Vehicle Alternator Torque Control via Microprocessor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle alternator systems fail to maintain torque loading control when communication is interrupted between the engine control module and the alternator, leading to inefficiencies in engine operation.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle alternator with a microprocessor-controlled voltage regulator that determines rotational speed and current output values to adjust the duty cycle of the field coil signal, ensuring torque loading remains within a desired range by monitoring and adjusting these parameters over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the alternator uses a microprocessor-controlled voltage regulator to determine rotational speed and current output values, then torque loading control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alternator's voltage regulator independently determines rotational speed and current output values using its own microprocessor, without requiring external communication with the engine control module. This self-service capability allows the alternator to autonomously calculate torque loading values and adjust field coil duty cycles to maintain optimal torque loading, thereby improving reliability while the integrated design minimizes the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors rotational speed and current output values, calculates torque loading based on these measurements, and adjusts the field coil duty cycle accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures precise torque loading control by comparing actual performance against desired operating parameters and making real-time adjustments to maintain optimal operation
2Reliability
If the alternator autonomously determines torque loading values without external communication, then reliability during communication interruption is improved, but loss of information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator's microprocessor acts as an intermediary that locally processes rotational speed and current output data to determine torque loading values. Instead of relying on external communication, the system uses this intermediary component to perform calculations and control decisions autonomously, maintaining reliability during communication interruptions while minimizing information loss by processing data at the source
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-establishes the capability to determine torque loading values using locally available data from rotational speed and current output sensors. By having the voltage regulator ready to autonomously calculate and respond to torque loading conditions without waiting for external communication, the system prepares in advance for potential communication failures, ensuring continuous reliable operation
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
This solution enables continuous and efficient control of torque loading, even in the absence of communication with the engine control module, by using the alternator's microprocessor to dynamically adjust the duty cycle based on real-time data, thereby maintaining optimal engine operation.
Implementation Method 1
A vehicle alternator includes a rotor having a field coil. The vehicle alternator further includes a stator operably disposed around the rotor. The stator is configured to output a voltage in response to rotation of the rotor.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle alternator and methods for controlling an amount of torque loading of the vehicle alternator on an engine are provided. The vehicle alternator utilizes a voltage regulator with a microprocessor to control an amount of torque loading, based on a rotational speed of a rotor of the alternator, or an amount of current output by the alternator, or both.