Naturally Aspirated Engine Torque Control for Linear Power Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-performance naturally aspirated internal combustion engines exhibit uneven torque curves, leading to complex and challenging driving conditions, particularly during performance driving, due to sudden torque peaks causing vehicle reactions that require high driving skill to control.
Innovation Solution
A control method for naturally aspirated engines that uses a growth law to linearize torque with rotational speed, adjusting spark advance and throttle valve position to generate a predictable and manageable torque increase, implemented through existing vehicle control units without additional hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a high-performance naturally aspirated internal combustion engine is used to deliver high torque, then the engine power is improved, but the torque curve becomes uneven causing sudden torque peaks that complicate vehicle control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static torque map to a dynamic torque control system. The control unit continuously adjusts torque requests based on real-time rotational speed deviations from target values, creating a dynamic response that actively compensates for uneven torque curve characteristics and sudden torque peaks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by monitoring the actual rotational speed of the engine and comparing it against a target rotational speed. The control unit uses this feedback information to calculate torque corrections, creating a closed-loop system that stabilizes vehicle behavior during performance driving by responding to actual engine performance deviations.
2Ease of operation
If a turbocharged engine is used to linearize the torque curve, then the torque delivery becomes more predictable, but additional hardware components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes a mechanical solution (turbocharger hardware) with an electronic control solution. Instead of using physical turbo pressure adjustment mechanisms to linearize the torque curve, the invention uses electronic torque requests and spark advance control to achieve the same effect, eliminating the need for additional hardware while maintaining torque predictability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters (torque requests and spark advance timing) to achieve torque curve linearization. By dynamically adjusting these parameters based on rotational speed feedback, the system achieves predictable torque delivery without modifying the physical engine structure or adding turbocharging components.
3Device complexity
If a static conversion law is used to determine target torque, then the control system is simple, but it cannot adapt to changing surrounding conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static conversion law into a dynamic control system that adapts to changing conditions. The control unit continuously calculates torque requests based on real-time rotational speed measurements and target values, allowing the system to respond to varying driving conditions, vehicle loads, and engine states while maintaining a relatively simple control architecture.
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
The method simplifies and enhances driving enjoyment by providing a linear and predictable torque growth, reducing sudden vehicle reactions, while being cost-effective and requiring no additional components.
Implementation Method 1
internal combustion engine
Implementation Method 2
throttle valve position
Data Source
AI summary
A method to control a road vehicle provided with a naturally aspirated internal combustion engine, which generates a torque transmitted to at least one drive wheel. The control method comprises the steps of: acquiring a position of an accelerator control; determining a requested torque based on the position of the accelerator control; determining a torque target based on the requested torque; controlling the internal combustion engine so as to pursue the target torque; establishing, based on the requested torque, a growth law, which entails a linear increase in the torque target as a rotational speed of the internal combustion engine increases; and determining the torque target using the growth law.