Engine Ramp Rate Control Without Weight Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine control systems for internal combustion engines are complex and require extensive sensors to estimate vehicle weight, making them costly and inefficient in maximizing fuel economy without depending on driver techniques, while also risking over-governance that may impact safety.
Innovation Solution
An engine control system that controls the ramp rate of an internal combustion engine as a percentage of its maximum available rate, eliminating the need for vehicle weight estimation and using a programmable governor with adjustable settings via a keypad or computer terminal, allowing for simplified operation across varying conditions without speed or load monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If vehicle weight estimation sensors and systems are added to control ramp rate, then fuel economy can be optimized, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex vehicle weight estimation system from the ramp rate control mechanism. Instead of using sensors and computer systems to estimate weight, the invention directly controls engine ramp rate as a percentage of maximum available rate, eliminating the need for weight estimation hardware and software while maintaining fuel economy benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The engine control system uses the engine's own performance characteristics and available power to automatically determine appropriate ramp rates. By controlling ramp rate as a percentage of maximum available rate, the system self-adjusts based on engine capabilities without requiring external weight estimation, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating complex sensors
2Use of energy by moving object
If ramp rate is controlled to preprogrammed points based on estimated weight, then fuel economy improves, but driving adaptability to varying conditions decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic ramp rate control where the engine speed increase rate is continuously adjusted as a percentage of the maximum available rate based on real-time engine performance and operating conditions. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to varying driving conditions, road grades, and load changes while maintaining optimal fuel economy, replacing static preprogrammed points with flexible real-time control
Solution Approach 2:
The control system uses feedback from engine sensors to monitor actual engine performance and adjust ramp rate accordingly. By continuously monitoring engine parameters and adjusting the ramp rate as a percentage of maximum available rate, the system adapts to changing conditions in real-time, improving both fuel economy and driving adaptability compared to fixed preprogrammed approaches
3Measurement precision
If extensive sensors and weight estimation systems are implemented, then ramp rate control precision improves, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the expensive and complex vehicle weight estimation system entirely from the ramp rate control mechanism. By controlling ramp rate as a percentage of maximum available engine power rather than based on estimated weight, the invention eliminates the need for additional sensors, computers, and estimation algorithms, significantly reducing system cost while maintaining control effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive, complex weight estimation hardware with a simple, low-cost control approach that uses the engine's own performance characteristics. The ramp rate control based on percentage of maximum available rate requires minimal additional components, making it a cost-effective solution that achieves precise control without expensive sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A method for improved engine control is disclosed. The system controls the rate of change of engine RPM, referred to as “ramp rate.” A method provides for controlling the ramp rate of an internal combustion engine including establishing a predetermined rate limit, determining a current engine speed, determining a desired engine speed, and adjusting the speed at or below the predetermined rate limit. In one embodiment, the ramp rate is controlled by an engine control module. The system does not require consideration of vehicle weight. Hence, there is no need for extensive sensors or other means to approximate a vehicle weight. This saves cost and complexity as compared with prior art systems. In another embodiment, the ramp rate control is based on a driver profile or user tier. This allows different ramp rates for different drivers, providing flexibility to have a lower ramp rate for less experienced drivers.