Cylinder Deactivation Pattern Matching for Engine N&V
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internal combustion engines face challenges in optimizing cylinder deactivation patterns to balance fuel efficiency and noise/vibration (N&V) performance, as existing systems lack efficient methods for selecting and transitioning between different deactivation patterns based on various operational factors.
Innovation Solution
A cylinder control module selects and updates cylinder activation/deactivation patterns by activating and deactivating intake and exhaust valves, and providing or disabling fuel to cylinders, based on predetermined patterns and real-time comparisons to optimize fuel efficiency and reduce N&V, using a cylinder deactivation pattern matching system that considers factors like fuel economy, engine speed, and torque requests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If cylinder deactivation is implemented to decrease fuel consumption, then fuel efficiency is improved, but noise and vibration performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects and transitions between different cylinder deactivation patterns based on real-time operating conditions (engine speed, torque requests, fuel economy targets). The control module monitors multiple parameters and adjusts the deactivation pattern accordingly, making the system adaptive rather than static. This allows optimization of fuel efficiency while managing N&V characteristics across varying operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of cylinder deactivation by implementing multiple predefined patterns with different deactivation sequences and durations. By selecting among N predetermined patterns (where N > 2), the system can alter the timing, sequence, and combination of deactivated cylinders to achieve desired fuel economy targets while maintaining acceptable N&V performance through pattern selection rather than fixed deactivation logic.
2Use of energy by moving object
If multiple cylinder deactivation patterns are implemented to optimize fuel efficiency, then fuel economy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system segments the cylinder deactivation control into N predetermined patterns, where each pattern represents a specific deactivation sequence and configuration. By dividing the complex control task into discrete, pre-programmed patterns, the system simplifies real-time decision-making while still providing multiple optimization options. The control module selects among these segmented patterns based on current operating conditions rather than calculating optimal deactivation from scratch.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-defining N cylinder deactivation patterns before operation. These patterns are predetermined and stored in the control module, allowing rapid selection based on real-time conditions without complex real-time calculations. This preliminary preparation reduces computational burden during operation while maintaining multiple optimization pathways for fuel economy management.
3Productivity
If real-time pattern selection and transition is implemented to balance fuel efficiency and N&V, then performance optimization is improved, but computational requirements and control complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control module implements dynamic pattern selection by continuously monitoring operating conditions (engine speed, torque requests, fuel economy targets) and selecting the most appropriate deactivation pattern from N predefined options. The system can also dynamically transition between patterns as operating conditions change, enabling real-time optimization of the balance between fuel efficiency and N&V performance without requiring complex real-time calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms by monitoring operating conditions and comparing actual performance against targets. The control module uses this feedback to select and adjust deactivation patterns, creating a closed-loop control system that continuously optimizes fuel efficiency while managing N&V. The feedback-driven approach allows adaptive optimization without requiring overly complex computational models.
Data Source
AI summary
A cylinder control module: selects one of N predetermined cylinder activation/deactivation patterns as a desired cylinder activation/deactivation pattern for cylinders of an engine, wherein N is an integer greater than two; and activates and deactivates opening of intake and exhaust valves of first and second ones of the cylinders that are to be activated based on the desired cylinder activation/deactivation pattern, respectively. A fuel control module provides fuel to the first ones of the cylinders and disables fueling to the second ones of the cylinders. The cylinder control module further: determines M possible ones of the N cylinder activation/deactivation patterns, wherein M is an integer greater than or equal to one; selectively compares the M possible cylinder activation/deactivation patterns with the desired cylinder activation/deactivation pattern; and selectively updates the desired cylinder activation/deactivation pattern to one of the M possible cylinder activation/deactivation patterns.