Engine Control Device Flow Velocity Calculation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing technique for calculating flow velocity around an ignition plug in internal combustion engines requires multiple voltage measurements, leading to a high measurement load and increased complexity.

Innovation Solution

An internal combustion engine control device that calculates a reference inter-gap voltage based on secondary current and in-cylinder pressure, allowing for the determination of flow velocity around the ignition plug with reduced measurement load by using an inter-gap voltage calculation unit and a flow velocity calculation unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple voltage measurements are performed to calculate flow velocity around the ignition plug, then the accuracy of flow velocity determination is improved, but the measurement load and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow velocity determination accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the necessary measurement data (secondary current and in-cylinder pressure) from the combustion system to calculate flow velocity, eliminating the need for multiple voltage measurements. This reduces measurement complexity while maintaining calculation accuracy through selective data extraction from existing sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention makes existing sensors (secondary current sensor and pressure sensor) serve multiple functions: they not only monitor combustion parameters but also enable flow velocity calculation around the ignition plug. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated flow velocity measurement systems, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If multiple voltage measurements are performed to calculate flow velocity around the ignition plug, then the accuracy of flow velocity determination is improved, but the measurement load increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow velocity determination accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement data volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential measurement parameters (secondary current and pressure) needed for flow velocity calculation, discarding unnecessary voltage measurement data. This extraction approach reduces measurement data volume and processing load while maintaining sufficient accuracy for the intended application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of performing complete multiple voltage measurements, the invention uses a partial measurement approach with only two parameters (secondary current and pressure), which is sufficient for flow velocity calculation. This partial action reduces measurement burden while achieving the necessary measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Stability of the object's composition

If turbulence intensity and flow velocity are increased to realize stable combustion under large dilution degree, then combustion stability is improved, but the risk of discharge blowing-off from the ignition plug increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecombustion stabilityVSAvoidignition reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where flow velocity around the ignition plug is calculated in real-time using secondary current and pressure data. This feedback information is used to dynamically adjust ignition timing and energy output, ensuring stable combustion while preventing discharge blowing-off by adapting to actual in-cylinder flow conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces dynamic adjustment of ignition parameters based on calculated flow velocity. Instead of using fixed ignition settings, the system adapts ignition timing and energy output according to real-time flow conditions, enabling stable combustion at high dilution ratios while preventing discharge loss through dynamic optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 configuration enables efficient calculation of flow velocity around the ignition plug, reducing measurement load and improving the accuracy of flow velocity determination.

Implementation Method 1

an ignition coil for applying a voltage to the ignition plug

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a secondary voltage detection unit that detects a secondary voltage being a voltage generated by a secondary coil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical voltage detection: Ohm's Law

Data Source

PatentUS11629683B2Internal combustion engine control device

Publication Date: 2023.04.18 ASTEMO LTD

AI summary

Provided is an internal combustion engine control device capable of reducing a measurement load and calculating a flow velocity around an ignition plug. The internal combustion engine control device includes an inter-gap voltage calculation unit 31 and a flow velocity calculation unit 32. The inter-gap voltage calculation unit 31 calculates a reference inter-gap voltage under a reference condition, based on a secondary current and in-cylinder pressure. The flow velocity calculation unit calculates the flow velocity of a gas around the ignition plug based on the reference inter-gap voltage.