 may include a plurality of bore deformations corresponding to a plurality of respective piston positions within the cylinder bore 110 during operation (e.g., simulated and / or actual operation) of the internal combustion engine 100. The bore deformation 148 may indicate differences in the surface of the cylinder bore 110, differences in the surface coating and / or treatment of the surface that at least partially defines the surface of the cylinder bore 110, and / or differences in the surface of the cylinder liner that at least partially defines the surface of the cylinder bore 110.

[0029] In some examples, static data 150 may include static parameters, which may include, for example, dimensions of at least one component of internal combustion engine 100, material-related properties of at least one component of internal combustion engine 100, and / or lubricant-related properties. For example, static parameters may include engine geometry (e.g., cylinder bore size (e.g., diameter), stroke (e.g., stroke length of piston 116), crankshaft axis to cylinder head distance, length of connecting rod 124), number of components, material properties of piston 116 and / or cylinder bore 110 surface (e.g., elastic modulus and / or density), material properties of one or more rings 106 (e.g., elastic modulus, density, thermal expansion coefficient, and / or hardness), lubricant properties (e.g., type and / or viscosity), piston deformation, mass of one or more rings 106, and / or measured end clearance. Other static parameters may be considered.

[0030] In some examples, the dynamic data 152 may include dynamic parameters, which may include, for example, operating conditions associated with the operation of the internal combustion engine 100 and / or at least one of a pressure or temperature associated with the operation of the internal combustion engine 100. For example, the dynamic parameters may include engine operating conditions (e.g., speed, rating, application, and / or load), cylinder pressure trajectory, and / or piston temperature. Other dynamic parameters may be considered. Such dynamic parameters may be measured and / or calculated in real time, may be accessed from a database, and / or may be simulated via computer modeling.

[0031] Figure 2 2 is a block diagram of an example architecture 200 of an example computer system 202 consistent with the example systems and methods described herein. Figure 2 As shown, an example computer system 202 (eg, used to execute one or more analytical models for estimating the hole deformation 148 and / or for estimating at least one ring-related parameter 104, etc.) Figure 1)) may include one or more processors 204, memory modules 206, databases 208, input / output interfaces 210, network interfaces 212, and / or memory 214. Computer system 202 may include fewer, additional, and / or other components.

[0032] The example processor 204 may include any suitable type of general purpose microprocessor, digital signal processor, or microcontroller. In some examples, the memory module 206 may include one or more memory devices, including, but not limited to, read-only memory, flash memory, dynamic random access memory, and / or static random access memory. In some examples, the memory module 206 may be configured to store information that can be used by the processor 204. In some examples, the database 208 may include any type of suitable database, including information related to, for example, characteristics of measured parameters, sensed parameters, mathematical models and / or thermodynamic models, and / or any other information related to the control and / or analysis of the operation of the internal combustion engine 100.

[0033] In addition, the input / output interface 210 can be configured to receive data from various sensors (e.g., physical sensors and / or virtual sensors associated with the virtual sensor network), and / or send data to these components. In some examples, the network interface 212 can include any appropriate type of network device capable of communicating with other computer systems, for example, based on one or more wired or wireless communication protocols. In some examples, the memory 214 may include any appropriate type of large-capacity memory configured to store any type of information accessible to the processor 204 for operation. For example, the memory 214 may include one or more hard disk devices, optical disk devices, and / or other storage devices to provide storage space. Any or all components of the example computer system 202 may be implemented and / or integrated into an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and / or a field programmable gate array (FPGA) device.

[0034] like Figure 2 As shown, the input / output interface 210 can communicate with one or more output devices 216 for providing one or more ring-related parameters 104, for example, as described herein. The output device 216 can be configured to display information related to the one or more ring-related parameters 104 and / or other information directly (e.g., as schematically depicted by arrows) or via the one or more networks. For example, the ring-related parameters 104 can be transmitted directly to the output device 216 via a hardwire connection, which can be an integrated part of a device associated with one or more processors (e.g., processor 204), can be located in the same general vicinity as the one or more processors (e.g., in the same room or same building), or can be located remote from the one or more processors, but communicate via a hardwire connection.

[0035] In some examples, the output device 216 may include a handheld device configured to be carried by a person. For example, the output device 216 may include any computer device, including a transceiver for sending and receiving signals, for example, via one or more networks. For example, the output device 216 may be configured to display a user interface configured to display a representation of the ring-related parameters 104. In some examples, the ring-related parameters 104 may be transmitted directly or via one or more networks to an output device at a service center, which may be, for example, a location where the condition, operation and / or maintenance of the internal combustion engine 100 can be monitored, or a location where service and / or maintenance of the internal combustion engine 100 can be performed, such as a location associated with the internal combustion engine 100, a manufacturer of a machine carrying the internal combustion engine 100, and / or a location associated with a third party responsible for fulfilling a service and / or maintenance contract associated with the internal combustion engine 100.

[0036] Figure 3 is a block diagram of an example system 300 for estimating a bore deformation 148 indicative of a difference between a cross-sectional shape and a cross-sectional size of a cylinder bore 110 of an internal combustion engine 100 and an operating cross-sectional shape and an operating cross-sectional size of the cylinder bore during operation of the internal combustion engine 100. In the example shown, the system 300 includes a bore deformation model 302 configured to estimate the bore deformation 148 associated with operation (e.g., actual operation and / or simulated operation) of the internal combustion engine. In some examples, the bore deformation model 302 may include an analytical model configured to estimate the bore deformation 148. In some examples, the analytical model may include a finite element analysis model, although other types of analytical models may be used. In some examples, the analytical model may include an analytical model trained, for example, via a machine learning engine configured to develop the bore deformation model 302. In some examples, such a machine learning engine may be Figure 2 The machine learning engine may be part of the same processor 204 shown, and in some examples, may be in one or more processors different from the one or more processors 204.

[0037] For example, Figure 3 As shown, the static data 150, the dynamic data 152, the thermal load 304, the cylinder pressure 306, and / or the piston side load 308 can be input to the bore deformation model 302. One or more of the static data 150, the dynamic data 152, the thermal load 304, the cylinder pressure 306, and / or the piston side load 308 can be at least similar to and / or derived from the information about the bore deformation model 302. Figure 1 and 2The aperture deformation model 302 may be derived from the corresponding parameters discussed. At least some of these parameters may be measured and / or calculated in real time, may be accessed from a database, and / or may be simulated via computer modeling. In some exemplary examples, the aperture deformation model 302 may estimate the aperture deformation 148 based at least in part on the parameters input into the aperture deformation model 302. In some such examples, a machine learning engine may be used to train the aperture deformation model 302, which may be configured to estimate the aperture deformation 148. In some examples, the machine learning engine may be used to train the aperture deformation model 302 via training data used as ground truth data, for example, to associate one or more parameters with the aperture deformation 148. In some examples, the training data may include data associated with a plurality of previous interactions and / or other feedback or interactions with the aperture deformation model 302, such as, for example, the aperture deformation 148 generated by the aperture deformation model 302.

[0038] In some examples, a confidence level can be associated with the estimated hole deformation 148, and the confidence level can provide an indication of a relative confidence in the accuracy of the estimated hole deformation 148. In some examples, the confidence level can be communicated to an output device (e.g., Figure 2 The output device 216 in the figure is used for display together with (or independently of) the hole deformation 148. In some examples, the machine learning engine can use one or more algorithms, such as supervised learning algorithms (e.g., artificial neural networks, Bayesian statistics, support vector machines, decision trees, random forests, classifiers, k-nearest neighbor algorithms, etc.), unsupervised learning algorithms (e.g., artificial neural networks, association rule learning, hierarchical clustering, cluster analysis, etc.), semi-supervised learning algorithms, deep learning algorithms, etc.

[0039] like Figure 3 As shown, in some examples, the bore deformation model 302 can be configured to receive one or more of the static data 150, the dynamic data 152, the thermal load 304, the cylinder pressure 306, or the piston side load 308, and determine, at 310, a bore deformation 312 (e.g., incremental bore deformation) at each of a plurality of piston positions D in the cylinder bore 110. For example, as Figure 3 As shown, the bore deformation model 302 may determine the bore deformation 312 of the piston 116 at each of a plurality of positions D in the cylinder bore 110 (e.g., at D1, D2, D3, ... Dn). In some examples, the piston position D may be related to the crankshaft angle. In some examples, such as Figure 3 As shown, at 314, the hole deformation model 302 may combine the hole deformation 312 determined at 310 to estimate the hole deformation 316, which may correspond to, for example, the hole deformation 316 described herein. Figure 1 and 2Bore deformation 148 is shown. Thus, in some examples, bore deformation 148 may include a plurality of bore deformations corresponding to a plurality of respective piston positions within cylinder bore 110 during operation of internal combustion engine 100 (eg, during simulated and / or actual operation of internal combustion engine 100).

[0040] For example, in at least some examples, the bore deformation model 302 may be configured to combine a plurality of operating cross-sectional shape segments and a plurality of operating cross-sectional size segments to define a bore deformation surface that indicates bore deformation at least partially through at least one stroke (e.g., between bottom dead center and top dead center) of the piston 116 within the cylinder bore 110. For example, estimating the bore deformation 148 may include estimating a plurality of operating cross-sectional shapes and a plurality of operating cross-sectional sizes of the cylinder bore 110 at each of a plurality of crankshaft angles at least partially through at least one stroke of the piston 116 during operation of the internal combustion engine, and combining the plurality of operating cross-sectional shapes and the plurality of operating cross-sectional sizes to define a bore deformation surface for each of the plurality of crankshaft angles that indicates the bore deformation 148 at least partially through at least one stroke.

[0041] For example, for a four-stroke internal combustion engine, the bore deformation 148 may be estimated through 720 degrees of crankshaft rotation and corresponding piston motion, for example, to account for differences in bore deformation through each of the intake stroke, compression stroke, expansion (or power) stroke, and exhaust stroke. Due to differences in one or more aspects of engine load, temperature, pressure, piston side load, etc., the bore deformation 148 may vary depending on the stroke of the internal combustion engine 100 and the position D of the piston 116 within the cylinder bore 110 during each stroke. In some examples, the bore deformation model 302 may be configured to account for at least some of these differences in order to provide a relatively more accurate estimate of the bore deformation. For a two-stroke internal combustion engine, the bore deformation 148 may be estimated through 360 degrees of crankshaft rotation. Internal combustion engines operating according to different cycles are considered, and therefore, in some examples, the bore deformation model 302 may be configured to account for differences resulting from at least some of these cycles. In some examples, estimating one or more ring-related parameters 104 may include estimating one or more ring-related parameters 104 based at least in part on at least some of the bore deformation surfaces.

[0042] Figure 4 and Figure 5A top view and a perspective view, respectively, include a first representation 400 of an example cross-sectional shape and an example cross-sectional size of a cylinder bore 110 in an undeformed state, and second and third different representations 402 and 404 including example first estimated bore deformations 148A and second estimated bore deformations 148B, respectively, each including an operational cross-sectional shape and an operational cross-sectional size of the cylinder bore 110 during operation of the internal combustion engine 100 (e.g., during simulation and / or actual operation). The second and third representations 402 and 404 of the estimated first and second bore deformations 148A and 148B are not to scale relative to the first representation 400 of the undeformed cylinder bore 110, but are shown in a manner that highlights example differences between the first representation 400 and the second and third representations 402 and 404. The second and third representations 402 and 404 of the respective estimated bore deformations 148A and 148B are depicted in a manner that highlights example differences between the first estimated bore deformation 148A and the second estimated bore deformation 148B, which are determined according to different example estimation processes discussed below.

[0043] like Figure 4 As shown, the first representation 400 shows an example cylinder bore 110 defining a substantially cylindrical inwardly facing surface having a substantially constant cross-sectional shape (e.g., circular) and a substantially constant cross-sectional size regardless of a longitudinal position D along the axis X of the cylinder bore 110. In contrast, the second representation 402 depicting the example first estimated bore deformation 148A and the third representation 404 depicting the example second estimated bore deformation 148B have cross-sectional shapes that vary with the longitudinal position D (see FIG. Figure 4 ) and cross-sectional dimensions, resulting in the corresponding surface of the cylindrical hole 110 being different from the roughly cylindrical surface of the first representation 400.

[0044] For example, different estimation techniques may be used to determine the first estimated bore deformation 148A and the second estimated bore deformation 148B. For example, the first estimated bore deformation 148A may be determined using a finite element analysis technique that estimates the bore deformation 148A based at least in part on deformation of the cylinder bore 110 caused by (1) an average temperature of a portion of the cylinder block 108 defining the cylinder bore 110 during operation of the internal combustion engine 100 and (2) compression forces induced on the cylinder block 108 by fasteners securing the cylinder head to the cylinder block 108, but not based on any changes in the combustion chamber 128 caused, for example, by simulated or actual operation of the internal combustion engine 100. For example, the first estimate of the bore deformation 148A does not take into account deformation caused by changing conditions during an intake stroke, changing conditions during a compression stroke, changing conditions during an expansion or power stroke, and / or changing conditions during an exhaust stroke. Such changing conditions may include, for example, changes in pressure in the combustion chamber 128, changes in heat load in the combustion chamber 128, changes in temperature in the combustion chamber 128, and / or changing piston side loads during one or more piston strokes. In contrast, in some examples, the second estimated bore deformation 148B may be determined via a bore deformation model 302 that estimates the second bore deformation 148B based at least in part on one or more of the following: temperature of a portion of a cylinder block 108 defining the cylinder bore 110 during operation of the internal combustion engine 100, deformation of the cylinder bore 110 caused by compressive forces on the cylinder block 108 caused by fasteners securing the cylinder head to the cylinder block 108, any of one or more changes in the combustion chamber 128 caused by simulated or actual operation of the internal combustion engine 100 (e.g., changing conditions during an intake stroke, changing conditions during a compression stroke, changing conditions during an expansion or power stroke, and / or changing conditions during an exhaust stroke). Such changing conditions may include, for example, changes in pressure in the combustion chamber 128, changes in heat loads in the combustion chamber 128, changes in temperature in the combustion chamber 128, and / or changing piston side loads during one or more piston strokes. In some examples, for example, for one or more strokes of the piston 116 within the cylinder bore 110, the bore deformation model 302 may estimate the bore deformation (e.g., incremental bore deformation) at each of a plurality of longitudinal positions D along the length of at least a portion of the cylinder bore 110. In some examples, the bore deformation of each of the plurality of estimates may be combined to estimate a second bore deformation 148B, and in some examples, the resulting second estimated bore deformation 148B may be different for one or more strokes of the piston 116 within the cylinder bore 110. In at least some examples, the second estimated bore deformation 148B may be relatively more accurate than the first estimated bore deformation 148B.

[0045] like Figure 4 and 5As shown, the first estimated bore deformation 148A includes a lateral deformation 406A that causes the cylinder bore 110 to have a substantially elliptical cross-section relative to the first representation 400 of the undeformed cylinder bore 110. In the example shown, the first lateral deformation 406A increases at an upper end 408A of the cylinder bore 110. In contrast, relative to the example first estimated bore deformation 148A, the example second estimated bore deformation 148B includes a more significant second lateral deformation 406B extending from one lateral end 410 of the second estimated bore deformation 148B, which is more significant at a lower end 412 of the second estimated bore deformation 148B (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 5 ). In addition, the example second estimated hole deformation 148B also includes an inwardly extending deformation 414 at the lower end 412 of the second estimated hole deformation 148B, which is largely absent in the first estimated hole deformation 148A. Similar to the example first estimated hole deformation 148A, the example second estimated hole deformation 148B includes a flaring deformation 416 at the upper end 418 of the second estimated hole deformation 148B. Other differences (and / or other similarities) are considered between the first estimated hole deformation 148A and the second estimated hole deformation 148B. In some examples, there may be significant differences between the first estimated hole deformation 148A and the second estimated hole deformation 148B, for example, due to differences between the methods used to estimate the first and second hole deformations 148A and 148B.

[0046] Figure 6 1 is a graph showing example first and second estimated bore deformations 148A and 148B as a function of position D along the length of the cylinder bore 110. The example first and second estimated bore deformations 148A and 148B are each shown as average values ​​around the circumference of the cylinder bore 110 (e.g., as Figure 4 As shown in , the first and second estimated bore deformations 148A and 148B may be different at different circumferential locations around the circumference of the cylinder bore 110. Figure 6 As shown, the first and second estimated aperture deformations 148A and 148B may have similar profiles, but the example second estimated aperture deformation 148B generally has a greater deformation magnitude than the example first estimated aperture deformation 148A.

[0047] Figure 7 is a graph 700 illustrating first and second example ring groove profiles 702 and 704 of an inner diameter of a first piston ring (eg, first piston ring 140 ) based on first and second estimated bore deformations 148A and 148B, respectively, as a function of crankshaft rotation. Figure 88 is a graph 800 showing a first example ring groove profile 802 and a second example ring groove profile 804 of a first piston ring (e.g., first piston ring 140) outer diameter based on a first estimated bore deformation 148A and a second estimated bore deformation 148B, respectively, as a function of crankshaft rotation. In some examples, one or more of the ring groove profiles 702 or 802 may be estimated at least in part based on the first estimated bore deformation 148A via the ring performance model 146, and one or more of the ring groove profiles 704 or 804 may be estimated at least in part based on the second estimated bore deformation 148B via the ring performance model 146. Figure 7 As shown, graph 700 indicates that the axial position of the first ring inner diameter calculated using the first estimated bore deformation 148A does not indicate as much upward movement relative to the piston groove during the intake stroke as the axial position of the first ring inner diameter calculated using the second estimated bore deformation 148B. Figure 8 As shown, graph 800 indicates that the axial position of the first ring outer diameter calculated using the first estimated bore deformation 148A does not indicate as much upward movement relative to the piston groove during the intake stroke as the axial position of the first ring outer diameter calculated using the second estimated bore deformation 148B. In some cases, this movement can be an important ring-related parameter.

[0048] Fig. 9 An example process 900 for estimating at least one ring-related parameter associated with at least one piston ring during operation of an internal combustion engine is shown. The process 900 is shown as a logical flow diagram, the operations of which represent a sequence of operations that can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof. In the context of software, these operations represent computer-executable instructions stored on one or more computer-readable storage media that, when executed by one or more processors, perform the operations. In general, computer-executable instructions include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform specific functions or implement specific data types. The order in which the operations are described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described operations may be combined in any order and / or in parallel to implement the process.

[0049] Fig. 9A flow chart of an example process 900 for estimating at least one ring-related parameter associated with at least one piston ring during operation of an internal combustion engine is shown. At 902, the example process 900 may include estimating a bore deformation indicating a difference between a cross-sectional shape and a cross-sectional size of a cylinder bore and an operating cross-sectional shape and an operating cross-sectional size of the cylinder bore during operation of the internal combustion engine. For example, a system for estimating bore deformation may include a bore deformation model configured to receive a static data signal indicating a static parameter associated with the internal combustion engine, a dynamic data signal indicating a dynamic parameter associated with operation of the internal combustion engine, a thermal load signal indicating a thermal load associated with operation of the internal combustion engine, a cylinder pressure signal indicating a pressure in a cylinder bore of the internal combustion engine during operation, and / or a piston side load signal indicating a piston side load associated with operation of the internal combustion engine. Based on one or more of the received signals, the bore deformation model may be configured to determine a bore deformation associated with operation of the internal combustion engine, for example, as described herein.

[0050] In some examples, estimating at least one ring-related parameter associated with at least one piston ring during operation of the internal combustion engine may include estimating an operating cross-sectional shape and an operating cross-sectional size of the cylinder bore for each of a plurality of crankshaft angles at least partially through at least one stroke of the piston to determine a plurality of operating cross-sectional shape segments and a plurality of operating cross-sectional size segments. For example, estimating bore deformation may further include combining a plurality of operating cross-sectional shape segments and a plurality of operating cross-sectional size segments to define a bore deformation surface indicating bore deformation at least partially through at least one stroke. In some examples, estimating the bore deformation may further include combining the plurality of operating cross-sectional shapes and the plurality of operating cross-sectional sizes to define, for each of the plurality of crankshaft angles, a bore deformation surface indicating the bore deformation at least partially through the at least one stroke. In some examples, estimating bore deformation may include estimating an operating cross-sectional shape and an operating cross-sectional size of the cylinder bore for each of a plurality of crankshaft angles through at least two strokes of the piston (e.g., through at least four strokes of the piston).

[0051] At 904, the example process 900 may include receiving a bore deformation signal indicative of bore deformation. For example, a system for estimating ring-related parameters may include a ring performance model configured to estimate one or more ring-related parameters associated with operation of the internal combustion engine. In some examples, the ring performance model may be in communication with the bore deformation model and may receive the bore deformation signal from the bore deformation model, for example, directly or indirectly via a network.

[0052] At 906, the example process 900 may include receiving a static data signal indicative of a static parameter associated with the internal combustion engine. For example, the static parameter may include, for example, a dimension of at least one component of the internal combustion engine, a material-related property of at least one component of the internal combustion engine, and / or a lubricant-related property. In some examples, the ring performance model may receive the static data signal, for example, from a user input device and / or from a hole deformation model.

[0053] At 908, the example process 900 may also include receiving a dynamic data signal indicating a dynamic parameter associated with the operation of the internal combustion engine. For example, the dynamic parameters may include, for example, operating conditions associated with the operation of the internal combustion engine and / or pressures and / or temperatures associated with the operation of the internal combustion engine. In some examples, the ring performance model may receive a static data signal, for example, from a user input device and / or from a hole deformation model.

[0054] At 910, the example process 900 may include estimating at least one ring-related parameter associated with at least one piston ring during operation of the internal combustion engine. For example, the ring performance model may be configured to estimate ring friction, ring wear, blowby, oil consumption, and / or at least one ring force, for example, based at least in part on the bore deformation, static parameters, and / or dynamic parameters. In some examples, the ring performance parameter may be estimated over a full range of crankshaft angles and / or longitudinal piston positions with respect to the cylinder bore. For example, the ring performance parameter may be estimated over a single piston stroke, a double piston stroke, or over four or more piston strokes.

[0055] Industrial Applicability

[0056] The systems and methods described herein can be used to estimate ring-related parameters associated with piston rings during actual or simulated operation of an internal combustion engine. The ring-related parameters may include, but are not limited to, ring friction, ring wear, blowby, oil consumption, and / or the forces to which the rings are subjected during operation of the internal combustion engine. In some examples, the ring-related parameters may be estimated using a computer-based model configured to simulate the operation of at least a portion of the internal combustion engine. The estimated ring-related parameters may be used to design components and / or control aspects associated with the operation of the internal combustion engine, for example to improve performance, increase efficiency, and / or reduce emissions.

[0057] In some examples, the systems and methods may be used to estimate bore deformation associated with a cylinder bore of an internal combustion engine. In at least some examples, estimating bore deformation may improve the accuracy of estimating ring-related parameters, for example, because bore deformation may affect clearance between a corresponding piston ring and the cylinder bore, which in turn may affect, for example, compression, ring friction, ring wear, blowby, oil consumption, etc. during operation of the internal combustion engine.

[0058] In some examples, a simulated or actual internal combustion engine may include a cylinder block defining a cylinder bore having a cross-sectional shape (e.g., a substantially constant circular shape) and a cross-sectional size (e.g., a substantially constant cross-sectional size) in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of a corresponding cylinder bore. In some examples, the cross-sectional size and cross-sectional shape of the cylinder bore may define a substantially cylindrical inwardly facing surface in a substantially undeformed state in the longitudinal direction. During operation of the internal combustion engine, these cylinder bores may deform, resulting in a difference between the cross-sectional shape and cross-sectional size of the cylinder bore (e.g., in a substantially undeformed state) and the operating cross-sectional shape and operating cross-sectional size of the cylinder bore during operation of the internal combustion engine, for example, as modeled by a computer-based model. Such deformation of the cylinder bore may affect the ring-related parameters estimated according to at least some examples of the systems and methods described herein. In some examples, the systems and methods may be used to estimate the bore deformation, and the bore deformation estimate may include a combination of multiple bore deformations corresponding to multiple corresponding piston positions within the cylinder bore during operation of the internal combustion engine. Estimating hole deformation according to at least some examples described herein may result in improved accuracy of estimates of ring-related parameters.

[0059] Although various aspects of the present invention have been specifically shown and described with reference to the above examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by modifications to the disclosed devices, systems, and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. These embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present invention as determined based on the claims and any equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method for estimating at least one ring-related parameter associated with at least one piston ring during operation of an internal combustion engine, the internal combustion engine comprising a cylinder block defining a cylinder bore having a cross-sectional shape and a cross-sectional dimension in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the cylinder bore, the computer-implemented method comprising: determining an estimated bore deformation indicative of a difference between a cross-sectional shape and a cross-sectional size of the cylinder bore and an operational cross-sectional shape and an operational cross-sectional size of the cylinder bore during operation of the internal combustion engine, wherein determining the estimated bore deformation comprises: determining the bore deformation at each of a plurality of piston positions within the cylinder bore during operation of the internal combustion engine; and determining the estimated bore deformation by combining the bore deformation at each of the plurality of piston positions; The estimated bore deformation is received in a ring performance model configured to dynamically estimate a plurality of ring-related parameters associated with combustion in the cylinder bore during operation of the internal combustion engine, the ring performance model configured to: receiving an aperture deformation signal indicative of the estimated aperture deformation; receiving a static data signal indicative of a static parameter associated with the internal combustion engine; receiving a dynamic data signal indicative of a dynamic parameter associated with operation of the internal combustion engine; and At least one ring-related parameter associated with at least one piston ring during operation of the internal combustion engine is estimated based at least in part on at least one of: the estimated bore deformation, the static parameter, or the dynamic parameter.

2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein determining the estimated hole deformation comprises: An operating cross-sectional shape and an operating cross-sectional size of the cylinder bore are estimated for each of a plurality of crankshaft angles at least in part through at least one stroke of the piston to determine a plurality of operating cross-sectional shape segments and a plurality of operating cross-sectional size segments.

3. The computer-implemented method of claim 2 , wherein determining the estimated hole deformation further comprises combining the plurality of operating cross-sectional shape segments and the plurality of operating cross-sectional size segments to define a hole deformation surface that indicates the estimated hole deformation at least in part through the at least one stroke.

4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein determining the estimated hole deformation comprises: estimating a plurality of operating cross-sectional shapes and a plurality of operating cross-sectional dimensions of the cylinder bore at each of a plurality of crankshaft angles at least partially through at least one stroke of a piston during operation of the internal combustion engine; as well as The plurality of operating cross-sectional shapes and the plurality of operating cross-sectional sizes are combined to define, for each of the plurality of crankshaft angles, a bore deformation surface indicative of the estimated bore deformation at least partially through the at least one stroke. 5 . The computer-implemented method of claim 4 , wherein estimating the at least one ring-related parameter comprises estimating the at least one ring-related parameter based at least in part on at least some of the hole deformation surfaces. 6 . The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein determining the estimated bore deformation comprises estimating the operating cross-sectional shape and the operating cross-sectional size of the cylinder bore for each of a plurality of crankshaft angles through at least two strokes of a piston.

7. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the static parameter comprises at least one of: a dimension of at least one component of the internal combustion engine, a material-related property of at least one component of the internal combustion engine, or a lubricant-related property.

8. The computer implemented method of claim 1, wherein the dynamic parameter comprises at least one of operating conditions associated with operation of the internal combustion engine.

9. The computer-implemented method of claim 8, wherein the dynamic parameter comprises at least one of a pressure or a temperature associated with operation of the internal combustion engine.

10. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein estimating the at least one ring-related parameter associated with the at least one piston ring during operation of the internal combustion engine comprises estimating at least one of: ring friction, ring wear, blowby, oil consumption, or at least one ring force.

11. A system for estimating at least one ring-related parameter associated with at least one piston ring during operation of an internal combustion engine, the system comprising: at least one processor configured to execute a ring performance model configured to dynamically estimate at least one ring-related parameter associated with at least one piston ring during operation of the internal combustion engine, the ring performance model configured to: determining an estimated bore deformation indicative of a difference between a cross-sectional shape and a cross-sectional size of a cylinder bore of an internal combustion engine and an operational cross-sectional shape and an operational cross-sectional size of the cylinder bore during operation of the internal combustion engine, wherein determining the estimated bore deformation comprises: determining the bore deformation at each of a plurality of piston positions within the cylinder bore during operation of the internal combustion engine; and determining the estimated bore deformation by combining the bore deformation at each of the plurality of piston positions; receiving an aperture deformation signal indicative of the estimated aperture deformation; receiving a static data signal indicative of a static parameter associated with the internal combustion engine; receiving a dynamic data signal indicative of a dynamic parameter associated with operation of the internal combustion engine; and At least one ring-related parameter associated with at least one piston ring during operation of the internal combustion engine is estimated based at least in part on at least one of: the estimated bore deformation, the static parameter, or the dynamic parameter.

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