Engine Control Apparatus with Dual Gearshift Detection for Low Voltage Starting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine control systems fail to reliably start an engine when the battery voltage is abnormally low, especially when the engine control apparatus is inoperative, and there is no clear method to ensure the gearshift is in a neutral or parking position, leading to potential vehicle movement or theft risks.
Innovation Solution
An engine control apparatus with a microprocessor, first and second detection circuits, and a direct driving circuit that energizes the starter motor when either detection signal indicates the gearshift is in neutral or parking position, even if the microprocessor is not operational due to low battery voltage, ensuring safe and secure engine starting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the engine control apparatus relies on the microprocessor to detect gearshift position and control starter motor operation, then the control precision and reliability are improved under normal conditions, but the system becomes unable to operate when battery voltage is abnormally low and the microprocessor becomes inoperative
Solution Approach 1:
The gearshift detection function is segmented into two independent subsystems: a first detection circuit that operates independently of the microprocessor, and a second detection means that operates through the microprocessor. This segmentation allows the first detection circuit to maintain engine starting capability when the microprocessor is inoperative due to low battery voltage, while the second detection means provides enhanced control precision under normal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary direct driving circuit that can activate the starter motor based on signals from the first detection circuit without requiring microprocessor intervention. This intermediary pathway ensures that engine starting control can be maintained even when the primary microprocessor-based control system becomes inoperative due to abnormally low battery voltage.
2Reliability
If a single detection method is used to determine gearshift position, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of engine starting control deteriorates when the detection system fails or the microprocessor is inoperative
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is divided into two independent parts: a first detection circuit that directly detects gearshift position and generates a detection signal independently of the microprocessor, and a second detection means that processes gearshift position information through the microprocessor. This segmentation ensures that if one detection method fails or the microprocessor becomes inoperative, the other detection method can still reliably determine gearshift position and control engine starting.
3Reliability
If the engine control apparatus requires the microprocessor to be operational for engine starting, then the control precision is maintained, but the system becomes inoperative when battery voltage is abnormally low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a direct driving circuit as an intermediary pathway that can activate the starter motor based on the first detection signal without requiring microprocessor intervention. This intermediary mechanism ensures that engine starting can be easily achieved even when the microprocessor is inoperative due to abnormally low battery voltage, while maintaining control precision through the dual-detection approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The first detection circuit is designed to operate independently and generate a detection signal in advance, without requiring microprocessor processing. This preliminary action ensures that when battery voltage becomes abnormally low and the microprocessor becomes inoperative, the gearshift position has already been detected and the starter motor can be immediately activated if conditions are appropriate, maintaining ease of operation under critical conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
Even when, due to an abnormal decrease in the battery voltage, an engine control apparatus is inoperative, an engine can safely be started. Based on gearshift lever selection position information generated by a gearshift sensor (109A), a first detection circuit (194) generates a first detection signal PS1 when the gearshift lever is in the neutral position or in the parking position; a microprocessor (110A) is provided with a second detection means that generated a second detection signal PS2 when the gearshift lever is in the neutral position or in the parking position. Even when, due to an abnormal decrease in the voltage of a vehicle battery, the microprocessor (110A) is inoperative, by ascertaining through the first detection signal PS1 that the vehicle is in a state of not being driven, the engine can be started by means of a starting switch.