Engine Controller Torque Compensation Strategy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing controllers for internal combustion engines face challenges in maintaining sufficient driving torque during fuel cut-off processes, particularly when the output requested for the engine is high, leading to torque insufficiency due to inadequate compensation by the electric motor, especially at higher rotation speeds.

Innovation Solution

The controller executes a deactivation process that deactivates combustion control in specified cylinders, accompanied by a compensation process using the electric motor to compensate for torque insufficiency, and a prohibition process that prevents deactivation when compensation is insufficient, setting a lower limit value for the electric motor's output based on rotation speed and load to ensure torque sufficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If the fuel cut-off process is executed when the output requested for the internal combustion engine is large, then fuel consumption is reduced, but the torque necessary for compensating for the inconvenience resulting from the fuel cut-off process cannot be produced by the electric motor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel consumptionVSAvoidcompensation torque

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The control strategy dynamically adjusts the feasibility of fuel cut-off based on real-time operating conditions. The determination process evaluates whether the electric motor can provide sufficient compensation torque before allowing deactivation, making the fuel cut-off process adaptive to current power demands and electric motor capabilities rather than applying it statically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The electric motor acts as an intermediary that bridges the torque gap created by fuel cut-off. By introducing this intermediate power source, the system can reduce fuel consumption in the internal combustion engine while the electric motor compensates for the torque reduction, allowing fuel cut-off to be executed without causing torque insufficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of energy

If the deactivation process is executed frequently, then fuel consumption is reduced, but the driving torque becomes considerably insufficient when compensation cannot be performed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel consumptionVSAvoiddriving torque sufficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the determination process continuously monitors whether sufficient compensation torque can be provided before executing fuel cut-off. This feedback loop ensures that deactivation only occurs when the electric motor can reliably compensate, preventing torque insufficiency while allowing frequent fuel-saving operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs beforehand cushioning by verifying compensation capability prior to fuel cut-off execution. The determination process acts as a preventive check, ensuring that the electric motor is ready to provide compensation torque before the deactivation process begins, thus cushioning against potential torque insufficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Power

If the electric motor produces compensation torque, then torque insufficiency is compensated, but the output of the supply device must be sufficient to support the production process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompensation torqueVSAvoidsupply device output

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The determination process evaluates parameter changes in the supply device output capability before allowing compensation torque production. By monitoring whether the supply device can provide sufficient power for the electric motor's compensation needs, the system dynamically adjusts fuel cut-off execution based on available energy resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 configuration effectively prevents torque insufficiency by ensuring sufficient compensation for driving torque, particularly at higher rotation speeds, and allows for more frequent deactivation without noticeable output drops, thereby maintaining stable engine performance.

Implementation Method 1

the electric motor produces a compensation torque used to prevent torque shock

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11427181B2Controller for internal combustion engine, control method for internal combustion engine, and memory medium

Publication Date: 2022.08.30 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK

AI summary

A controller for an internal combustion engine, a control method for an internal combustion engine, and a memory medium are provided. The controller executes a deactivation process that deactivates combustion control in a specified one of cylinders. A compensation process operates a power generation device that produces driving torque applied to a driven wheel so as to compensate for insufficiency of the driving torque of a vehicle caused by the deactivation process. A prohibition process prohibits the deactivation process when it is determined that compensation by a predetermined amount or larger by the compensation process cannot be performed.