Internal Combustion Engine Mass Flow Control via Time Characteristic Balance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Internal combustion engines face challenges in dynamically adjusting air mass flow to match rapidly changing driver demands, leading to suboptimal fuel consumption, response behavior, and reproducibility due to limitations in existing charge control systems.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that set the mass flow setpoint value based on a balance of inflowing and outflowing mass flows within a predefined time characteristic, using a proportional time element of the first order, allowing for dynamic adjustment of air mass flow to achieve desired torque and fuel efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the mass flow setpoint value is determined based on a balance of inflowing and outflowing mass flows with a predefined time characteristic, then the dynamic response behavior is improved, but the computational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic response behaviorVSAvoidcomputational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by using a predefined time characteristic (time constant) to transform the mass flow balance equation into a setpoint determination formula. This allows the system to anticipate future mass flow requirements based on current conditions, improving dynamic response without requiring complex real-time calculations during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by calculating and storing the time characteristic parameters in advance. The control unit uses these pre-determined parameters to quickly determine mass flow setpoint values during operation, avoiding the need for complex real-time balance calculations and achieving fast dynamic response.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of manufacture

If a proportional time element of the first order is used for the predefined time characteristic, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the manufacturing precision may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of implementationVSAvoidaccuracy of mass flow balance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a proportional time element of the first order with a specific time constant range (0.01s to 10s) to simplify the mathematical model while maintaining sufficient accuracy for engine control applications. This parameter selection balances computational simplicity with acceptable precision for the intended use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If the setpoint value follows sudden changes in driver demand, then the response behavior is improved, but the fuel consumption increases due to suboptimal charge control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse behaviorVSAvoidfuel consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by using the predefined time characteristic to predict future mass flow requirements before they actually occur. This allows the control system to prepare appropriate setpoint values in advance, enabling smooth transitions that respond quickly to driver demands while maintaining optimal charge control and fuel efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the actual mass flow and comparing it with the setpoint value determined from the time characteristic model. This closed-loop control ensures that the system maintains optimal operation while responding dynamically to changing conditions, balancing response behavior with fuel consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8746212B2Method and device for operating an internal combustion engine having a mass flow line
Publication Date: 2014.06.10 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • US8746212B2 patent drawing
  • US8746212B2 patent drawing
  • US8746212B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and a device for operating an internal combustion engine having a mass-flow line are provided, which allow the actual charge to be adapted to the setpoint charge of the internal combustion engine at a desired dynamic. A mass flow is supplied to the internal combustion engine via the mass-flow line. A setpoint value is specified for a characteristic quantity of the mass flow to the internal combustion engine. The setpoint value of the characteristic quantity of the mass flow is formed starting from a balance of the mass flow flowing into the mass flow line and the mass flow discharged from the mass flow line according to a predefined time characteristic.