Engine Speed Control via Anticipatory Butterfly Valve Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine speed control systems for constant speed applications, such as generators and lawnmowers, face challenges in instantaneously regulating engine speed to prevent fluctuations and potential engine damage due to delayed responses and oscillations, which can lead to premature wear and increased risk of engine deterioration.
Innovation Solution
A method that evaluates the load-resistant torque applied to the engine and anticipates adjustments to the angular position of the regulating butterfly valve to maintain constant speed, using a theoretical torque curve to calculate combustion, acceleration, and friction torques, allowing for direct control of the engine speed without waiting for speed deviations, thereby reducing pumping phenomena and engine collapse risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing mechanical or electronic regulating systems are used to control engine speed, then the engine speed can be regulated, but the response is delayed and causes speed fluctuations and oscillations that lead to engine wear and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by evaluating the load-resistant torque and determining the required actuator position before the engine speed actually deviates from the target speed. The computer calculates the combustion drive torque from the theoretical torque curve and determines the necessary butterfly valve position in advance, allowing the regulating action to be prepared and executed immediately when load changes occur, eliminating the delayed response of conventional systems.
2Device complexity
If conventional regulating systems wait for speed deviations before acting, then the control logic is simple, but the engine speed fluctuates and collapses before regulation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system determines the required actuator position in advance by evaluating the load-resistant torque and calculating the combustion drive torque from the theoretical torque curve, before any speed deviation occurs. This preliminary determination of the correct butterfly valve position allows the system to maintain speed stability without the oscillations and collapses associated with conventional reactive control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors engine parameters including the theoretical torque curve, combustion drive torque, and load-resistant torque to provide real-time feedback. This feedback loop allows the computer to adjust the actuator position dynamically based on actual engine conditions, maintaining optimal speed control while adapting to changing loads without waiting for speed deviations.
3Ease of operation
If the engine speed is allowed to fluctuate for mechanical regulation to work, then the regulating mechanism can operate, but the engine experiences premature wear and potential deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical regulating system with an electronic control system. The computer calculates the required actuator position based on evaluated load-resistant torque and combustion drive torque from the theoretical torque curve, then electronically controls the actuator to position the butterfly valve. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical speed fluctuations to trigger regulation, allowing precise control that prevents engine wear while maintaining ease of operation.
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 method enables rapid and effective control of engine speed, reducing the risk of engine damage and maintaining constant speed by anticipating load changes and adjusting the butterfly valve position proactively, thus minimizing fluctuations and wear.
Implementation Method 1
a mixture of air and fuel is injected. This mixture is compressed in the cylinder by a piston and ignited so as to make the piston move in translation inside the cylinder
Implementation Method 2
The movement of the pistons in each cylinder of the engine rotates a drive shaft, referred to as a 'crankshaft'
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for controlling a speed of a vehicle combustion engine, the engine including at least one combustion chamber, into which a mixture of air and fuel is injected, and an air box, configured to inject the air into the combustion chamber and having an air flow rate controlled by a regulating butterfly valve, the regulating butterfly valve having a variable angular position, controlled by a predetermined position of an actuator. The method includes the steps of evaluating a so-called “load” resistant torque resulting from a plurality of external loads applied to the engine, determining, from the calculated load resistant torque, a position of the actuator, so as to determine an angular position of the regulating butterfly valve, and controlling the position of the actuator, so as to control the engine speed.