Auxiliary Engine Control Unit Signal Interception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional main engine control units for internal combustion engines in vehicles are limited by using a low number of operating parameters and are configured for a specific 'average environment, making optimum control impossible, and are hindered by a complex certification process, which prevents the engine from reaching safe operating states.
Innovation Solution
An auxiliary engine control unit that intercepts and modifies engine control output signals from the main unit using a predetermined control scheme, allowing for additional parameter consideration and optimization based on changing environmental conditions, without requiring comprehensive safety certification, by adjusting signal amplitudes and timing, and incorporating additional sensor data for improved control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a main engine control unit uses a relatively low number of operating parameters and is configured for an average environment, then the device complexity is reduced, but the control optimization is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into two independent parts: a main engine control unit with a simplified control scheme for average environments, and an auxiliary engine control unit with an adaptive control scheme that considers additional operating parameters. This segmentation allows each unit to have optimized complexity levels while the auxiliary unit compensates for the limitations of the main unit, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and control optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary engine control unit acts as an intermediary between the main control unit and the engine. It receives the control signal from the main unit, modifies it based on additional operating parameters and environmental conditions, and outputs the adjusted signal. This intermediary approach enables enhanced control optimization without requiring the main unit to be complex.
2Adaptability or versatility
If new main engine control units are developed to overcome the limitations of average environment configuration, then the control adaptability is improved, but the certification and testing process becomes extremely complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the adaptive control functionality into an auxiliary unit that operates independently alongside the main control unit. The auxiliary unit handles environmental adaptation while the main unit maintains its certified control scheme. This segmentation allows adaptability improvement without requiring recertification of the entire control system, as the auxiliary unit operates within predefined safety boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary control unit implements partial control authority, modifying only specific aspects of the control signal based on environmental conditions while leaving the core control logic of the main unit unchanged. This partial action approach enables environmental adaptability without triggering comprehensive safety certification requirements, as the main certified control scheme remains the primary authority.
3Ease of manufacture
If the main engine control unit is configured as a compromise to an average environment, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the torque response and fuel consumption optimization are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into a main unit manufactured as a standardized component for average environments and an auxiliary unit that provides optimization. The auxiliary unit considers additional operating parameters such as altitude, temperature, and humidity to adjust the control signal, thereby improving torque response and fuel consumption without complicating the manufacturing of the main control unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary control unit uses electronic signal processing to substitute for the need of manufacturing complex mechanical control systems. By using software-based adaptive control algorithms in the auxiliary unit, the system achieves optimized performance without requiring complex manufacturing processes for the main control unit.
Data Source
AI summary
An auxiliary engine control unit for use with a main engine control unit for an internal combustion engine of a vehicle may have an input signal interface unit. The input signal interface unit may be configured to intercept at least one engine control output signal of the main engine control unit. The auxiliary engine control unit may also have a control unit which is configured to change the intercepted engine control output signal according to a control scheme stored in the control unit. The auxiliary engine control unit may also have an output signal interface unit which is configured to output the engine control output signal, changed by the control unit, to the internal combustion engine to be controlled in order to achieve an improved control of the internal combustion engine.