Engine Controller Calibration Using Slow Dynamic Slopes

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for calibrating internal combustion engines are inefficient due to the high measurement effort required to check numerous parameter combinations, with many test points falling outside the operating range, leading to incomplete data sets and reduced analysis quality.

Innovation Solution

The method employs a Slow Dynamic Slopes (SDS) screening approach, where operating parameters are adjusted slowly to collect quasi-stationary measurement data, reducing measurement time and generating more data points, including those between actual test points, to create a dense database for more precise analysis and modeling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If statistical design of experiments is used to select test points, then measurement effort is reduced, but test points may fall outside the operating range leading to incomplete data

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement timeVSAvoidcompleteness of data set
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static approach of selecting discrete test points into a dynamic continuous measurement process. Instead of measuring only at predetermined test points, the system continuously measures operating parameters while dynamically moving through the operating space, ensuring all regions including boundaries are covered without requiring pre-selection of test points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a temporal dimension to the measurement process by continuously measuring over time while transitioning between operating points. This transforms the measurement from a static snapshot at discrete points to a continuous trajectory through the operating space, capturing data along the paths between test points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Manufacturing precision

If numerous parameter combinations are tested to ensure complete calibration data, then calibration quality improves, but measurement effort and time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration qualityVSAvoidmeasurement efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent maintains continuous measurement action throughout the entire process of moving between test points. Instead of stopping to measure only at discrete points, the system continuously collects data during the transition, ensuring no useful measurement opportunity is lost and maximizing data collection efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent efficiently transitions through intermediate operating points without stopping for measurement at each point. The system rushes through the intermediate space while continuously measuring, capturing data during the transition rather than stopping at each location, thereby speeding up the overall calibration process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

Data Source

PatentEP4058666B1Method and system for calibrating a controller of a machine
Publication Date: 2023.05.17 AVL LIST GMBH
  • EP4058666B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4058666B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)
  • EP4058666B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for performing operational analysis of a machine and/or for calibrating a controller of the machine, in particular of an internal combustion engine, wherein the engine is run up to test points which are defined by values of a multiplicity of predetermined operating parameters and are selected from a multidimensional test space by means of a statistical test plan, and during each run-up to the test points at least one operating parameter is changed in a multiplicity of steps from one test point (Tn) to the next test point (Tn+1), wherein operational measurements (meas) are carried out at measuring points (Mn), arising from respective increments, and at the actual test points (Tn, Tn+1), and wherein measurement data from the operational measurements is output for the analysis and calibration of the controller and continuously stored, and said invention also relates to a corresponding system.