Engine Torque Variance Detection for Aftermarket Kit Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aftermarket torque up-rating kits used in vehicle engines can cause damage and void warranties, making it difficult for manufacturers to detect their use, as they alter engine and transmission operating parameters beyond intended limits.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus utilizing a controller with accessible memory and an algorithm to calculate and store ratios of actual engine torque to reported torque during specific throttle events, allowing detection of potential torque up-rating kit use by determining torque variance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If torque up-rating kits are used to boost engine torque above reported levels, then engine power output is improved, but transmission and engine components may be damaged and warranties are voided
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of torque up-rating kit usage by calculating and storing variance ratios before service operations. The controller continuously monitors actual versus reported torque during specific throttle events and stores variance data that can be retrieved during warranty claims or service operations, enabling early detection before damage occurs.
2Power
If torque up-rating kits are installed to increase engine performance, then engine torque is boosted, but detection of prior use becomes difficult as owners may disconnect or remove the kits
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures and stores torque variance data at specific throttle events before the owner can disconnect or remove the up-rating kit. By calculating the ratio of actual to reported torque and storing this variance information in memory during normal operation, the system creates a permanent record that persists even after the kit is disconnected or removed, making detection straightforward during service operations.
3Measurement precision
If the controller continuously monitors torque variance to detect up-rating kit use, then detection accuracy is improved, but computational load and memory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs torque variance calculation and storage only during specific periodic throttle events rather than continuous monitoring. The controller calculates actual torque and compares it to reported torque at predetermined high-throttle conditions (such as 1-2 shift, 2-3 shift, torque converter lockup, and maximum Engine Rating Torque Function events), storing the variance ratio in memory. This periodic approach maintains high detection accuracy at key operational moments while significantly reducing computational load compared to continuous monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for determining variance of actual engine torque from reported engine torque, including configuring a controller with an algorithm to calculate the ratios of current and maximum engine torque to reported torque upon the initiation of high-throttle 1-2 shift, high-throttle 2-3 shift, high-throttle torque converter lockup, and at maximum Engine Rating Torque Function for each high-throttle torque converter drive cycle. An apparatus is also provided for detecting engine torque variance in a vehicle having an engine, a throttle, and a torque converter, the apparatus comprising a controller with memory and an algorithm for calculating the maximum and current engine torque variance upon the occurrence a predetermined throttle condition, and storing the values in accessible memory, wherein the controller is configured to initiate the algorithm upon the occurrence of one of the throttle conditions, and wherein the throttle and torque converter each communicate speed signals to the controller.