Engine Coolant and Fuel Enrichment Control for Overheating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internal combustion engines face excessive heating issues, which can shorten their lifetime and that of associated components, due to inadequate cooling systems, leading to potential engine and vehicle component damage.
Innovation Solution
An engine control system that includes a pump control module, block control module, fuel control module, coolant control module, and adjustment module to manage coolant flow and fueling, adjusting coolant valve positions and fuel richness based on engine temperature thresholds to optimize cooling and reduce heat stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the coolant pump operates at maximum speed continuously, then the engine cooling effect is improved, but the energy consumption increases and the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the coolant pump speed variable rather than fixed. The pump control module adjusts the pump speed dynamically based on real-time engine temperature conditions, coolant temperature, and cooling system requirements. This allows the pump to operate at maximum speed only when necessary for optimal cooling efficiency, while reducing speed under normal conditions to minimize energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the coolant pump from a fixed state to a variable state. By adjusting the pump speed parameter based on multiple feedback signals (engine temperature, coolant temperature, thermal management requirements), the system optimizes the balance between cooling effectiveness and energy consumption, avoiding continuous maximum speed operation.
2Temperature
If the coolant pump operates at maximum speed continuously, then the engine cooling effect is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by integrating the coolant pump control function into the existing engine control unit (ECU). The pump control module within the ECU performs multiple functions: monitoring engine temperature, regulating pump speed, coordinating with the throttle valve control, and managing overall thermal conditions. This eliminates the need for a separate dedicated pump control system, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective cooling control.
3Power
If the throttle valve opening is increased to improve engine power output, then the engine power is improved, but the engine temperature increases leading to excessive heating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback control by continuously monitoring engine temperature and using this information to adjust the throttle valve opening. When the engine temperature approaches or exceeds the predetermined maximum temperature, the pump control module reduces the throttle valve opening to decrease engine power output and reduce heat generation. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that engine power is optimized while preventing excessive heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by taking preventive measures before excessive heating occurs. The system monitors engine temperature in real-time and reduces throttle valve opening proactively when temperature approaches critical levels, rather than allowing the temperature to rise to dangerous levels and then taking corrective action. This prevents the harmful effect of excessive heating before it occurs.
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
Effectively cools the engine by controlling coolant flow and adjusting fuel richness, thereby extending the lifespan of engine and vehicle components by managing heat effectively.
Implementation Method 1
Engine coolant circulates through the coolant channels and the radiator. The engine coolant absorbs heat from the engine and carries the heat to the radiator.
Implementation Method 2
The radiator transfers heat from the engine coolant to air passing the radiator.
Implementation Method 3
The radiator transfers heat from the engine coolant to air passing the radiator.
Implementation Method 4
adjust the fueling of the engine such that fueling of the engine is fuel rich... to cool the engine
Data Source
AI summary
An engine control system for an engine includes: a pump control module configured to control a coolant pump; a block control module configured to control opening of a block valve; a fuel control module configured to control fueling of the engine; a coolant control module configured to control a position of a coolant valve; and an adjustment module configured to, when the coolant pump is pumping, the block valve is open, and the coolant valve is positioned such that an input is connected to an output, adjust the fueling of the engine such that fueling of the engine is fuel rich.