ETC Diagnostic Module Low Voltage Fault Clearing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automotive engine control systems face challenges in accurately diagnosing and clearing faults caused by transient or temporary low voltage conditions, leading to unnecessary component replacements and increased warranty costs due to false fault indications.
Innovation Solution
An engine control system with an ETC diagnostic module that initializes and resets diagnostics, executes a fault clearing loop, and selectively controls the ETC module to clear faults during low voltage states, ensuring accurate fault detection and prevention of unnecessary remedial actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the ETC system sets faults during low voltage conditions to detect failures, then fault detection capability is improved, but false fault indications increase leading to unnecessary repairs
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts fault detection behavior based on voltage conditions. The ETC diagnostic module monitors voltage levels and selectively disables or clears faults when low voltage is detected, allowing the system to adapt its diagnostic strategy to current operating conditions rather than using a static fault detection approach
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of fault detection based on voltage conditions. When voltage drops below thresholds, the system modifies fault setting behavior by clearing existing faults or disabling new fault detections, effectively using voltage level as a parameter to control diagnostic sensitivity
2Reliability
If the system enters limited-power mode under fault conditions, then engine protection is improved, but system productivity decreases due to prolonged limited-power operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically transitions between limited-power mode and normal operation based on voltage recovery. When low voltage is detected, the system enters limited-power mode for protection; when voltage recovers, the system automatically exits limited-power mode and clears faults, allowing flexible adaptation to changing conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary voltage monitoring and predictive fault clearing. By monitoring voltage trends and detecting recovery before faults are permanently set, the system can clear faults proactively and exit limited-power mode earlier, minimizing productivity loss while maintaining engine protection
Data Source
AI summary
A fault clearing system and method for an engine control system includes a plurality of processor modules to control and monitor the engine and set a plurality of faults. The plurality of processor modules includes an electronic throttle control (ETC) module to control and monitor a throttle of the engine, and a plurality of engine sensors and ETC sensors. An ETC diagnostic module monitors the ETC sensors and engine sensors, with the ETC diagnostic module setting a low voltage induced fault. The ETC diagnostic module will also enter one of a plurality of low voltage states in response to the low voltage induced fault. The ETC diagnostic module selectively controls the ETC module and selectively clears the faults in the ETC module and plurality of processor modules upon entry into one of the low voltage states.