Engine Control Unit Profile Switching for High Idle and Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern engine control units cannot be updated during vehicle operation and do not provide simple access to high idle and high performance modes.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that allows an engine control unit to receive profile parameters and engage high idle and high performance functionalities based on input signals, using a device with inputs and outputs to adjust engine performance settings such as valve timings, throttle settings, and ignition timings, enabling dynamic performance adjustments during vehicle operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the engine control unit uses fixed factory default settings, then the system is simple and reliable, but the adaptability and performance flexibility are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperformance flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic performance adjustment by allowing the engine control unit to switch between multiple performance profiles (factory default, high idle, high performance) during vehicle operation. A performance selection device enables real-time changes to engine parameters including valve timings, throttle settings, and ignition timings, transforming the static control system into a dynamic one that adapts to different driving conditions and performance requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the engine control unit allows performance mode changes during operation, then the adaptability improves, but the system complexity and potential reliability issues increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperformance mode switchingVSAvoidsystem stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple performance profiles (factory default, high idle, high performance) with optimized parameter sets before vehicle operation. Each profile contains predetermined valve timings, throttle settings, and ignition timings that have been calibrated in advance. This allows the control unit to switch between pre-validated configurations during operation, maintaining reliability while enabling adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Power

If the engine control unit provides access to high performance modes, then the power output increases, but the control system complexity and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine power outputVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying key engine control parameters (valve timings, throttle settings, ignition timings) to transition between performance modes. When high performance mode is selected, the control unit adjusts these parameters to optimize power output. This approach enables power enhancement without requiring additional physical components, thereby minimizing energy consumption while achieving the desired performance increase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11549456B2System, method and apparatus for engine control

Publication Date: 2023.01.10 GDP TUNING LLC

AI summary

System, method, and apparatus for controlling performance of an engine in response to a set of outputs from a device to an engine control unit. The engine control unit receives profile parameters that are related to outputs of the device. The engine control unit engages a high performance functionality in response to a first signal. The engine control unit engages a high idle functionality in response to a second signal.