Engine Valve Timing Control for Reduced Idling Emissions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Truck engines idle continuously while drivers sleep, causing noise, increased wear and tear, and undesirable emissions, as existing air-conditioning systems require continuous engine operation.
Innovation Solution
A method and engine system that controls valve timing to prevent fuel combustion during engine startup and shutdown, allowing valves to remain open for extended periods, reducing engine idling and emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the engine operates continuously to power the air-conditioning system during driver sleeping hours, then the air-conditioning function is maintained, but noise levels increase and driver sleep is disturbed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful combustion process from the engine operation by preventing fuel combustion during startup and shutdown cycles while maintaining engine rotation through motor assistance. This allows the engine to operate without the harmful effects of combustion (noise, emissions) during specific periods when the driver is sleeping.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electric motor as an intermediary to assist engine startup and maintain rotation during shutdown conditions. The motor enables the engine to operate without combustion, thereby reducing noise while still providing the necessary mechanical motion for air-conditioning operation.
2Ease of operation
If the engine idles continuously to maintain air-conditioning operation, then the cooling function is provided, but engine wear and tear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic combustion cycles rather than continuous combustion. By preventing combustion during startup and shutdown phases and enabling it only during optimal operating conditions, the engine experiences reduced wear and tear while still maintaining air-conditioning operation during driver sleeping hours.
3Ease of operation
If the engine operates at idle to power air-conditioning during driver sleep, then the cooling function is maintained, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fuel combustion process from continuous operation by preventing combustion during startup and shutdown cycles. This reduces fuel consumption while maintaining the ability to provide air-conditioning cooling during driver sleeping periods through motor-assisted engine rotation.
4Ease of operation
If the engine idles continuously to maintain air-conditioning operation, then the cooling function is provided, but harmful emissions are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic combustion cycles, enabling fuel combustion only during optimal operating conditions rather than continuous idle operation. This significantly reduces harmful emissions including particulates and oxides of nitrogen while maintaining air-conditioning functionality during driver sleeping hours.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling an engine during an engine startup or shutdown condition includes operating a valve to open a port of a combustion chamber to allow fluid to flow between the combustion chamber and the port for at least one entire engine cycle. The method also includes preventing combustion of fuel during a combustion stroke of the at least one engine cycle. The engine cycle occurs during the engine startup or shutdown condition.