Eco-Run Starter Control for Engine Stalling Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Eco-run control devices face challenges in preventing engine failure due to communication failures or delays between the eco-run ECU and engine ECU, leading to potential engine stalling during start operations.
Innovation Solution
The eco-run control device includes a starter motor driving unit that checks the engine operating state and spontaneously starts the engine using the starter motor if no response is received from the engine ECU within a predetermined time, thereby preventing engine failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the eco-run ECU waits for the starter drive allowing signal from the engine ECU before starting the engine, then the engine can be started under normal communication conditions, but engine failure may occur due to communication delays or failures
Solution Approach 1:
The eco-run ECU performs preliminary actions by detecting engine stop requirements and preparing the engine stop request before actually stopping the engine. Similarly, when a start request is detected, the ECU prepares to start the engine using the starter motor without waiting for confirmation from the engine ECU, thus performing the critical action in advance to avoid communication delays
Solution Approach 2:
The eco-run ECU makes autonomous decisions about engine starting based on its own detection of start requests and communication status, rather than relying entirely on the engine ECU's authorization signals. The system serves itself by independently determining when to activate the starter motor, reducing dependency on external communication
2Reliability
If the eco-run ECU autonomously determines when to start the engine without waiting for engine ECU signals, then engine failure due to communication delays is prevented, but the complexity of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the engine stop control function and engine start control function into a single eco-run ECU. This consolidation allows the system to autonomously manage both stopping and starting operations based on integrated detection of operational requirements, reducing the need for separate control units and their associated communication interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The eco-run ECU is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both the engine stop controller and the engine start controller. It detects both stop requirements and start requests, manages communication with the engine ECU, and directly controls the starter motor, thereby reducing overall system complexity through functional integration
3Reliability
If the system continuously monitors communication status and engine parameters to prevent failure, then engine failure is prevented, but the monitoring system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the eco-run ECU continuously monitors communication status from the engine ECU and uses this feedback to adjust its control actions. When communication is normal, the system follows standard procedures; when communication fails or delays are detected, the feedback triggers autonomous engine start actions, creating a responsive adaptive control system
Data Source
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AI summary
An eco-run control device (100) sends an engine stop request to an engine control device (1) when predetermined stop requirements are satisfied, causes the engine control device to perform an engine stop control operation, and drives a starter (102) to restart the engine when predetermined restart requirements are satisfied during the engine stop control operation. This eco-run control device includes: a detecting unit that detects a starting operation to start the engine; and a control unit that causes the starter to restart the engine, if the starting operation is detected during the engine stop control operation and the engine speed is lower than a predetermined speed.