Engine Control System Relay to Prevent Unauthorized Emission Bypass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine control systems in refrigerated transport applications lack effective measures to prevent unauthorized modifications, which can lead to bypassing emission strategies and violating regulations such as EPA Tier IV not-to-exceed (NTE) regulations.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a relay connected to the engine control system that detects unauthorized modifications and prevents the engine activation signal from being sent to the power unit, ensuring that only authorized changes are made and emission strategies are maintained.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a relay is added to detect unauthorized modifications and block engine activation signals, then the system's ability to prevent unauthorized modifications is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A relay is introduced as an intermediary component between the controller and the engine activation signal path. The relay includes a control circuit that monitors for unauthorized modifications and physically blocks the engine activation signal when modifications are detected, providing protection without requiring complex changes to the core controller architecture.
2Reliability
If the relay blocks the engine activation signal upon detecting unauthorized modifications, then the emission compliance is maintained, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The relay control circuit performs preliminary detection of unauthorized modifications before the engine activation signal is transmitted. By checking for modifications in advance and only blocking the signal when necessary, the system maintains normal engine operation under legitimate conditions while preventing compliance violations.
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
Prevents unauthorized modifications, maintains compliance with emission regulations, and provides physical evidence for liability and warranty claims, ensuring the engine operates within defined parameters and capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The relay is configured to prevent the engine activation signal from passing to the power unit when the controller detects an unauthorized modification event
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for preventing unauthorized modification to engine control software or an engine control system of, for example, a refrigerated transport application is provided. Particularly, the embodiments described herein prevent unauthorized parties from inadvertently or intentionally making changes to the engine control software used for controlling the engine or the engine control system that could, for example, potentially bypass emission strategies implemented in the refrigerated transport application. Accordingly, emission strategies such as, for example, EPA Tier IV not-to-exceed ("NTE") regulations can be maintained.