Engine Condensation Risk Prediction From Vehicle Use Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine abnormality predicting devices do not consider the state of vehicle use, leading to inadequate prediction of engine abnormalities due to condensed water production.
Innovation Solution
An abnormality predicting device that determines the state of vehicle use based on engine revolutions, load factor, vehicle speed, and brake state, and predicts engine abnormalities by considering elapsed time and condensed water production to account for vehicle usage patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If condensed water production is predicted based only on engine temperature and exhaust conditions, then the prediction system is simple, but the prediction accuracy is insufficient because vehicle usage patterns are not considered
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary determination of condensed water production based on engine temperature and exhaust conditions before making the final abnormality prediction. This preliminary assessment allows the system to filter cases where condensed water is unlikely to occur, and only then proceed to evaluate vehicle usage patterns for accurate abnormality prediction.
Solution Approach 2:
The prediction system dynamically adjusts its evaluation based on vehicle usage state. When condensed water production is detected, the system activates additional evaluation of vehicle usage patterns (idling frequency, short-distance operation, climate control usage) to determine abnormality risk, rather than using a static prediction approach.
2Reliability
If the heater is operated when condensed water is present, then the exhaust gas sensor can be heated, but temperature distribution becomes non-uniform causing sensor abnormality
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary determination of condensed water production using engine temperature and exhaust conditions before operating the heater. By predicting condensed water formation in advance, the system can prevent heater operation when condensed water is present, thereby avoiding the harmful effect of non-uniform temperature distribution on the sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from engine temperature sensors and exhaust condition monitoring to determine condensed water production. This feedback mechanism allows the control unit to make informed decisions about heater operation, preventing sensor damage by avoiding heater activation when condensed water is detected.
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
Enhances the prediction of engine abnormalities, particularly corrosion of engine cylinders, by accurately identifying high-risk usage conditions and timing, thereby improving maintenance alerts and preventing component damage.
Implementation Method 1
Determination is made regarding whether condensed water is produced in the engine, based on elapsed time after stopping the engine
Data Source
AI summary
Based on at least one of an engine speed which is a rotational speed of the engine, an engine load factor which is a load factor of the engine, a vehicle speed of the vehicle, and an on-off state of a brake in the vehicle, a use state of the vehicle is determined, and based on an elapsed time after the engine is stopped, whether or not condensed water is generated in the engine is determined, and an engine abnormality is predicted based on the determined use state of the vehicle when the condensed water is generated in the engine or when the amount of condensed water generated in the engine is equal to or larger than a predetermined amount of water.