Intelligent Coasting Management via Exhaust Recirculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internal combustion engines impede vehicle movement when not actively generating rotational force, due to resistance from pistons pushing against static air volumes and continued engagement with wheels, leading to increased fuel consumption and drag.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an intelligent coasting management system that detects coasting events, directs exhaust gas into the intake system to reduce resistance, and decouples the engine from wheels during idle conditions, using an EGR system and controller to manage airflow and engine operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the internal combustion engine remains engaged with the wheels during coasting, then the engine can provide immediate rotational force when needed, but the engine creates resistance and increases fuel consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission system extracts the engine from the drivetrain during coasting events by engaging a neutral gear or disconnecting the torque converter, separating the engine's rotational output from the wheels to eliminate parasitic drag while maintaining the ability to re-engage quickly when acceleration is needed
2Use of energy by moving object
If the throttle is closed during coasting, then fuel injection can be reduced or stopped, but the pistons push against static air volumes creating resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The EGR system maintains continuous gas flow through the engine during coasting by recirculating exhaust gas through the intake system, ensuring that pistons continuously move gas rather than pushing against static air volumes, thereby reducing resistance while keeping the throttle closed for fuel savings
3Force
If the EGR system directs exhaust gas into the intake system during coasting, then resistance is reduced by preventing static air volumes, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The EGR system performs its primary function of reducing engine resistance during coasting events while also maintaining its standard functions of controlling exhaust gas recirculation during normal operation, allowing a single system to serve multiple purposes without requiring additional dedicated coasting management hardware
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 system reduces fuel consumption, minimizes resistance, and allows the vehicle to maintain velocity over longer distances by decoupling the engine from wheels during coasting and idling, enhancing overall efficiency and performance.
Implementation Method 1
directing at least a portion of an exhaust gas output by an exhaust system of the internal combustion engine into an intake system of the internal combustion engine
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of operating internal combustion engines are provided. A controller detects a coasting event while an associated vehicle is in motion. In response to the coasting event, the controller directs at least a portion of an exhaust gas output by an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine of the vehicle into an intake system of the internal combustion engine.