Catalyst OSC Adjustment via Sensor Delay Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional engine control systems fail to accurately control engine output torque and do not provide rapid responses to control signals, leading to inefficiencies in managing engine torque among various devices affecting output torque.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an oxygen storage capacity determination module, a delay determination module, and a correction module that uses oxygen sensors upstream and downstream of a catalyst to determine the oxygen storage capacity period, correct for sensor delays, and detect faults in the catalyst, thereby improving torque control accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional engine control systems are used to control engine output torque, then the system structure is simple, but the torque control accuracy is insufficient and response speed is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by continuously monitoring oxygen concentrations upstream and downstream of the catalyst using oxygen sensors. The controller compares the downstream oxygen concentration to the upstream oxygen concentration to determine catalyst health status and adjust engine torque accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system enables accurate torque control while maintaining reasonable system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the catalyst's own oxygen storage and release characteristics to monitor its health status. By measuring the oxygen concentration differential across the catalyst and analyzing the time required for the downstream sensor to detect oxygen changes, the system self-diagnoses catalyst degradation without requiring external test equipment or complex additional sensors.
2Speed
If traditional engine control systems are used, then the system is easy to operate, but the response to control signals is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary characterization of the catalyst's oxygen storage capacity (OSC) and response time during normal operation. By pre-determining the time required for the downstream oxygen sensor to detect oxygen concentration changes after an upstream change, the system establishes baseline performance metrics that enable rapid detection of catalyst degradation and faster response to control signals.
3Reliability
If catalyst oxygen storage capacity is monitored using oxygen sensors upstream and downstream of the catalyst, then the fault detection capability is improved, but the sensor delay causes inaccurate OSC period measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a computational intermediary that processes the raw sensor data from upstream and downstream oxygen sensors. The controller calculates the oxygen storage capacity period by analyzing the time differential between upstream and downstream oxygen concentration changes, while simultaneously measuring the downstream sensor's response delay. This computational mediation compensates for sensor delays and provides accurate OSC measurements despite the inherent time lags in sensor response.
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
Enhances the accuracy of engine torque control by correcting for sensor delays and detecting faults, allowing for more precise management of engine output torque and improved responsiveness to control signals.
Implementation Method 1
first and second amounts of oxygen measured using first and second oxygen sensors located upstream and downstream of the catalyst
Implementation Method 2
The catalyst's ability to store oxygen, however, may deteriorate over time
Data Source
AI summary
A system for a vehicle includes an oxygen storage capacity (OSC) determination module, a delay determination module, a correction module, and a fault detection module. The OSC determination module determines an OSC period of a catalyst of an exhaust system based on first and second amounts of oxygen measured using first and second oxygen sensors located upstream and downstream of the catalyst, respectively. The delay determination module determines a delay period of the second oxygen sensor. The correction module sets a corrected OSC period for the catalyst based on a difference between the OSC period and the delay period. The fault detection module selectively indicates that a fault is present in the catalyst based on the corrected OSC period.