Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor for Particulate Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detection devices for internal combustion engines struggle to differentiate between particulate matter adhesions and sensor deterioration, leading to inaccurate output value deviations and unnecessary particulate burning.
Innovation Solution
A detection device with a temperature varying member, equipped with a cover and a temperature correlation value detection unit, calculates variations in impedance or signal output values to precisely detect particulate matter adhesions by analyzing temperature changes during gas flow, using an ECU to determine adherence and filter functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the output value of the sensor is used to determine particulate matter adhesion, then the sensor can trigger particulate burning, but the detection accuracy deteriorates because it cannot differentiate between sensor deterioration and actual particulate adhesion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a temperature varying member (such as a heater or temperature sensor) as an intermediary element to detect gas flow characteristics. This intermediary provides indirect information about particulate matter adhesion by measuring temperature variations caused by gas flow, rather than relying directly on the sensor output value that becomes unreliable due to particulate adhesion or sensor deterioration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical sensing mechanism (which becomes unreliable when coated with particulates) with a thermal sensing mechanism. By using a temperature varying member that responds to gas flow through thermal convection and conduction, the system substitutes an electrical measurement approach with a thermal measurement approach that is not affected by particulate adhesion on the sensor surface.
2Reliability
If the temperature of the electrical heater is increased to burn up particulate matters, then particulate adhesion is removed, but energy consumption increases and sensor deterioration may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the temperature varying member continuously monitors gas flow characteristics. When particulate matter adhesion is detected through temperature variation analysis, the system triggers particulate burning only at that moment. This feedback-based approach ensures the heater operates only when necessary, minimizing energy consumption while maintaining sensor accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous heater operation, the patent employs periodic action by triggering particulate burning only when detected through temperature variation analysis. This intermittent operation significantly reduces energy consumption compared to continuous heating, while still effectively removing particulate matter when needed to maintain sensor accuracy.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution allows for accurate detection of particulate matter adhesions without influencing sensor deterioration, enabling precise monitoring and maintaining detection accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature varying member, which is provided in an exhaust system, and whose temperature varies due to gas flow in the exhaust system
Implementation Method 2
The temperature correlation value detection unit detects impedance of the electric heater as the correlation value
Data Source
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AI summary
A detection device for an internal combustion engine is preferably applied to the internal combustion engine which includes a temperature varying member, which is provided in an exhaust system, and whose temperature varies due to gas flow in the exhaust system. A temperature correlation value detection unit detects a correlation value which correlates with the temperature of the temperature varying member. The term correlation value herein includes impedance of the temperature varying member, a signal output value such as current and voltage output sent from the temperature varying member, and/or the temperature varying member's own temperature. A variation calculating unit calculates a variation of the correlation value, in a time period when the gas flow arises, detected by the temperature correlation value detection unit.