Engine-State Detection via Battery Voltage Ripple Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional engine-state detection methods require connecting ACC cables to ECUs, leading to waste of manpower and costs, and occupying internal space, while also necessitating direct measurement of DC voltage from the vehicle battery.
Innovation Solution
An engine-state detection device and method that uses a windowed comparison circuit and controller to convert power signals into subject signals based on level profiles, determining the engine state without the need for ACC cables, by analyzing digital signals and their waveforms and frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ACC cables are connected to ECUs for engine-state detection, then the detection function is achieved, but the installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the engine-state detection function from the traditional ACC cable connection system. Instead of requiring physical cable connections between the detection device and multiple ECUs, the invention uses a standalone detection device that monitors the battery's voltage ripple to determine engine state, thereby eliminating the need for complex cable installations while maintaining detection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection device is designed to be universal and can be applied to various engine types and vehicle configurations without requiring specific cable connections. By using the battery voltage ripple as a universal indicator of engine state, the system achieves multi-functionality across different vehicle platforms without increasing installation complexity.
2Ease of operation
If ACC cables are disposed within the vehicle for ECU control, then ECU functions are activated, but the internal space of ECUs is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the engine-state detection function from the ECU's internal processing responsibilities. By placing a dedicated detection device that monitors battery voltage ripple, the system eliminates the need for ECUs to directly process engine-state detection signals, thereby freeing up internal ECU space while maintaining the ability to activate ECU functions as needed.
3Measurement precision
If direct measurement of DC voltage from vehicle battery is performed, then engine state can be determined, but the system requires additional measurement circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The detection device utilizes the vehicle battery as a multi-functional component: it serves both as the power source for the vehicle and as the sensing element for engine-state detection. By monitoring the voltage ripple inherent in the battery's operation during engine start, the system achieves precise engine-state determination without requiring separate measurement circuitry, as the battery itself provides the measurement signal.
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
Enables efficient engine-state detection, eliminating the need for ACC cables and reducing installation costs, while allowing selective loading of software programs, and adapting to vehicle battery aging and accessory changes through AI self-learning algorithms.
Implementation Method 1
The windowed comparison circuit is configured to receive the power signal and convert the power signal to one of a plurality of sets of subject signals depending on one of a plurality of level profiles
Data Source
AI summary
An engine state detection device adapted to a vehicle engine is electrically connected to a battery module providing a power signal is disclosed. The device includes a windowed comparison circuit and a controller. The windowed comparison circuit is configured to receive the power signal and convert the power signal to one of a plurality of sets of subject signals according to one of a plurality of level profiles. Each of the plurality of level profiles is related to a respective one of the plurality sets of subject signals. The controller is configured to perform an algorithm on the set of subject signal converted from the power signal for generating a combination signal, and determine a state of the vehicle engine according to the set of subject signal converted and the combination signal. The level profile on which the windowed comparison circuit depends is determined by the controller.