Dual Injection Torque Reduction via Combustion Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine control systems face limitations in reducing drive torque through spark timing retardation due to the risk of misfire, which can damage catalysts and increase hydrocarbon emissions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system with a torque control module, combustion prediction module, and fuel control module that transitions from single to dual fuel injections based on predicted combustion outcomes, allowing for further retarded spark timing without misfire, thereby achieving greater torque reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If spark timing is retarded to decrease drive torque, then drive torque is reduced, but misfire occurs causing catalyst damage and increased hydrocarbon emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel injection process is segmented into multiple separate injections instead of a single injection. The fuel control module actuates a plurality of separate injections of fuel into the cylinder when the combustion prediction module predicts that a single injection will not combust. This segmentation allows the fuel to be delivered in controlled portions that maintain combustion stability even with retarded spark timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The combustion prediction module performs preliminary assessment before the combustion event to predict whether a single injection of fuel will combust when the delayed spark timing is applied. Based on this prediction, the system proactively switches to multiple separate injections before misfire occurs, preventing catalyst damage and hydrocarbon emissions before they happen.
2Adaptability or versatility
If spark timing is retarded to achieve torque reduction, then torque control flexibility is improved, but combustion reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses combustion prediction feedback to determine whether to use single or multiple fuel injections. The combustion prediction module continuously assesses combustion likelihood based on the retarded spark timing, and the fuel control module adjusts the injection strategy accordingly. This feedback loop enables the system to maintain combustion reliability across a wide range of torque reduction scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The injection strategy dynamically transitions from single injection to multiple separate injections based on real-time combustion prediction. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize between torque reduction capability and combustion reliability, providing versatile torque control while preventing misfire under varying operating conditions.
3Device complexity
If single fuel injection is used with retarded spark timing, then system complexity is minimized, but combustion failure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel control module is designed to perform multiple functions: it can execute both single injection and multiple separate injections using the same hardware infrastructure. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain low complexity while adapting the injection strategy to prevent combustion failure under retarded spark timing conditions.
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
This approach enables more significant drive torque reduction while preventing misfires, reducing hydrocarbon emissions, and minimizing catalyst damage by forming a rich fuel cloud for successful combustion even with advanced spark timing retardation.
Implementation Method 1
predicting whether a single injection of fuel will combust in a cylinder of the engine when the amount of delay is added to the spark timing
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprises a torque control module, a combustion prediction module, and a fuel control module. The torque control module sets spark timing of an engine to produce a drive torque and determines an amount of delay to add to the spark timing to decrease the drive torque by a predetermined torque. The combustion prediction module predicts whether a single injection of fuel will combust in a cylinder of the engine when the amount of delay is added to the spark timing. The fuel control module actuates a plurality of separate injections of fuel into the cylinder when the combustion prediction module predicts that the single injection of fuel will not combust.