Cylinder Compression Evaluation via Starter Battery Voltage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compression tests for internal combustion engines are complex, requiring specialized technicians, engine disassembly, and immobilization, making them inefficient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A non-intrusive method using battery voltage monitoring during engine startup to evaluate cylinder compression, analyzing voltage fluctuations to detect potential malfunctions without disassembly or special conditions, utilizing machine learning for predictive maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If cylinder compression is evaluated by removing the glow plug and inserting a compression gauge, then compression measurement can be performed, but the glow plug remains contaminated and requires cleaning or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement device is segmented into a separate removable component that interfaces with the glow plug without permanently contaminating it. The compression gauge is housed in a separate body that connects to the glow plug assembly temporarily for measurement, then can be removed without leaving residue in the combustion chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary sealing mechanism is introduced between the compression gauge and the combustion chamber. This intermediary component allows the gauge to measure compression while preventing direct contact and contamination between the gauge and the glow plug, eliminating the need for subsequent cleaning or replacement.
2Ease of operation
If the compression gauge is held against the glow plug without adequate sealing, then the measurement device can be easily positioned, but accurate compression measurement cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing mechanism is pre-configured and automatically engages when the gauge is positioned on the glow plug. The seal is prepared in advance within the gauge body and activates upon insertion, ensuring both ease of positioning and accurate measurement without requiring manual sealing adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing system is self-activating based on the gauge's insertion into the glow plug. The mechanical interaction between the gauge and glow plug automatically triggers the sealing action, eliminating the need for separate manual sealing steps while ensuring accurate compression measurement.
3Measurement precision
If a complex sealing mechanism is used to ensure accurate compression measurement, then measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is extracted as a separate, dedicated component within the gauge assembly rather than being integrated into the glow plug itself. This allows the sealing mechanism to be optimized for its specific function while keeping the overall system simple and the glow plug uncontaminated after measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing mechanism utilizes simple parameter changes such as pressure differential and elastic deformation of sealing elements to create an effective seal. By relying on fundamental physical parameters rather than complex mechanical structures, accurate measurement is achieved with minimal device complexity.
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
Enables automatic, non-intrusive cylinder compression evaluation, reducing vehicle downtime and resource wastage by identifying issues proactively, focusing maintenance on necessary vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
During a compression stroke of the piston 14, air present in the cylinder 12 is compressed
Implementation Method 2
The air is then sprayed with fuel and ignited to power the piston through a power stroke
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method and a device for evaluating the compression of the cylinders of an internal combustion engine. The method for evaluating the compression of the cylinders of an internal-combustion engine of a vehicle having an electric starter motor and respective starting battery, comprising: start capturing the battery voltage signal when the starter motor stars to rotate the internal-combustion engine so as to initiate operation of the engine under its own power; cease capturing the battery voltage signal when the engine enters operation under its own power; process the captured voltage signal for the location of local minimums; calculate the time difference between consecutive local minimums; detect if there is a variation of time between the calculated differences higher than a predetermined threshold between any said calculated time differences; if there is such variation, signal a potential engine malfunction.