Engine Start Fuel Injection Timing Transition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Engines coupled to automatic transmissions face challenges in controlling engine speed and torque during start-stop operations, particularly in heavy traffic or stop-and-go conditions, where driver input intentions are not accurately followed due to limited direct control over transmission clutches.

Innovation Solution

A method involving automatic engine starting with split fuel injection during the start cycle, transitioning to single injection based on intake manifold pressure when engine speed exceeds a threshold, allowing for robust engine torque control and improved combustion stability at lower torque levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the engine controller concentrates on controlling the engine in specific modes (start mode, idle speed control mode, or engine torque control mode), then engine speed control and torque management are improved, but the driver's direct control over transmission clutches is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengine speed controlVSAvoiddriver control
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically transitions between different fuel injection modes (split injection and single injection) based on real-time engine operating conditions such as manifold pressure and engine speed. This dynamic adaptation allows the engine controller to optimize control precision while maintaining responsiveness to driver inputs through conditional mode switching

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If split fuel injection is used during engine start, then combustion stability at lower torque levels is improved, but engine torque control robustness may be reduced when manifold pressure drops

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecombustion stabilityVSAvoidtorque control robustness
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between split injection and single injection modes based on manifold pressure thresholds. Split injection is used when manifold pressure is above the threshold to optimize combustion stability, while single injection is used when pressure drops below the threshold to maintain torque control robustness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the fuel injection parameter (from split to single injection) in response to changing manifold pressure conditions. This parameter adaptation allows the system to maintain optimal performance across varying operating conditions, balancing combustion stability with torque control reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If the engine transitions directly from start mode to torque control mode when the driver depresses the throttle, then responsiveness to driver inputs is improved, but engine speed control precision may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse speedVSAvoidengine speed control
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the transition criteria between engine modes based on driver input detection. When throttle depression is detected, the system accelerates the transition from start mode to torque control mode, optimizing response speed while maintaining speed control precision through conditional logic

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 approach enhances engine speed control and torque management for automatic transmission engines, reducing emissions and improving transitions between engine modes by considering engine operating conditions beyond speed, thus providing better responsiveness to driver inputs.

Implementation Method 1

a fuel injector delivers fuel to an engine cylinder during a compression stroke

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFuel injection: Injector

Implementation Method 2

a spark plug delivers an electric spark to the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectric spark ignition: Electric Spark

Implementation Method 3

The piston may be moved up and down in the cylinder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical compression and motion conversion: Compression

Implementation Method 4

The exhaust valve may be opened to allow exhaust to leave the combustion chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas flow through valve: Valve

Data Source

PatentUS9416742B2Method for starting an engine
Publication Date: 2016.08.16 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC
  • US9416742B2 patent drawing
  • US9416742B2 patent drawing
  • US9416742B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for improving starting of an engine that may be repeatedly stopped and started is presented. In one embodiment, the method controls a transition from split fuel injection timing during an engine start to single event fuel injection during idle speed or engine torque control modes. The method better manages vehicle launch performance when the engine is restarted while coupled to an automatic transmission that is in gear.