Coordinated Torque Control for Multi-Pulse Fuel Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine control systems face challenges in transitioning between single and multi-pulse fuel injection modes without causing torque output fluctuations or increased hydrocarbon emissions, especially during catalyst light-off and cold start conditions.
Innovation Solution
A coordinated torque control system that includes an engine capacity module, a multi-pulse enable module, and a catalyst light off torque reserve module, which determines torque capacity and enables multi-pulse mode based on maximum engine torque, catalyst light off, and brake torque requests, while adjusting spark timing and air flow to maintain consistent torque output and reduce emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If multi-pulse fuel injection mode is enabled during catalyst light-off, then hydrocarbon emissions are reduced, but torque output fluctuations occur during mode transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The system determines torque capacity and evaluates multi-pulse enablement conditions before actually enabling multi-pulse mode. The controller prepares by assessing whether the engine can maintain stable operation during the transition, checking torque reserves and current operating conditions. This preliminary evaluation prevents premature mode switching that would cause torque fluctuations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts operating parameters during mode transitions. The controller monitors torque capacity continuously and adapts the timing and duration of fuel injection pulses based on real-time engine conditions. This dynamic control ensures smooth transitions between single-pulse and multi-pulse modes while maintaining stable torque output and reducing hydrocarbon emissions during catalyst light-off.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If multi-pulse mode is enabled based on torque capacity, then emissions are minimized, but system complexity increases due to multiple control modules
Solution Approach 1:
The controller integrates multiple functions into unified control modules. The torque capacity determination module serves both torque management and mode selection purposes. The multi-pulse enablement module combines emissions control logic with operational stability assessment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components while achieving emissions reduction through coordinated torque control.
3Stability of the object's composition
If torque reserve is corrected for multi-pulse operation, then consistent torque output is maintained, but response time during transitions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller calculates torque capacity and evaluates multi-pulse enablement conditions in advance, before mode transitions are initiated. By determining whether the engine has sufficient torque reserves to handle the transition smoothly, the system prepares control parameters ahead of time. This preliminary calculation reduces the actual transition time while maintaining torque consistency through pre-planned adjustments.
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 enables seamless transitions between single and multi-pulse modes, minimizing hydrocarbon emissions and maintaining consistent torque output, even during catalyst light-off and cold starts, by optimizing fuel injection and spark timing based on real-time engine conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a fuel injection system that injects fuel into a cylinder of the engine at a controlled fuel injection rate
Implementation Method 2
An internal combustion engine (ICE) combusts an air/fuel fuel mixture within cylinders to drive pistons
Implementation Method 3
Spark ignition direct injection (SIDI) refers to direct injection of fuel into cylinders of a spark ignited gasoline engine
Data Source
AI summary
A coordinated torque control (CTC) system is provided that includes an engine capacity module, a multi-pulse enable module, and a catalyst light off torque reserve module. The engine capacity module determines a torque capacity of an engine and generates a maximum engine torque capacity signal. The multi-pulse enable module enables a multi-pulse mode that includes the injection of at least two pulses of fuel into a cylinder of the engine during a combustion cycle. The multi-pulse enable module generates a multi-pulse desired signal to operate in the multi-pulse mode based on the maximum engine torque capacity signal, a catalyst light off signal, and a brake torque request signal. The catalyst light off torque reserve module generates a torque reserve corrected signal based on the multi-pulse desired signal.