Engine Torque Control via Fuel Mass and Pressure-Volume Diagrams

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern engines with multiple actuators face challenges in accurately controlling torque output due to increased complexity, requiring numerous calibrations.

Innovation Solution

A controller in the engine assembly determines a desired fuel mass based on torque request, intake and exhaust manifold pressures, and a pressure-volume diagram, using geometric area calculations and predefined constants to minimize calibration requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If multiple actuators are added to improve fuel economy, then fuel efficiency is improved, but torque control accuracy deteriorates due to increased system complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel efficiencyVSAvoidtorque control accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The controller continuously monitors torque output and fuel mass injection, using feedback loops to adjust fuel delivery based on actual torque measurements. This closed-loop control compensates for the complexity introduced by multiple actuators, maintaining torque control accuracy while preserving fuel efficiency improvements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts fuel mass parameters based on operating conditions, using variable fuel injection rates and timing to optimize both fuel efficiency and torque control. By changing fuel delivery parameters in real-time, the system manages the trade-off between multiple actuators' complexity and torque precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If traditional torque control methods are used with multiple actuators, then fuel economy can be improved, but the number of required calibrations increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel economyVSAvoidcalibration requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The controller automatically determines desired fuel mass using a standardized calculation based on torque requests and pressure-volume diagrams, eliminating the need for extensive manual calibrations. The system self-configures by measuring actual cylinder pressures and volumes, reducing calibration burden while maintaining fuel economy improvements from multiple actuators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-calculates desired fuel mass using standardized formulas and pressure-volume diagram relationships before actual fuel injection. This preliminary determination based on fundamental thermodynamic principles reduces the need for iterative calibration procedures, simplifying manufacturing while preserving fuel economy benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9689339B2Engine torque control with fuel mass

Publication Date: 2017.06.27 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

An engine assembly includes an internal combustion engine with an engine block having at least one cylinder. An intake manifold and an exhaust manifold are each fluidly connected to the at least one cylinder and define an intake manifold pressure (pi) and an exhaust manifold pressure (pe), respectively. A controller is operatively connected to the internal combustion engine and configured to receive a torque request (TR). The controller is programmed to determine a desired fuel mass (mf) for controlling a torque output of the internal combustion engine. The desired fuel mass (mf) is based at least partially on the torque request (TR), the intake and exhaust manifold pressures and a pressure-volume (PV) diagram of the at least one cylinder.