Engine Torque Control Without Pre-set Operating Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional control systems for internal combustion engines require setting multiple operating lines based on environmental conditions, leading to increased costs and potential suboptimal fuel efficiency when conditions are not met, resulting in degraded fuel economy.
Innovation Solution
A control system that calculates the most fuel-efficient torque directly from operating conditions without pre-setting or learning operating lines, using air-fuel ratio control and estimating torque based on provisional intake air amounts to determine the minimum fuel consumption ratio, thereby eliminating the need for pre-defined operating lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple operating lines are set in advance based on environmental conditions, then the control system can provide pre-optimized torque values, but the system complexity and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of operating lines (providing optimal torque values) and separates it from the complex structure of multiple pre-set operating lines. Instead of using multiple fixed operating lines for different environmental conditions, the invention calculates a single optimal torque value based on current operating conditions, eliminating the need for multiple pre-configured lines while maintaining the fuel efficiency control function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from using discrete, pre-set operating line parameters to dynamically calculating optimal torque based on continuous operating condition parameters. By using throttle valve opening degree and engine speed as variable parameters to calculate optimal torque, the system adapts to changing conditions without requiring pre-set operating lines for each condition combination
2Manufacturing precision
If operating lines are set on an environmental condition basis, then the control can be optimized for specific conditions, but the number of setting steps increases and costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal torque calculation method that works across all environmental conditions without requiring separate setting processes for each condition. The optimal torque calculation formula can be applied universally to any operating condition (throttle valve opening degree and engine speed combination), eliminating the need for multiple environment-specific setting steps while maintaining precise fuel efficiency optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment by automatically calculating optimal torque based on current operating conditions without requiring external setting or calibration procedures. The control unit directly computes the optimal torque value using the established formula and current sensor readings, eliminating the need for manual setting steps that would be required for multiple pre-configured operating lines
3Device complexity
If pre-set operating lines are used, then the control system has a simplified structure, but fuel economy deteriorates when environmental conditions are not met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static, pre-set operating lines to a dynamic torque calculation approach. The optimal torque value is continuously updated based on current throttle valve opening degree and engine speed, allowing the system to adapt dynamically to changing operating conditions. This dynamic approach maintains simple control structure while ensuring optimal fuel economy across all conditions by calculating real-time optimal torque rather than relying on fixed pre-set values
4Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of operating lines are set in advance, then comprehensive environmental conditions can be covered, but the setting steps and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves from a discrete, multi-dimensional approach (multiple operating lines for different environmental conditions) to a continuous, formula-based approach. By using the throttle valve opening degree and engine speed as continuous variables in a calculation formula, the system achieves comprehensive coverage of all possible operating conditions without requiring discrete pre-set lines for each condition, effectively adding the dimension of continuous adaptation while reducing overall complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for an internal combustion engine, which is capable of directly and properly calculating the most fuel-efficient torque according to operating conditions of the engine without setting or learning in advance operating lines indicative of the most fuel-efficient torques, thereby making it possible to reduce costs and enhance fuel economy. In the control system, when the engine is operated at a predetermined reference rotational speed, a plurality of fuel consumption ratio parameters associated with a plurality of estimated torques are calculated based on a provisional intake air amount-estimated torque relationship which is the relationship between provisional intake air amounts and estimated torques to be obtained when the provisional intake air amounts of intake air are supplied. Further, an estimated torque associated with a minimum value of the fuel consumption ratio parameters is calculated as the most fuel-efficient torque at the reference rotational speed.