Engine Control via Segment Time and Knock Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for controlling internal combustion engines fail to adequately recognize and address different types of combustion problems such as knocking combustion and premature ignition, which can lead to destructive consequences like piston damage and loss of ignition control.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the measurement of crankshaft rotational speed and segment times, combined with knock signal detection, to identify and differentiate between knocking combustion and premature ignition, allowing for adjustments to operating parameters like fuel supply and boost pressure to mitigate irregular running.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If knock sensors are used to detect noises and switch off monitored cylinders when knocking is present, then knocking combustion can be suppressed, but adequate recognition of different types of combustion problems cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveknocking combustion suppressionVSAvoidrecognition of different combustion problems
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The detection process is segmented into multiple independent measurement channels: knock sensor detection for knocking combustion, segment time measurement for irregular running, and rotational speed measurement for premature ignition. Each channel independently detects specific combustion problems and triggers appropriate responses, enabling both reliable knocking suppression and versatile recognition of different combustion issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If segment times are measured and corrected for mechanical inaccuracies to determine irregular running values, then irregular running can be detected, but adequate recognition of different types of combustion problems cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveirregular running detectionVSAvoidrecognition of different combustion problems
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The detection system is divided into separate functional segments: segment time measurement for irregular running detection, knock signal detection for knocking combustion, and rotational speed measurement for premature ignition. Each segment operates independently with its own measurement and evaluation logic, enabling reliable irregular running detection while maintaining versatility in recognizing different combustion problems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control device acts as an intermediary that receives inputs from multiple independent detection channels (segment time, knock signals, rotational speed) and integrates them to identify different combustion problems. This intermediary function enables the system to process diverse measurement data and generate appropriate control responses for various combustion issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If a single detection method is used for combustion problems, then device complexity is reduced, but adequate recognition of different types of combustion problems cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection system simplicityVSAvoidrecognition of different combustion problems
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control device is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple detection tasks: it processes knock sensor signals for knocking combustion, measures segment times for irregular running, and monitors rotational speed for premature ignition. This universal control device integrates multiple detection functions within a single system, maintaining device simplicity while achieving versatile recognition of different combustion problems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This approach provides a reliable recognition and correction of combustion issues, preventing damage by accurately identifying premature ignition and knocking combustion, and enabling timely adjustments to operating parameters to prevent engine damage.

Implementation Method 1

detecting a knock signal during a working cycle of the cylinder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic emission: Acoustic Emission

Implementation Method 2

measuring a rotational speed of the crankshaft during a compression cycle of the cylinder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotational motion detection:

Data Source

PatentUS7861689B2Method for controlling an internal combustion engine
Publication Date: 2011.01.04 VITESCO TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
  • US7861689B2 patent drawing
  • US7861689B2 patent drawing
  • US7861689B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for controlling an internal combustion engine with at least two cylinders in the case of irregular running caused by combustion problems has the following steps: measurement of a segment time of a first cylinder during a first time interval T1 in the sequence of operations of the internal combustion engine, with a corresponding first signal being transmitted as a first actual value to a control, sensing of pressure fluctuations in the second cylinder during a second time interval T2 in the sequence of operations of the internal combustion engine, with a corresponding second signal being transmitted as a second actual value to a control and changing of operating parameters of the at least one cylinder by means of the control on the basis of the first and second signal, when the first and the second actual value each deviate from setpoint values stored in the control.