Engine Firing Sequence Control for Cylinder Deactivation Vibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cylinder deactivation in engines leads to increased noise and vibration due to unoptimized firing sequences, limiting the application of cylinder deactivation systems in vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a vibration prediction module and a firing sequence module that predicts and adjusts the engine's firing sequence to balance torque output, fuel economy, and vibration, by estimating torque pulses and their vibration responses, and selecting the optimal firing sequence to minimize vehicle vibration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If cylinders are deactivated to decrease fuel consumption, then fuel economy is improved, but noise and vibration increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel consumptionVSAvoidnoise and vibration

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the firing sequence based on real-time vibration predictions. The control system monitors vehicle vibration and adapts the firing order of active cylinders to minimize vibration while maintaining fuel economy benefits from cylinder deactivation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the firing sequence parameter to optimize vibration characteristics. By rearranging the order in which cylinders fire, the system modifies the vibration pattern to reduce harmful noise and vibration while maintaining the fuel savings from deactivation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If a fixed firing sequence is used during cylinder deactivation, then control simplicity is maintained, but vibration is not optimized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidvibration

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring vehicle vibration and using this information to adjust the firing sequence. The vibration prediction module provides feedback signals that guide the control system in selecting optimal firing sequences to minimize vibration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces mechanical vibration damping with a control-based approach. Instead of using physical vibration absorbers or dampers, the system uses electronic control to optimize the firing sequence, substituting mechanical solutions with intelligent control algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9140622B2System and method for controlling a firing sequence of an engine to reduce vibration when cylinders of the engine are deactivated

Publication Date: 2015.09.22 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a vibration prediction module and a firing sequence module. The vibration prediction module predicts a vibration response of a vehicle based on a firing sequence of an engine when a cylinder of the engine is deactivated. The firing sequence module adjusts the firing sequence of the engine based on the predicted vibration response of the vehicle.