Alternating Engine Speed and Load for Vehicle Vacuum Generation

Solution Overview

Problem

Vehicles with small displacement engines face challenges in generating sufficient vacuum for brake boosters, as reducing engine load to increase vacuum generation can compromise engine efficiency and drivability.

Innovation Solution

The method involves alternately reducing engine speed and load applied by devices like alternators to optimize vacuum generation, maintaining output torque and improving efficiency while providing the desired vacuum, by adjusting engine parameters to minimize torque applied by speed-dependent loads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stress or pressure

If engine load is reduced to increase vacuum generation, then vacuum level is improved, but engine efficiency and drivability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintake manifold vacuumVSAvoidengine efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts engine operating parameters (speed and load) in an alternating sequence rather than maintaining static conditions. The controller alternates between reducing engine speed and reducing load applied by speed-dependent devices, allowing the engine to adaptively optimize vacuum generation while maintaining efficiency and drivability through continuous parameter adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes engine operating parameters (speed and load) to optimize vacuum generation. By alternating between reducing engine speed and reducing load applied by devices like alternators, the system modifies parameter combinations to achieve desired vacuum levels without permanently compromising engine efficiency or drivability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stress or pressure

If engine load is reduced to increase vacuum generation, then vacuum level is improved, but vehicle drivability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintake manifold vacuumVSAvoidvehicle drivability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts engine operating parameters (speed and load) in an alternating sequence rather than maintaining static conditions. The controller alternates between reducing engine speed and reducing load applied by speed-dependent devices, allowing the engine to adaptively optimize vacuum generation while maintaining efficiency and drivability through continuous parameter adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The controller implements periodic action by alternating between reducing engine speed and reducing load applied by speed-dependent devices. This periodic adjustment pattern allows the engine to cycle through different operating states, achieving vacuum generation goals while periodically restoring parameters to maintain drivability and driver comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Quantity of substance

If small displacement engine is used, then vehicle size and fuel consumption are improved, but vacuum generation capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine displacementVSAvoidvacuum generation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes engine operating parameters (speed and load) to optimize vacuum generation. By alternating between reducing engine speed and reducing load applied by devices like alternators, the system modifies parameter combinations to achieve desired vacuum levels without permanently compromising engine efficiency or drivability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9488117B2Method and system for providing vacuum for a vehicle

Publication Date: 2016.11.08 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

A method and system for improving vacuum generation for a vehicle is described. In one example, engine speed and alternator load are adjusted in an alternating manner to increase and amount of vacuum provide by an engine to a vacuum reservoir.