Adaptive Throttle Position Prediction for Engine Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for predicting the position of a throttle valve in internal combustion engines are inefficient, especially for long horizons and variables with non-linear evolutions, as they rely on frozen phenomena and current measurements, leading to inaccurate pressure predictions.

Innovation Solution

A method that measures the throttle valve position, records a setpoint, and predicts the position using a combination of gradient calculation strategies based on the setpoint and measurement gradients, with saturation and filtering to ensure accuracy, particularly by considering physical parameters like engine speed and throttle dynamics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If current measurement extrapolation is used to predict throttle position, then the prediction method is simple, but the prediction accuracy deteriorates for long horizons and non-linear evolutions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprediction method complexityVSAvoidthrottle position prediction accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the prediction method adaptive rather than static. The system dynamically switches between different prediction strategies (first strategy using setpoint gradient, second strategy using measured gradient) based on real-time conditions such as throttle position, engine load, and transient state detection. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain high prediction accuracy across varying operating conditions while managing complexity through conditional logic rather than overly complex algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes parameters by introducing multiple prediction strategies with different characteristics. The first strategy uses setpoint gradient which is more accurate for steady-state conditions, while the second strategy uses measured gradient which responds better to rapid transients. The system adjusts which strategy to use based on parameter thresholds (e.g., throttle position rate of change, time horizon) thereby optimizing prediction accuracy without requiring a single complex model.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If a single prediction strategy is used, then the method is simple to implement, but the adaptability to different operating conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplementation simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to different operating conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic adaptability by continuously monitoring operating conditions and switching between prediction strategies. The control unit detects transient states, throttle position ranges, and load conditions to dynamically select the most appropriate prediction method. This maintains implementation simplicity through modular strategy design while achieving high adaptability through conditional selection based on real-time sensor data and pre-defined thresholds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the prediction problem into multiple distinct strategies, each optimized for specific operating conditions. The first strategy (setpoint gradient) is segmented for use during steady-state and slow-transient conditions, while the second strategy (measured gradient) is segmented for rapid transient conditions. This segmentation allows each strategy to be relatively simple while the combination provides comprehensive adaptability across all operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If frozen phenomena assumption is used for pressure prediction, then the calculation is simple, but the prediction quality deteriorates during transients

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalculation complexityVSAvoidprediction quality during transients
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by detecting transient conditions and adapting the prediction approach accordingly. During transient phases, the system uses measured gradient-based prediction which captures the actual dynamic behavior rather than assuming frozen phenomena. The control unit monitors parameters such as throttle position rate of change and engine load variations to identify transients, then switches to the more responsive prediction strategy, maintaining reliability without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from actual measurements to improve prediction quality during transients. The measured gradient strategy incorporates real-time sensor data (actual throttle position, pressure, flow rates) to adjust predictions dynamically. This feedback mechanism allows the system to respond to actual transient behavior rather than relying on static assumptions, improving reliability while keeping calculations manageable through efficient use of available sensor data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3215727B1Method of estimation of a intake gas throttle position for control of an internal combustion engine
Publication Date: 2020.07.08 PSA AUTOMOBILES SA
  • EP3215727B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3215727B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3215727B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4b

AI summary

The invention relates mainly to a method for estimating a position of a gas-intake throttle valve for controlling an internal combustion engine, wherein said method includes the following steps: a step of measuring a position of the gas-intake throttle valve (Ppap_mes); and a step of predicting, over a given calculation time horizon (H), the position of the gas-intake throttle valve (Ppap_pred) in accordance with the measured throttle valve position (Ppap_mes) and a position gradient (Grad_pos_pap) between a current position and a previous position, said step of predicting the position of the gas-intake throttle valve (Ppap_pred) being adapted in particular in accordance with the given calculation time horizon and a physical parameter of the gas-intake throttle valve.