Adaptive Engine Start-Stop Control for Varying Stop Events

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing engine start-stop control logic in vehicles is not optimized for varying stop locations, durations, and payload changes along a route, leading to suboptimal fuel efficiency and performance due to assumptions based on predetermined conditions.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that determine stop event types, allowing the controller to adjust engine start-stop parameters based on location and payload changes, using inputs like route data, payload tracking, and GPS, to deviate from nominal control logic for mission-related stops, extending or shortening engine stop duration, and adjusting energy consumption parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If nominal engine start-stop control logic is used to optimize fuel efficiency for traffic-related stop events, then fuel efficiency is improved under predetermined assumptions, but performance deteriorates when actual stop locations, durations, or payload differ from assumptions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel efficiencyVSAvoidadaptability to varying stop conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The engine start-stop control logic transitions from static nominal parameters to dynamic parameters that adapt in real-time based on actual stop conditions. The controller continuously monitors stop event type, location, duration, and vehicle payload to dynamically adjust engine stop duration and restart timing, enabling the system to optimize fuel efficiency for each specific stop condition rather than relying on predetermined assumptions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes control parameters (engine stop duration, restart timing) based on varying operating conditions. When stop conditions differ from nominal assumptions—such as longer mission-related stops, different payload weights, or varying stop locations—the controller adjusts parameters to maintain optimal fuel efficiency and performance for each unique scenario.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If engine start-stop control is optimized for traffic-related stop events with brief durations, then fuel efficiency is improved for common stop scenarios, but performance deteriorates for mission-related stop events with longer durations or payload variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel efficiency for common stop scenariosVSAvoidperformance consistency across different stop types

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control system applies different optimization strategies tailored to specific stop event types. For traffic-related stops, the system uses one set of control parameters optimized for brief durations, while for mission-related stops involving payload pick-up or drop-off, the system switches to alternative parameters optimized for longer durations and varying vehicle mass, ensuring reliable performance across all stop scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The controller dynamically identifies the stop event type and switches between different control logic modes accordingly. This dynamic adaptation ensures that the most appropriate control strategy is applied to each stop scenario, maintaining both high fuel efficiency for common traffic stops and reliable performance for less frequent mission-related stops.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If predetermined assumptions about stop durations and vehicle payload are used for engine start-stop control calibration, then control logic is simplified and easier to implement, but fuel efficiency deteriorates when actual conditions deviate from assumptions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol logic complexityVSAvoidfuel efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback from multiple sensors and systems (GPS for location, payload tracking system for mass, stop event type identification) to continuously monitor actual operating conditions. This feedback enables the controller to detect deviations from nominal assumptions and adjust engine control parameters in real-time, maintaining optimal fuel efficiency without requiring excessively complex predetermined control logic for every possible scenario.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control system integrates multiple functions into a unified engine start-stop control architecture. A single controller handles both traffic-related and mission-related stop events, adjusts parameters for varying payload conditions, and optimizes fuel efficiency across diverse operating scenarios, reducing the need for separate specialized control logic for each stop type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3595952B1Controlling a vehicle equipped with engine start-stop control logic in response to vehicle stop event type

Publication Date: 2022.01.12 CUMMINS INC

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AI summary

Controls for improved performance of a vehicle equipped with start-stop control logic are disclosed. Deviation from nominal engine start-stop control logic for the internal combustion engine occurs when a predetermined mission related type of stop event will occur or is occurring that is different from other stop event types that are controlled by the nominal engine start-stop control logic. At least one of a location and a payload associated with the mission related stop event type is provided as an input to the controller before the vehicle arrives at the stop event so that operating parameters of the vehicle are controlled accordingly.