Engine Control Unit Adaptive Confidence Bit for Airflow Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

The default state of control parameters, such as the mechanical-electrical confidence bit, set during initial dynamometer testing may not be appropriate for individual engines, leading to inaccurate air flow modeling and suboptimal performance in variable valve timing systems, resulting in inefficient engine operation and increased emissions.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced to dynamically test and set the control parameter by inputting data from sensors while in a default state, switching to an alternate state, and comparing calculated values to determine the optimal state for accurate air flow modeling and improved engine performance, ensuring the engine control unit operates with the appropriate mechanical-electrical confidence bit setting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a default state of the mechanical-electrical confidence bit is set during initial dynamometer testing, then the ECU can operate with a predetermined control parameter, but the control parameter may not be appropriate for individual engines, leading to inaccurate air flow modeling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidair flow modeling accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the mechanical-electrical confidence bit control parameter based on actual engine performance data. The ECU switches between different states (0 or 1) of the confidence bit to optimize air flow modeling accuracy for each individual engine, moving away from a fixed default setting to an adaptive parameter configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the control parameter state changeable and adaptive rather than static. The ECU dynamically determines the appropriate state of the mechanical-electrical confidence bit by comparing sensor data and calculated values, allowing the system to adapt to individual engine characteristics and maintain optimal air flow modeling throughout operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the default state is used for all subsequently manufactured engines, then manufacturing is simplified, but an alternate state would provide more accurate air flow modeling and improved performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidengine performance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling each engine to automatically determine its own optimal control parameter state through onboard sensing and calculation. The ECU uses sensor data from the individual engine to calculate first and second values, compare them, and autonomously set the appropriate state of the mechanical-electrical confidence bit without requiring external intervention or complex manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-programming the ECU with the capability to evaluate both possible states of the mechanical-electrical confidence bit and automatically select the optimal one. This preliminary configuration allows the system to be ready for optimal performance from the start, combining simplified manufacturing with immediate adaptability to individual engine characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If the mechanical-electrical confidence bit state is changed to an alternate state, then air flow modeling accuracy is improved, but additional testing and comparison procedures are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair flow modeling accuracyVSAvoidcontrol parameter setting complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by using sensor data from the engine to calculate performance values and compare them against each other. The ECU continuously monitors engine operation, calculates first and second values based on different confidence bit states, and uses this feedback to determine which state provides more accurate air flow modeling, then adjusts the control parameter accordingly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent manages parameter changes by systematically evaluating both possible states (0 or 1) of the mechanical-electrical confidence bit through calculated comparisons. Rather than arbitrarily changing parameters, the system uses a structured approach where sensor data is processed to generate comparable values that objectively indicate which parameter state optimizes air flow modeling for the specific engine.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8977478B2Method of setting a control parameter for emissions robustness
Publication Date: 2015.03.10 FCA US LLC
  • US8977478B2 patent drawing
  • US8977478B2 patent drawing
  • US8977478B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of verifying a default state of a control parameter in an automobile engine includes checking engine controller performance with the control parameter in both a default state and an alternate state. The results of the tests are then compared to verify which state is the appropriate state for the particular engine being tested. A third engine controller performance check can be made to ensure that the controller and engine perform in a repeatable manner prior to setting the state of the control parameter.