Engine Control Device Dynamic Injection Mode Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

The execution period of multiple injection processes in internal combustion engines can lead to increased wear on port injection valves and higher particulate matter (PM) emissions due to prolonged operation and increased fuel injection amounts, especially at low temperatures.

Innovation Solution

A control device that dynamically selects between multiple and single injection processes based on intake system temperature, using asynchronous and synchronous injection methods to optimize fuel delivery and reduce PM formation, while minimizing valve wear by adjusting injection timing and amounts according to coolant temperature, integration air value, and stop time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the multiple injection process is executed for a long period, then the fuel injection amount can be precisely controlled, but the number of port injection valve operations increases leading to decreased valve durability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel injection amount control precisionVSAvoidport injection valve durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the injection process selectable between multiple injection and single injection modes based on operating conditions (intake system temperature). The control device dynamically switches between injection strategies: when intake system temperature is below the reference value, multiple injection is used for precise control; when temperature reaches the reference value, single injection is used to reduce valve operations. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between precision control and valve durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Quantity of substance

If the injection amount is increased when the water temperature is low, then the fuel delivery meets cold start requirements, but the amount of fuel collecting on the intake system increases leading to higher particulate matter emissions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel injection amountVSAvoidparticulate matter emissions
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the fuel injection into two separate processes: intake synchronous injection and intake asynchronous injection. The intake synchronous injection delivers fuel directly to the combustion chamber during the intake stroke, while the intake asynchronous injection delivers fuel earlier. This segmentation allows precise control of where and when fuel is delivered, enabling the system to meet cold start requirements while minimizing fuel accumulation on the intake system that would otherwise become particulate matter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing the intake synchronous injection at a predetermined timing that ensures fuel is delivered directly to the combustion chamber before combustion occurs. This preliminary delivery of the necessary fuel amount prevents the need for excessive fuel injection that would accumulate on the intake system, thereby reducing particulate matter emissions while still meeting cold start fuel delivery requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3680474B1Internal combustion engine control device and control method
Publication Date: 2021.09.22 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • EP3680474B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3680474B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3680474B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A multi-injection process includes performing intake synchronized injection in which fuel is injected in synchronism with an open valve period of an intake valve (18), and an intake asynchronous injection in which fuel is injected at a more advanced timing than during intake synchronized injection. A single-injection process includes injecting a required injection amount (Qd) of fuel by intake asynchronous injection. An operating process includes operating a port injection valve (16) for injecting fuel into an intake passageway (12). A selection process (S50 to S70) includes selecting the single-injection process if the temperature of an intake system (12, 18) of an internal combustion engine (10) is not lower than a prescribed temperature, and selecting the multi-injection process if the temperature of the intake system (12, 18) is less than the prescribed temperature.