Engine Torque Variation Analysis for Cylinder Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for testing internal combustion engines and associated structures are limited in providing comprehensive analysis of output parameter variations, such as torque and rotational speed, which hinders the detection of small irregularities and potential improvements in engine efficiency and performance.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that utilize sensors like speed sensors, torque sensors, pressure sensors, and accelerometers to continuously monitor and represent variations in output parameter values during engine cycles, allowing for the evaluation of operating parameters and enabling fine-tuning of engine components, including individual cylinder performance, and simulating different gear ratios without physical changes to the gearbox.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional torque measurement methods are used, then reliable torque measurement in steady load situations is achieved, but the ability to detect small irregularities and variations during engine cycles is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection of small irregularitiesVSAvoidmeasurement reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by capturing and storing torque and speed data at high sampling rates throughout the entire engine cycle before analysis. This allows small irregularities to be recorded in detail during the engine cycle, enabling subsequent detection of variations that would be missed by conventional steady-state measurements alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action by analyzing torque and speed variations at specific crank angle intervals throughout the engine cycle. By examining parameters at regular periodic intervals corresponding to engine rotation, the system can detect small irregularities and variations that occur during different phases of the engine cycle while maintaining measurement reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Productivity

If detailed analysis of individual cylinder performance is implemented, then engine optimization is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengine optimization efficiencyVSAvoidtesting device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the engine analysis into individual cylinder contributions. The torque sensor data is processed to separate and analyze the performance of each cylinder individually, allowing identification of which specific cylinders are underperforming or contributing to irregularities, thereby enabling targeted optimization without requiring complex physical modifications to the entire engine system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a control system that acts as a mediator between the physical engine components and the analysis process. The control system receives data from sensors, processes the information to identify individual cylinder contributions to torque variations, and provides guidance for optimization, thereby achieving detailed cylinder-level analysis without directly modifying the engine hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If physical changes to gearbox components are made to test different gear ratios, then accurate transmission testing is achieved, but time consumption and productivity decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission ratio measurement accuracyVSAvoidtesting productivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies copying by creating a virtual representation of different gear ratio conditions through software simulation rather than physical modification. The system uses the actual gearbox and measures its performance, then uses control algorithms to simulate how the system would perform with different gear ratios, thereby obtaining accurate transmission testing data without the time-consuming process of physically changing gearbox components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of physically changing gearbox components with an electronic/software-based system. Instead of mechanically modifying the gearbox to test different gear ratios, the system uses sensors and control algorithms to simulate different transmission conditions, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy while dramatically improving testing productivity by eliminating physical reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2135054B1Method and device for testing of a combustion engine or an associated structure and a rig
Publication Date: 2020.09.09 ROTOTEST INT
  • EP2135054B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2135054B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2135054B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A method and a device for performing tests on an internal combustion engine or a structure which is associated with the engine by measuring output parameter values on at least one output shaft (3LF, 3RF) which is connected to the engine, is distinguished by producing a representation of variations in said output parameter values during operation of the engine, and evaluating the representation for determining an operating parameter value for the engine or the structure. The invention also concerns a dynamometer testing rig.