Dual-Controller Engine Management for EFI and ISG Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

The use of a single ECU for both EFI and ISG systems in vehicles results in bulkiness, heat dissipation issues, increased space requirements, and complex servicing due to combined heat generation, necessitating a more efficient and modular control system.

Innovation Solution

A dual-controller system is introduced, where a first controller manages EFI and ignition systems, and a second controller manages the ISG, connected via a control bus, allowing independent operation and maintenance, with each controller communicating through CAN or K-line protocols.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate control units are used for different engine functions, then functional specialization is improved, but system complexity and communication overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional specializationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple control units (fuel injection control, ignition control, valve timing control) into a single integrated control unit that manages all engine functions through a unified microprocessor system, reducing system complexity while maintaining functional specialization through software modules

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit is designed as a universal platform that can perform multiple engine control functions (fuel injection, ignition, valve timing) and adapt to different engine configurations through programmable software, eliminating the need for separate dedicated control units for each function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If real-time control of multiple engine parameters is implemented, then engine performance is improved, but computational load and response time requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengine performanceVSAvoidresponse time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit pre-calculates optimal control parameters for different operating conditions and stores them in lookup tables, allowing rapid retrieval and adjustment during real-time operation without complex computational delays

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements periodic sampling and control cycles for different engine parameters, updating control signals at optimized intervals that balance real-time performance requirements with computational processing capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Loss of energy

If integrated control of fuel injection, ignition, and valve timing is implemented, then overall engine efficiency is improved, but control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengine efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates control of fuel injection timing/quantity, ignition timing, and valve timing into a single control unit that coordinates all three functions through centralized processing, enabling optimized energy efficiency while managing complexity through unified architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit incorporates feedback from various sensors (crankshaft position, camshaft position, oxygen sensors) to continuously monitor engine operation and adjust fuel injection, ignition, and valve timing parameters in real-time, achieving high efficiency through coordinated control based on actual engine conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4127448B1An engine management system for a vehicle
Publication Date: 2026.05.20 TVS MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP4127448B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4127448B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4127448B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention discloses an engine management system (200) for a vehicle (100). Accordingly, the engine management system (200) has a first controller (210) operatively coupled to a fuel injection system and an ignition system of an internal combustion engine and second controller (220) which is remotely located from the first controller (210) and operatively coupled to an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) (250). The first controller (210) is configured to receive inputs from a first set of sensors (260) mounted on the vehicle (100) whereas the second controller (220) is configured to receive inputs from the first controller (210) and from a second set of switches (280) mounted on the vehicle (100). Further, the engine management system (200) has a control bus (262) interconnecting the first controller (210) and the second controller (220).