Butterfly Valve Voltage Control for Engine Overcurrent Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Butterfly valve position control in internal combustion engines often results in overcurrents during sudden position variations, leading to processing unit resets due to discordant actions between the electric motor and return springs, especially when the limp home position differs from complete closure.
Innovation Solution
A method to control the power supply voltage of the butterfly valve by limiting the supply voltage as a function of the deviation angle from the rest position, ensuring identical dynamic behavior during opening and closing, implemented through a software module in the engine control unit that adjusts voltage limits dynamically based on the angular position of the shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the electric motor acts concordantly with the return spring to close the valve, then the response time is significantly reduced, but overcurrents are generated that can cause processing unit resets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically changes the supply voltage parameter based on the valve position. When the valve is near the closed position and the motor acts concordantly with the spring, the supply voltage is reduced to a lower value, thereby limiting the current and preventing overcurrents while still allowing relatively fast response.
2Device complexity
If the same supply voltage is applied during opening and closing operations, then the control is simplified, but the dynamic behavior of the valve differs between opening and closing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetric control by using different supply voltage levels for opening and closing operations. During closing (when motor and spring act concordantly), a reduced voltage is applied. During opening (when motor acts against the spring), the full supply voltage is maintained. This asymmetric approach ensures consistent dynamic behavior despite the different mechanical conditions.
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 approach prevents overcurrents and ensures consistent valve behavior by dynamically limiting the supply voltage, reducing the risk of processing unit resets and maintaining efficient motor operation.
Implementation Method 1
The rotation of the valve is actuated by an electric motor
Implementation Method 2
Preloaded springs are associated with the shaft, for the return of the shutter to a pre-established position called 'limp home'
Implementation Method 3
Since there is a gate relationship between supply voltage and current, it is evident that a voltage limitation is reflected in a current limitation
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for power controlling a butterfly valve of an internal combustion engine, the valve comprising a rotatable shutter actuating motor and a return spring arranged to exert a return action to return the shutter to a position rest, the method comprising a step of limiting a supply voltage of the actuating motor, when an action of the actuating motor is in accordance with the return action of the return spring.