Engine Control Stop-Line Interface for One-Wire Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication solutions for internal combustion engines face challenges in maintaining low production costs and high reliability, particularly due to the need for power transfer and protection against voltage transients, which are not adequately addressed by existing one-wire bus systems.
Innovation Solution
A connection between the stop button and electronic control circuit is used for both power supply and data communication, incorporating a low-pass filter and a one-wire bus for two-way communication, with a communication interface converting signals to a conventional RS-232 protocol to enable communication with external computers, and a capacitor for power storage during engine shutdown.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a one-wire bus is used for two-way communication, then the number of wires is reduced, but the system cannot provide power transfer and protection against voltage transients
Solution Approach 1:
The existing stop button connection is made multi-functional by using it for both its original stop function and for data communication with external computers. This allows the system to communicate without adding new wires, while the existing protection circuitry continues to protect against voltage transients.
Solution Approach 2:
A communication interface unit is introduced as an intermediary between the control system and external computers. This interface handles the communication protocols and provides galvanic isolation, protecting the control system from voltage transients while enabling data exchange.
2Ease of manufacture
If the stop button connection is used for data communication, then production costs are reduced, but power supply during engine shutdown becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
A capacitor is charged during engine operation when power is available. This pre-charged capacitor then supplies power to the control system during engine shutdown, enabling communication and other functions to continue without external power.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop button connection is used for multiple purposes: original stop function, data communication, and power transfer. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate power and communication connections, reducing production costs while maintaining power supply capability.
3Reliability
If protection against voltage transients is implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing stop button connection already includes protection against voltage transients as part of its original design. This existing protection is leveraged for the communication function without requiring additional protection circuitry, avoiding increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication interface unit provides galvanic isolation and protection against voltage transients between the control system and external computers. This intermediary handles the protection requirements, allowing the control system to maintain its simple design while still achieving high reliability.
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 solution reduces component count and production costs, provides protection against voltage transients, and allows for reliable data communication between the engine control unit and external computers, ensuring continuous power to the control system and other components.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitor is charged by said external voltage supply, and said capacitor supplies power to the electronic control circuit in the absence of external voltage supply via the connection or voltage supply from the engine
Implementation Method 2
said connection comprises a low-pass filter arranged between the electronic control circuit and the stop button, which has the advantage of acting as a protection against voltage transients
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
By incorporating digital control systems for ignition of, and to some extent for fuel injection in, small internal combustion engines, opportunities have been created for the connection of external computers, in order thereby to be able to change the characteristics of the control system, as well as to be able to read operational data from the same. The operational data may be e.g. operating time and trip meter. The method according to the invention means that a combined communication port and stop entry is created, which will result in a cost-effective implementation of the communication interface when a stop entry with an associated transient protection already exists.