Cold Start Cylinder Deactivation for Engine Cranking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internal combustion engines face challenges in low-temperature engine cranking, where the desired amount of fuel for proper combustion exceeds the capacity of the fuel pump, and existing systems struggle to manage fuel injection and valve operation efficiently during cold start conditions.
Innovation Solution
A cylinder deactivation system comprising a fuel injection module and a cold start control module that maintains intake and exhaust valves closed during fuel injection, separates fuel injection into multiple events, and disables spark provision for extended crankshaft revolutions, based on air and coolant temperatures, to ensure sufficient fuel vaporization and combustion initiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the desired amount of fuel is injected into the cylinder during engine cranking at low temperatures, then proper combustion is achieved, but the fuel pump capacity is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel injection process is divided into multiple injection events rather than a single injection. The cold start control module separates the injection of the desired amount of fuel into at least two separate fuel injection events, allowing the fuel pump to deliver fuel in manageable quantities while still achieving the total required fuel amount for proper combustion.
2Temperature
If the intake valve and exhaust valve are opened during fuel injection, then normal valve operation is maintained, but fuel vaporization is insufficient at low temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The cold start control module maintains the intake valve and exhaust valve in closed positions before and during fuel injection to trap heat within the cylinder. This preliminary action of closing the valves creates a warmer environment that promotes fuel vaporization, and the valves are kept closed for at least two crankshaft revolutions to ensure sufficient heating.
3Reliability
If spark is provided during engine cranking, then combustion initiation is attempted, but combustion fails due to insufficient fuel vaporization
Solution Approach 1:
The cold start control module disables provision of spark to the cylinder during initial cranking revolutions when fuel vaporization is insufficient. Spark is delayed until after the fuel has been injected and the cylinder has been warmed by closed valves, ensuring that when spark is finally provided, proper combustion can occur.
4Quantity of substance
If fuel injection is separated into multiple events, then fuel pump capacity constraints are satisfied, but injection timing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel injection is segmented into multiple discrete injection events, with each event delivering a portion of the total required fuel. The cold start control module manages this segmentation by controlling the fuel injection module to perform separate injections while the intake and exhaust valves remain closed, coordinating the timing to satisfy both fuel pump capacity and combustion requirements.
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
The system effectively manages fuel injection and valve operation during low-temperature engine cranking, ensuring proper combustion and reducing fuel consumption by optimizing fuel delivery and valve control, thereby improving engine starting efficiency and fuel economy.
Implementation Method 1
A fuel injection module injects a desired amount of fuel into a cylinder of an engine during engine cranking
Implementation Method 2
The cold start control module maintains an intake valve and an exhaust valve associated with the cylinder in respective closed positions while the desired amount of fuel is injected
Implementation Method 3
The air/fuel mixture is combusted within one or more cylinders of the engine. Combustion of the air/fuel mixture produces exhaust gas
Data Source
AI summary
A cylinder deactivation system comprises a fuel injection module and a cold start control module. The fuel injection module injects a desired amount of fuel into a cylinder of an engine during engine cranking. The cold start control module maintains an intake valve and an exhaust valve associated with the cylinder in respective closed positions while the desired amount of fuel is injected when at least one of an air temperature and a coolant temperature is less than a predetermined cold start temperature.