Engine Control Apparatus Interference Suppression via Dynamic Range Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In internal combustion engines with compression ratio and variable valve timing mechanisms, control apparatuses may experience interference due to memory device failures, leading to incorrect signal transmission and potential engine damage.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus comprising a main control unit and two sub-control units that dynamically adjust indicated values for the compression ratio and valve timing based on real-time feedback from sensors to prevent interference, using a network of sensors and actuators to ensure accurate control even in the event of memory device failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the control apparatus uses a memory device to transmit indicated values between main and sub control apparatuses, then the control system can operate with separate control modules, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential memory device failures causing wrong indicated values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by having the sub control apparatus independently calculate the indicated value for the first controlled object based on the controlled variable of the second controlled object, before the memory device failure can cause harm. This pre-calculated value serves as a safeguard to prevent interference between controlled objects even when the memory device transmits wrong indicated values.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by having the sub control apparatus continuously monitor the relationship between controlled variables of different controlled objects and adjust the indicated value range accordingly. The sub control apparatus uses the actual controlled variable of the second controlled object to dynamically adjust the permissible range for the first controlled object, ensuring real-time prevention of interference.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the main control apparatus outputs indicated values with wide ranges to maximize control flexibility, then the adaptability improves, but the risk of interference between controlled objects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the indicated value range dynamic rather than fixed. The sub control apparatus continuously adjusts the permissible range of indicated values for the first controlled object based on the real-time controlled variable of the second controlled object. This allows the system to maintain wide control ranges when safe, while automatically narrowing the range when interference risk is detected.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of the indicated value range dynamically. The sub control apparatus modifies the upper and lower limits of the indicated value for the first controlled object based on the controlled variable of the second controlled object, thereby adapting the control parameters to prevent interference while maintaining flexibility when conditions permit.
3Ease of operation
If the sub control apparatus strictly follows the indicated value from the main control apparatus, then the ease of operation improves, but the reliability deteriorates when memory device failures occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the sub control apparatus pre-calculate the indicated value for the first controlled object based on the controlled variable of the second controlled object, before receiving the indicated value from the main control apparatus. This pre-calculated value serves as a reference to verify the received indicated value, ensuring safety even when memory device failures occur.
Data Source
AI summary
A control apparatus is provided for an internal combustion engine equipped with compression ratio variable and variable valve mechanisms and includes first and second sub control apparatuses and a main control apparatus. The first sub control apparatus has a first microcomputer controlling the compression ratio variable mechanism, the second sub control apparatus has a second microcomputer controlling the variable valve mechanism, and the main control apparatus has a third microcomputer that calculates a target value of a top dead center of a piston and a target value of a valve timing of an intake valve, and outputs the target values. The main control apparatus changes a variable range of the target valve of the top dead center of the piston according to the valve timing of the intake valve, and the first sub control apparatus changes a control range of the top dead center of the piston.