Engine Control Apparatus Dynamic Mode Switching Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine control systems struggle to provide both excellent fuel economy and driving performance simultaneously, often resulting in insufficient torque during starting in economy mode or sudden acceleration in power mode, leading to suboptimal driving experiences.
Innovation Solution
An engine control apparatus that detects the driving state and selects from multiple control modes using mode maps with lattice axes of accelerator opening-degree and driving state to set engine output command values, ensuring smooth and responsive starting performance without excess or insufficient torque.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If economy mode is selected to reduce fuel consumption, then fuel economy performance is improved, but starting torque becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between economy mode and power mode based on driving conditions. The ECU automatically selects power mode during starting operations (when vehicle speed is below threshold) and switches to economy mode during normal cruising, allowing the system to adapt torque characteristics to actual driving needs rather than being locked into a fixed mode
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching control modes that affect throttle opening characteristics. In power mode, the throttle opening is controlled to provide sufficient torque for starting, while in economy mode, the throttle characteristics are optimized for fuel efficiency during steady-state operation
2Power
If power mode is selected to increase output, then driving performance is improved, but sudden acceleration occurs causing shock
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts throttle opening characteristics based on vehicle speed. During starting (low speed), the throttle opening is controlled to increase gradually, preventing sudden acceleration. Once the vehicle exceeds a threshold speed, the system transitions to normal power mode characteristics, allowing full engine output capability
Solution Approach 2:
The ECU performs preliminary control by detecting starting conditions beforehand (when vehicle speed is below threshold) and pre-adjusting the throttle opening characteristics to prevent excessive torque. This preliminary adjustment occurs before the driver's acceleration request is fully executed, smoothing out the starting phase
3Reliability
If fixed control mode is used, then mode-specific performance is optimized, but adaptability to different driving conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static mode selection to dynamic mode switching based on real-time vehicle speed detection. The ECU continuously monitors driving conditions and automatically switches between economy mode and power mode, enabling the same engine to adapt to both fuel-efficient cruising and torque-demanding starting conditions without requiring multiple fixed configurations
Data Source
AI summary
A storage unit provided in an engine control device stores three kinds of mode maps having different engine output characteristics. One of the mode maps is selected in accordance with the driving conditions, and a target torque is set by referring to the selected mode map using an engine speed and an accelerator opening-degree as parameters. A throttle opening-degree signal corresponding to the target torque is output to a throttle actuator, and an operation of opening or closing the throttle valve is performed in response to the throttle opening-degree signal.