Active Fuel Management Control for Manual Transmission Engine Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine control systems for vehicles with manual transmissions fail to effectively manage engine speed during gear shifts, potentially damaging engine components when operating in active fuel management (AFM) mode at high speeds.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes an active fuel management module, an expected engine speed determination module, and a disabling module, which selectively cuts off fuel to engine cylinders, maintains valves in closed positions, and determines the expected engine speed based on the gear absolute position (GAP) sensor signal to disable AFM mode when the expected engine speed exceeds a predetermined limit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the engine operates in active fuel management (AFM) mode to minimize fuel consumption, then fuel efficiency is improved, but engine components may be damaged when operating at high speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors engine speed and dynamically adjusts AFM mode operation accordingly. When engine speed exceeds the predetermined threshold, the control module disables AFM mode to prevent component damage. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures the engine operates efficiently at low speeds while protecting components at high speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of AFM mode based on engine speed conditions. By setting a predetermined speed threshold and adjusting whether AFM mode is active or disabled based on this parameter, the system optimizes fuel efficiency when appropriate and prevents damage when engine speed becomes excessive.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the engine operates in AFM mode at high speeds, then fuel efficiency is improved, but harmful effects on engine components occur
Solution Approach 1:
The control module takes preliminary action to disable AFM mode before harmful effects can occur by monitoring engine speed and comparing it against a predetermined threshold. When the threshold is exceeded, the system proactively deactivates AFM mode, preventing potential component damage before it happens.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses continuous feedback from engine speed monitoring to dynamically control AFM mode operation, ensuring fuel efficiency is achieved only when engine speeds are within safe operating ranges.
3Device complexity
If the engine speed is not monitored during gear shifts, then device complexity is reduced, but engine component damage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates engine speed monitoring and feedback control to detect high-speed conditions during gear shifts. This relatively simple feedback mechanism provides essential protection without requiring complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module automatically monitors engine speed and makes decisions about AFM mode operation without requiring external intervention, providing self-protective functionality with minimal added complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for a vehicle includes an active fuel management (AFM) module, an expected engine speed determination module, and a disabling module. The AFM module selectively cuts off fuel to at least one cylinder of an engine and maintains valves of the at least one cylinder in closed positions. The expected engine speed determination module determines an expected engine speed based on a position of a shift lever of a manual transmission measured using a position sensor module. The disabling module selectively disables the AFM module based on the expected engine speed.