Cylinder Deactivation Control for Cyclical Engine Operations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Internal combustion engines face inefficiencies and responsiveness lags when constantly switching between cylinder deactivation and activation in cyclical operations, leading to undesirable operating conditions.

Innovation Solution

A multi-cylinder internal combustion engine with a valve actuation mechanism and fuel supply system, controlled by a controller that identifies cyclical operation modes and modifies cylinder deactivation operations to optimize engine performance by adjusting valve lift profiles and fuel delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If cylinder deactivation is constantly turned on and off in cyclical operations, then fuel consumption is reduced during light load conditions, but operating inefficiencies and responsiveness lags occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel consumptionVSAvoidresponsiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts cylinder deactivation status based on real-time operating conditions, transitioning from static on/off control to adaptive control that responds to cyclical patterns in engine operation, thereby optimizing both fuel efficiency and responsiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control system monitors engine operating conditions and uses this feedback to determine when to activate or deactivate cylinder deactivation, preventing constant switching by incorporating hysteresis and pattern recognition to maintain stable operational states

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Loss of energy

If cylinder deactivation events are employed in cyclical operations, then pumping work is reduced by closing intake and exhaust valves, but operating inefficiencies and responsiveness lags are created

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepumping workVSAvoidresponsiveness lag

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary analysis of operating patterns to predict when cyclical deactivation would be beneficial, taking preventive action to avoid entering inefficient cyclical switching states in the first place, thereby reducing both pumping work and responsiveness lag

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control strategy maintains continuous monitoring and smooth transition between operational modes, ensuring that cylinder deactivation is applied continuously when beneficial rather than switching on and off, thereby eliminating responsiveness lags while maintaining pumping work reductions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS11680532B2Cyclical applications for internal combustion engines with cylinder deactivation control

Publication Date: 2023.06.20 CUMMINS INC

AI summary

Systems, apparatus, and methods are disclosed that include an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders operable by a valve actuation mechanism. A cylinder deactivation operation is modified in response to determining a cyclical operation mode of the engine.