Engine Torque Deviation Detection via Speed Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing engine systems face challenges in accurately detecting torque deviations, which can lead to non-optimum gearchanges, increased fuel consumption, and potential engine stoppages due to unexpected torque variations caused by fuel type changes or fuel supply stoppages.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that measure actual torque values and compare them to previously determined values during normal operation to detect deviations, allowing for precise control of engine torque and detection of fuel supply issues, thereby preventing engine stoppages and optimizing fuel efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If torque monitoring is not implemented, then the system operates with expected torque values, but actual torque deviations go undetected leading to non-optimum gearchanges and increased fuel consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque detection accuracyVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses engine speed as an intermediary parameter to indirectly measure torque. Instead of directly measuring torque, the system monitors engine speed variations which correlate with torque deviations. This intermediary approach enables torque detection without requiring complex direct torque measurement sensors, thus improving measurement precision while limiting device complexity increase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical torque measurement systems with an electronic monitoring system that uses existing engine speed sensors and computational algorithms. By substituting mechanical measurement with electronic detection and signal processing, the system achieves accurate torque monitoring without adding complex mechanical components.

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

2Productivity

If torque deviations are detected and controlled, then gearchange optimization and fuel efficiency improve, but the control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegearchange optimizationVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system where detected torque deviations are used to adjust control parameters in real-time. The system continuously monitors engine speed, compares actual torque with expected torque, and feeds back correction signals to optimize gearchange timing and fuel injection. This feedback mechanism enables productivity improvement through automated optimization while managing control complexity through systematic control loops.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the monitoring system multi-functional by using the same torque detection infrastructure for multiple purposes: gearchange optimization, fuel injection control, and fault detection. This universal approach allows the system to achieve multiple productivity benefits simultaneously without proportionally increasing control system complexity, as one monitoring framework serves multiple control functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of energy

If real-time torque monitoring is implemented, then fuel consumption is reduced through optimized control, but energy usage for monitoring increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel consumptionVSAvoidmonitoring energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service monitoring approach where the system uses existing engine operational parameters (engine speed from crankshaft position sensors) to derive torque information without requiring additional dedicated measurement devices. The monitoring system serves itself by utilizing already-available data from normal engine operation, enabling fuel consumption optimization through torque-aware control while minimizing the energy overhead of the monitoring system itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3308127B1Method and system for detection of torque deviations of an engine in a vehicle
Publication Date: 2021.10.06 SCANIA CV AB
  • EP3308127B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3308127B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3308127B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~4a

AI summary

A method and a system for detection of torque deviations of an engine (101 ) in a vehicle (100) is presented. According to the method, a measurement (201 ) is made of actual measured values Dact related to a behaviour of at least one parameter which is related to an actual torque Meng_act delivered by the engine (101 ). This actual torque Meng_act is delivered here by the engine (101 ) in consequence of a torque Meng_req demanded from the engine (101 ). A comparison (202) is then made of the actual measured values Dact which are related to the behaviour of the at least one parameter with previously determined measured values Dref of correspondingly at least one respective parameter related to the actual torque Meng_act. The previously determined measured values Dref will here have been determined during normal operation of the vehicle (100). A detection is then made of whether the actual measured actual torque Meng_act deviates from the demanded torque Mengj-eq. The detection is based here on the comparison of the actual measured values Dact with the previously determined measured values Dref.