Engine Control Device Combustion Efficiency Evaluation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for evaluating the combustion state in diesel engines require extensive man-hours and individualized references for each engine type and fuel injection amount, making it difficult to establish a comprehensive evaluation of combustion state deterioration.

Innovation Solution

A control apparatus that compares the reference heat production efficiency with the actual heat production efficiency in a predetermined inspection target period to determine combustion state deterioration, allowing for automatic correction of fuel injection amounts and oxygen introduction to improve combustion efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If heat production rate waveform comparison with ideal waveform is used to evaluate combustion state, then combustion state can be monitored, but great man-hours are needed for waveform analysis and determination reference setting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecombustion state evaluationVSAvoidman-hours for waveform analysis
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential characteristic parameter (heat production efficiency value) from the complex heat production rate waveform, comparing a single numerical value rather than entire waveforms. This extraction of the critical feature eliminates the need for time-consuming waveform analysis while preserving combustion state evaluation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the combustion evaluation from waveform-based qualitative analysis to a parameter-based quantitative comparison by calculating heat production efficiency (amount of heat generated per unit volume of fuel). This parameter transformation enables automated comparison and determination without manual waveform interpretation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If individual determination references are set for each engine type and fuel injection amount, then accurate combustion evaluation is achieved, but comprehensive evaluation reference cannot be established

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecombustion state determination accuracyVSAvoidnumber of determination references
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal determination reference system where the heat production efficiency threshold can be applied across different engine types and fuel injection amounts. By using a normalized efficiency metric rather than engine-specific waveform patterns, a single comprehensive reference table replaces numerous individual references.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the evaluation parameter from engine-specific waveform characteristics to a universal heat production efficiency metric that can be normalized across different operating conditions. This parameter transformation enables a single determination reference to serve multiple engine types and injection amounts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If heat production rate waveform comparison method is used, then combustion state can be evaluated, but it requires extensive analysis to set determination reference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecombustion state evaluationVSAvoiddetermination reference setting
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential combustion characteristic into a single efficiency value, making determination reference setting straightforward. Instead of analyzing complex waveform patterns to establish references, only critical threshold values for heat production efficiency need to be determined, greatly simplifying the reference creation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Measurement precision

If waveform pattern matching is used for combustion evaluation, then combustion state monitoring is achieved, but operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecombustion state monitoringVSAvoidevaluation operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the evaluation operation from complex waveform pattern matching to simple numerical comparison of heat production efficiency values. This parameter simplification makes the operation easier to implement and interpret while maintaining monitoring accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of waveform analysis with automated numerical calculation and comparison of heat production efficiency. This substitution eliminates the need for operators to manually compare waveforms, simplifying the operational process.

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 simplifies the evaluation of combustion state deterioration, reduces the need for individualized references, and enables quick detection and correction of issues, improving combustion efficiency and reducing operational complexity.

Implementation Method 1

a heat production rate waveform that is the variation of a heat production rate in the combustion chamber (amount of heat generated per rotation angle unit of a crankshaft)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure detection:

Data Source

PatentEP2541030B1Control device for internal combustion engine
Publication Date: 2019.04.24 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • EP2541030B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2541030B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2541030B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A reference heat production efficiency and an actual heat production efficiency are compared. When the actual heat production efficiency is lower than the reference heat production efficiency, and its deviation amount is equal to or more than a predetermined amount, it is determined that combustion state is deteriorated, and thus increase correction for a fuel injection amount is carried out. When the actual heat production efficiency is higher than the reference heat production efficiency, it is determined that the fuel amount actually injected in accordance with a fuel injection amount instruction value is excessive, and thus decrease correction for a fuel injection amount is carried out.