Acoustic Pressure Sensor for Power Train Parameter Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power train control systems face challenges in accurately measuring complex parameters like turbosupercharger rotation speed, requiring either expensive laboratory instruments or unreliable high-cost sensors, making them impractical for mass production.
Innovation Solution
A power train control system utilizing an acoustic pressure sensor separate from the engine block to process pressure waves and determine operating parameters, such as turbosupercharger speed, without direct mechanical or thermal stress, allowing for cost-effective and reliable measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If expensive laboratory instruments or invasive high-cost sensors are used to measure power train parameters accurately, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase making them impractical for mass production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems (laboratory instruments, invasive sensors) with an acoustic measurement system using microphones and signal processing. Acoustic waves generated by the power train components are captured and analyzed to determine rotation speeds and operational parameters, eliminating the need for direct mechanical contact or complex sensor assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic waves as an intermediary medium to transfer information about power train component operation. Instead of directly measuring mechanical parameters with complex sensors, the system uses sound waves to indirectly detect and transmit information about component speeds and operational states, simplifying the measurement system while maintaining accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If invasive high-cost sensors are installed to measure parameters like turbosupercharger rotation speed, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential sensor failures and mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical sensors that physically contact rotating components with acoustic sensors positioned remotely. Microphones capture sound waves generated by the turbosupercharger and other components, allowing non-invasive measurement that eliminates mechanical wear, contact failures, and thermal stress on sensors while maintaining measurement precision.
3Ease of operation
If control units are housed close to the engine in the engine compartment, then ease of operation is improved, but the control unit is exposed to mechanical and thermal stress reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control unit from the harsh engine compartment environment while maintaining system functionality. By relocating the control unit to a protected location and using acoustic signal transmission, the system separates the sensitive electronic control elements from mechanical and thermal stress sources while preserving ease of operation through wireless or shielded communication channels.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate and cost-effective monitoring of power train parameters, eliminating the need for expensive sensors and ensuring reliable operation without mechanical or thermal stress on the control unit.
Implementation Method 1
at least one acoustic pressure sensor (21a) housed in said control unit (20) to process pressure waves and determine the value of at least one operating parameter of said power train (1)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A method and system (19) for controlling an internal combustion power train (1), whereby the values of various operating parameters of the power train (1) are measured by means of a number of sensors (21), and operation of the engine (2) is monitored by means of at least one control unit (20), which is physically separate from the engine block (22) and connected to the sensors (21); at least one pressure sensor (21a) is housed in the control unit (20), is physically separate from the engine block (22), and determines the intensity of pressure waves generated by the power train (1); and the control unit (20) determines the value of at least one operating parameter of the power train (1) as a function of the intensity of the pressure waves generated by the power train (1).