Exhaust Flow Valve Revrumble Actuation Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine sound quality systems face challenges in selectively actuating sound quality valves to achieve desired engine sound profiles, as various inputs and parameters can contradict each other, leading to inconsistent sound enhancement across different driving modes and conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that includes a sound quality valve control module and a downshift detection module, which determine whether criteria for opening sound quality valves are met and override other parameters to open the valves during aggressive driving behavior, such as engine speed matching, to ensure a louder or more aggressive engine sound is produced.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sound quality valves are selectively actuated based on multiple inputs and parameters (e.g., engine mode, performance settings), then the system can adapt to different driving conditions, but the conflicting inputs lead to inconsistent sound enhancement and unreliable valve actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the valve actuation logic into distinct operational modes (e.g., performance mode, economy mode) with predetermined sound quality settings. Each mode has its own set of actuation criteria, eliminating conflicts by assigning specific parameter combinations to specific modes. The control system selectively applies different segmentation rules based on the detected driving condition, ensuring reliable and consistent sound enhancement within each mode while maintaining overall adaptability.
2Loss of energy
If sound quality valves are kept closed to maintain quieter operation in economy modes, then fuel efficiency and comfort are improved, but the engine sound becomes dull or lifeless during aggressive driving behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic valve actuation that responds to real-time detection of aggressive driving behavior. The system continuously monitors driving parameters (accelerator pedal position, engine load, vehicle speed) and dynamically adjusts valve state accordingly. During economy mode, valves remain closed for fuel efficiency, but when aggressive driving is detected, the system dynamically opens the valves to restore engine sound character, creating a responsive transition between quiet and aggressive sound states based on actual driver intent.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If sound quality valves are opened to produce louder engine sound during performance modes, then engine sound quality is enhanced, but the system complexity increases due to multiple conflicting parameters and control logic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal control framework that handles multiple driving modes and parameters through a single integrated logic structure. The system uses a standardized set of driving behavior detections (aggressive, economy, transition states) that apply across all performance levels and valve configurations. This universal approach allows the same control logic to manage sound quality enhancement across different engine types, transmission systems, and driving conditions, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive sound quality control.
Data Source
AI summary
A system in a vehicle including at least one sound quality valve arranged in an exhaust system of the vehicle includes a sound quality valve control module that determines whether one or more criteria for opening the sound quality valve are met, selectively actuates the sound quality valve to an open position if the one or more criteria for opening the sound quality valve are met, and maintains the sound quality valve in a closed position if a required one of the one or more criteria for opening the sound quality valve is not met. A downshift detection module determines whether aggressive driving behavior is detected. If the aggressive driving behavior is detected, the sound quality valve control module actuates the sound quality valve to the open position regardless of whether the required one of the one or more criteria for opening the sound quality valve is met.