Engine Braking Control via ECU Throttle Valve Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems lack a convenient method for drivers to adjust engine braking levels based on personal preference or riding conditions, relying on manual throttle control which is inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system with an electronic control unit (ECU) that determines the throttle operator position and vehicle speed to control the throttle valve, offering multiple engine braking modes, including closing the throttle valve, partial opening, and fuel injection, to apply varying levels of engine braking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the throttle valve is closed to provide engine braking, then vehicle deceleration is improved, but driver convenience and control flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical throttle control with an electronic control system. The ECU receives driver input through an electronic interface (mode selector) and automatically controls the throttle valve position and fuel injection, substituting the mechanical throttle cable system with electronic actuators and control logic. This allows engine braking to be applied without manual throttle manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the driver to select engine braking modes through a simple electronic interface, and the ECU automatically manages the complex control parameters including throttle valve position, fuel injection timing, and ignition timing. The system serves itself by automatically adjusting multiple parameters based on the selected mode, reducing the driver's operational burden.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual throttle control is used to adjust engine braking, then engine braking level can be adjusted, but operational complexity and inconvenience increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the continuous range of engine braking into discrete selectable modes (first, second, and third modes with different braking levels). The mode selector is segmented into distinct positions, each corresponding to a predefined set of engine parameters. This segmentation simplifies driver interaction while providing adaptable engine braking levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes multiple engine parameters simultaneously based on the selected mode: throttle valve opening degree, fuel injection quantity and timing, and ignition timing. By coordinating changes in these parameters, the system provides different engine braking levels through a simple mode selection interface, improving adaptability without increasing operational complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the throttle valve is closed for engine braking, then brake wear is reduced, but fuel injection control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-defines coordinated fuel injection and ignition timing parameters for each engine braking mode. When a mode is selected, the ECU retrieves and executes the pre-calculated parameter set, rather than calculating optimal values in real-time. This preliminary preparation reduces the control complexity during actual engine braking operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel injection system is designed to perform multiple functions: normal power delivery, idle control, and engine braking control. By using the same fuel injection hardware and control architecture for different operating modes, the system avoids adding dedicated complexity for engine braking while still achieving effective brake wear reduction.
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
Enables drivers to conveniently select and adjust engine braking levels, reducing wear on brakes and improving control over vehicle deceleration, with the ECU managing throttle valve positions and fuel injection to provide tailored engine braking modes.
Implementation Method 1
because of the position of the throttle valve, a vacuum is created in the engine, and the torque applied on the crankshaft by the wheels needs to work against this vacuum
Implementation Method 2
controlling fuel injection, and ignition timing, according to the selected engine braking mode
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling engine braking in a vehicle comprises: determining a position of a throttle operator; determining a speed of the vehicle; and determining an engine braking mode selected. In response to the position of the throttle operator being a fully released position and the selected braking mode being a first engine braking mode: controlling an engine and a position of a throttle valve according to the first engine braking mode for applying a first level of engine braking. In response to the position of the throttle operator being the fully released position and the selected braking mode being the second engine braking mode: controlling the engine and the position of the throttle valve according to the second engine braking mode based at least on the speed of the vehicle for applying a second level of engine braking. A vehicle implementing the method is also disclosed.