Engine Combustion Control via Dynamic Load Limitation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for controlling abnormal combustion in internal combustion engines, known as 'rumble,' are not immediate and often require injection cut-offs, leading to reduced effectiveness and driver discomfort, as they rely on slow dynamic counters and are not adapted to the necessary load limitation.

Innovation Solution

A method that detects abnormal combustion vibrations between 600 Hz and 1200 Hz, calculates a load limitation based on an iso-probability curve to minimize the risk of knocks, and applies the limitation to operate the engine at optimal speed/load points, using software integrated into the engine computer without additional components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If load limitation is applied during a driving cycle based on a slow-motion rumble counter, then the rumble phenomenon is eliminated over time, but the response is not immediate and the load limitation level is not precisely tailored

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverumble elimination effectivenessVSAvoidresponse speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic load limitation that adapts in real-time based on detected rumble events. The system transitions from static, pre-calculated load limitations to dynamic adjustments that respond immediately to rumble detection, modifying engine operating parameters on-the-fly to eliminate rumble while maintaining optimal performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the engine's own operational data and rumble detection capabilities to automatically adjust load limitation levels. The control unit monitors rumble events and self-regulates engine loading without requiring external intervention or complex additional sensors, making the system self-sufficient and immediately responsive

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If fuel injection cut-off is applied to eliminate rumble, then the rumble phenomenon is eliminated, but driver discomfort increases due to jerking and noise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverumble elimination effectivenessVSAvoiddriver comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of binary fuel injection cut-off, the patent modifies engine operating parameters such as ignition timing, air-fuel ratio, and valve timing to eliminate rumble. These parameter adjustments smoothly alter combustion characteristics to prevent rumble while maintaining continuous fuel injection, thereby avoiding the jerking and noise associated with complete injection cut-off

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies partial load limitation rather than complete fuel cut-off. By reducing load to a level that prevents rumble while maintaining sufficient fuel injection for smooth combustion, the system achieves rumble elimination with minimal impact on drivability and driver comfort

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Productivity

If the load limitation level depends on the number of fuel injection cut-offs, then a load limitation can be calculated, but the limitation level is not precisely tailored to the necessary conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload limitation calculation capabilityVSAvoidrumble impact measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/counting-based approach to load limitation calculation with a sensor-based detection system. Accelerometers and other sensors directly measure rumble vibrations and combustion characteristics, providing precise real-time data that replaces the indirect measurement based on fuel cut-off counts, enabling more accurate and situation-appropriate load limitation levels

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This approach allows for rapid elimination of abnormal combustion with necessary load limitation, minimizing driver discomfort and maintaining performance without injection cut-offs, while being cost-effective and adaptable to various engine conditions.

Implementation Method 1

detecting abnormal combustions generating vibrations in a cylinder called 'knocks', the vibrations having a frequency between 600 Hz and 1200 Hz

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

detecting abnormal combustion using an accelerometer mounted on the engine block

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAccelerometer detection: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentEP3420213B1Method for controlling the combustion of a combustion engine by way of an immediate load reduction method

Publication Date: 2020.01.01 PSA AUTOMOBILES SA

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AI summary

The invention relates mainly to a method for controlling the combustion of a combustion engine, characterized in that said method comprises: - a step of detecting abnormal combustion generating vibrations in a cylinder, known as "knocking", said vibrations having a frequency of between 600 Hz and 1200 Hz, - a step of calculating a load limitation depending notably, in a speed/load map, on an iso-probability curve (C1) of the occurrence of knocking following said detection, and - a step of applying said load limitation so as to cause said combustion engine to operate in the speed/load map at operating points minimizing the risk of knocking occurring.