Catalyst Aging Estimation Using Oxygen Storage Capacity

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for estimating catalyst aging in vehicles rely solely on vehicle mileage or incomplete diagnostic results, leading to suboptimal emission control settings and potential overconsumption, as they fail to account for individual driving habits affecting catalyst aging.

Innovation Solution

A method that adjusts the catalyst aging evaluation parameter based on specific catalyst measurements, such as oxygen storage capacity, exotherm, and richness drift, to provide a more accurate representation of catalyst aging, allowing for real-time monitoring and adaptation of engine control settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If vehicle mileage is used as the sole parameter for estimating catalyst aging, then the estimation method is simple, but the accuracy of catalyst aging assessment deteriorates due to individual driving habits

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveestimation method complexityVSAvoidcatalyst aging assessment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from oxygen storage capacity measurements to continuously update and correct the catalyst aging assessment. The measured OSC values are compared against expected values based on mileage, and deviations trigger recalibration of the aging model, creating a closed-loop feedback system that improves accuracy while maintaining operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from using a single parameter (mileage) to a multi-parameter approach that includes mileage plus OSC measurements. By changing the parameter set and their relationships (using correction factors derived from OSC), the system achieves higher assessment accuracy without proportionally increasing system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If incomplete diagnostic results are used for catalyst aging assessment, then the data collection process is simplified, but the reliability of emission control settings deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata collection complexityVSAvoidemission control setting reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs partial diagnostics by measuring only oxygen storage capacity rather than conducting complete catalyst performance testing. This partial action provides sufficient information for reliable aging assessment and emission control adjustments without requiring exhaustive diagnostic procedures, balancing data collection simplicity with assessment reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Ease of operation

If a single operating parameter is used to determine catalyst settings, then the control system is easier to operate, but the representativeness of settings for actual catalyst state deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol system operation easeVSAvoidcatalyst state representativeness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces an intermediary correction factor that bridges the gap between simple mileage-based assessment and actual catalyst state. This intermediary element (the OSC-derived correction) translates complex catalyst condition information into a form that can be easily integrated into existing control systems, maintaining operational ease while improving state representativeness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Device complexity

If catalyst aging is not accurately monitored, then the monitoring system remains simple, but catalyst durability and emission control performance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring system complexityVSAvoidcatalyst durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary assessments using readily available mileage data and periodically measures OSC to predict future catalyst aging trends. By taking preliminary action with available data and updating with periodic measurements, the system extends catalyst durability through proactive management without requiring complex continuous monitoring

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 enables more precise estimation of catalyst aging, reducing emissions, prolonging catalyst durability, and preventing premature aging by identifying severe driving behaviors, thus optimizing engine control and fuel efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the measurement of the catalyst's capacity to store oxygen

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentEP3201444B1Method for estimating the ageing of a motor vehicle catalyst

Publication Date: 2019.03.27 PSA AUTOMOBILES SA

Figure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for estimating the ageing of a catalyst located in the exhaust line of a motor vehicle, in which a vehicle operating parameter (km vehicle) serves as a parameter for evaluating the ageing of the catalyst, characterised in that the evaluation parameter is adjusted taking account of at least one parameter (Mes OSC) specific to the catalyst, thereby determining a unique re-adjusted evaluation parameter (km adjust) for monitoring the ageing of the catalyst.