Engine Torque Control via Spark Advance and Throttle Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional engine control systems fail to accurately control engine torque output and respond rapidly to control signals, lacking coordination among devices that affect torque output.
Innovation Solution
An engine control system comprising a torque request module, an immediate torque control module, and an actuation module that adjusts spark advance and throttle valve area based on calculated torque requests and spark capacity, using rate limiting and filtering to stabilize and refine torque control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional engine control systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the torque control accuracy is insufficient and response speed is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into separate functional modules: torque request module, immediate torque control module, expected torque control module, and actuation module. Each module handles specific aspects of torque control, allowing for improved accuracy and response speed while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The system calculates and prepares torque control adjustments in advance based on predicted torque requests and spark capacity, enabling faster response to torque control signals. The expected torque control module anticipates future torque needs and pre-adjusts accordingly
2Speed
If throttle valve area is adjusted to control torque, then torque can be controlled, but the response speed is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The control system separates throttle control from spark control, allowing the spark system to handle rapid torque adjustments while the throttle handles broader torque range control. This segmentation enables fast response through spark timing adjustments without over-relying on slow-responding throttle valve movements
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts spark advance timing as a control parameter to achieve rapid torque changes. By modifying the spark timing parameter rather than relying solely on throttle position changes, the system achieves much faster response speed while keeping throttle control simpler
3Speed
If spark advance is adjusted to control torque, then response speed improves, but the range of torque control is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines spark advance control and throttle valve control into a unified torque control strategy. The actuation module integrates both control mechanisms, using spark for rapid responses and throttle for broader range control, thereby achieving both fast response speed and wide torque control range
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects which control mechanism to use based on the required torque adjustment. For small, rapid adjustments, spark advance is used; for larger adjustments, throttle valve area is adjusted. This dynamic coordination extends the effective torque control range while maintaining fast response capability
Data Source
AI summary
An engine control system comprises a torque request module, an immediate torque control module, an actuation module, and an expected torque control module. The torque request module generates an expected torque request and an immediate torque request. The immediate torque control module controls a spark advance of an engine based on the immediate torque request. The actuation module selectively reduces the expected torque request based on the immediate torque request and a spark capacity. The spark capacity is based on a difference between a first engine torque and a second engine torque, determined at a current airflow. The first engine torque is determined at a first spark advance and the second engine torque is determined at a second spark advance that is less than the first spark advance. The expected torque control module that controls a throttle valve area based on the expected torque request.