Engine Control Clutch Coupling Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional internal combustion engine control apparatuses face challenges in accurately determining the coupling state of the clutch between the engine and the driving device, leading to unstable engine rotation and potential engine stalls, especially when users modify vehicle components like sprockets or tire diameters, or vary operating methods.
Innovation Solution
An internal combustion engine control apparatus that includes a clutch state detection unit using vehicle speed and rotation speed sensors, a throttle opening degree sensor, and a reference value learning function to accurately determine the clutch coupling state, correcting fuel and air-intake amounts based on detected conditions, and storing reference learning values for future use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the coupling state of the clutch is detected based on the output of a clutch switch that opens or closes in conjunction with the clutch lever, then the coupling state can be detected, but the mounting position of the clutch-switch mechanical contact varies depending on a vehicle, so the coupling state may not be correctly detected in some vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical clutch switch detection system with an electronic detection system that calculates clutch coupling state based on engine rotation speed and vehicle traveling speed. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical contacts that vary by vehicle model, providing universal compatibility while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces calculation-based detection as an intermediary method between the physical clutch lever operation and the control system. By using engine rotation speed and vehicle speed as intermediate parameters, the system indirectly determines clutch coupling state without relying on vehicle-specific mechanical switch positions.
2Measurement precision
If the coupling state of the clutch is determined based on the rotation speed of an internal combustion engine and the traveling speed of a vehicle, then the coupling state can be determined, but after purchasing the vehicle, the user may replace a sprocket or a tire, or may change the tire diameter, so the relationship between the rotation speed of an internal combustion engine and the traveling speed of a vehicle differs from that at production, making it difficult to correctly obtain determination data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic reference value storage system that can be updated after vehicle purchase. When users modify components like sprockets or tires, they can input new reference values into the control unit, which then uses these updated values for accurate clutch coupling state determination. This dynamic adaptation maintains precision despite component changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent stores reference values in the control unit before they are needed for clutch coupling determination. By pre-storing the relationship between engine rotation speed and vehicle speed (or allowing users to input updated reference values after modifications), the system is prepared to accurately determine clutch state without real-time calculation complexity.
3Measurement precision
If the determination on the coupling state of the clutch is performed for each gear, then the determination can be performed more accurately, but there occurs a delay in the timing of determination on the coupling state of the clutch, in the correction of the fuel supply amount, or in the correction of the air-intake amount, whereby the internal combustion engine may malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores reference values for different gear positions in the control unit. When determining clutch coupling state, the system simply retrieves the appropriate pre-stored reference value based on the current gear position, avoiding time-consuming real-time calculations for each gear while maintaining accurate determination.
Data Source
AI summary
There is obtained an internal combustion engine control apparatus that can accurately determine the state of coupling between an internal combustion engine and a driving device so as to appropriately control the internal combustion engine. An internal combustion engine control apparatus according to the present invention includes a reference value learning function that learns a real calculation value, as the reference learning value for a transmission gear, when there are satisfied a first condition that the vehicle speed detected by a vehicle speed sensor, the real rotation speed detected by a rotation sensor, and the throttle opening degree detected by a throttle opening degree sensor are in predetermined ranges and a second condition that the real calculation value indicating the ratio of the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor to the real rotation speed detected by the rotation sensor is in a predetermined state.