Engine Control Apparatus Dynamic Starter Limit Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Engine control systems for vehicles face challenges in reliably starting the engine when there are failures in either the crank signal or the cam signal, leading to longer startup times and increased probability of engine startup failure, especially in cold environments.
Innovation Solution
An engine control apparatus with first and second cylinder discriminating means, failure detecting means, automatic startup control, and drive time limiting means, which adjusts the limit time for starter motor operation based on signal failures and environmental conditions to prevent premature interruption and ensure successful engine startup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the limit time for starter motor operation is set to a standard value, then the system prevents battery dead or deterioration, but the starter motor is interrupted before the engine enters the running state when signal failures occur
Solution Approach 1:
The limit time for starter motor operation is changed from a fixed standard value to a dynamic value that is extended when signal failures are detected. The control unit monitors crank signal and cam signal status and automatically extends the limit time when failures occur, allowing the starter motor to continue operating until the engine successfully starts despite the signal issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of limit time based on the operational conditions. When signal failures are detected during startup, the limit time parameter is extended beyond the standard value. This parameter adjustment allows the system to adapt to degraded signal conditions while still preventing excessive operation that would cause battery damage.
2Ease of operation
If cylinder discrimination is performed using only one normal signal when the other fails, then the engine can be started, but the time for cylinder discrimination completion is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of signal failures before completing cylinder discrimination. When a failure is detected in either the crank signal or cam signal, the control unit switches to using only the remaining normal signal for cylinder discrimination, rather than waiting for both signals to be confirmed functional.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for potential signal failures by having a fallback cylinder discrimination method ready. When signal failures occur, the system can immediately switch to using only one signal without interruption to the startup process, cushioning against the time loss that would otherwise occur.
3Reliability
If the starter motor is driven for extended periods to accommodate signal failures, then successful startup is achieved, but battery dead or deterioration occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the startup process and signal status to provide feedback on whether extension of the limit time is necessary. The system only extends the limit time when signal failures are actually detected, and automatically returns to the standard limit time when normal conditions are restored, preventing unnecessary extended operation that would waste battery energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The limit time parameter is dynamically adjusted based on actual signal failure conditions. The system extends the parameter only when necessary (when failures occur) and maintains or reduces it when conditions are normal, optimizing the balance between startup reliability and battery energy conservation.
Data Source
AI summary
An engine control apparatus and related control method for an engine are disclosed wherein cylinder discrimination is executed based on a crank signal and a cam signal under a normal signal mode. If a failure occurs in either the crank signal or the cam signal, the cylinder discrimination is executed based on a normal one of the crank signal and the cam signal. A starter device is driven to crank up the engine until judgment is made that the engine enters a running state. A duration time for the starter device to be driven is measured and if the duration time reaches a limit time, the driving state of the starter device is interrupted. When either the crank signal or the cam signal encounters the failure, the limit time is set to a longer time than a preset time for the normal signal mode.