Variable Exhaust Tuning Valve Diagnostics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Variable exhaust tuning systems in high-powered internal combustion engines face issues with adjustable exhaust valves becoming stuck due to elevated temperatures and condensation, leading to performance degradation and incorrect error reporting, which can result in unnecessary maintenance efforts.

Innovation Solution

A method that monitors engine-off time, checks for entry conditions such as ambient and exhaust temperatures, and commands the adjustable exhaust valve to a specific position after reaching an exhaust temperature threshold, allowing for self-healing and preventing false error codes by ensuring the valve is within a tolerance band, thereby reducing unnecessary maintenance and improving diagnostic accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the adjustable exhaust valve is commanded to a specific position immediately at engine startup, then the valve position control is achieved, but false error codes are set due to condensation and ice formation causing the valve to be temporarily stuck

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoiderror reporting accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary checks of entry conditions (exhaust temperature threshold, engine-off time duration, ambient temperature) before commanding the valve position. This preliminary action prevents false error codes by ensuring the valve is not stuck due to condensation or ice formation before attempting position control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of exhaust temperature threshold as a condition for valve positioning. By monitoring whether exhaust temperature reaches a specific threshold, the system determines the appropriate timing for valve control, preventing false diagnostics caused by premature positioning attempts during cold conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If the valve positioning is attempted during cold engine-off periods, then the system responds quickly to position changes, but condensation and ice form causing the valve to become stuck

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve response speedVSAvoidcondensation and ice formation

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies preliminary anti-action by monitoring entry conditions including exhaust temperature and engine-off time duration before commanding valve positioning. This prevents the harmful effect of condensation and ice formation by ensuring the exhaust temperature is sufficiently high before attempting valve movement, thereby preventing the valve from becoming stuck.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes the phase transition concept by monitoring exhaust temperature to determine when condensation and ice will not form. By ensuring exhaust temperature remains above the freezing point threshold, the system prevents water from transitioning to ice phase that would cause valve sticking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

3Loss of time

If error codes are set immediately when valve position is not achieved, then diagnostic information is provided quickly, but false errors are reported due to temporary valve sticking from environmental conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic timeVSAvoiderror code accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary verification of entry conditions (exhaust temperature threshold, engine-off time duration, ambient temperature) before setting error codes. This preliminary action ensures that error codes are only set when the valve is genuinely stuck and not temporarily immobilized by condensation or ice, thereby improving error code accuracy while maintaining timely diagnostics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Productivity

If the exhaust temperature threshold is not monitored, then the valve control system operates continuously, but false error codes are generated due to cold temperature conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve control efficiencyVSAvoiderror reporting reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the operational parameter by introducing exhaust temperature threshold monitoring as a condition for valve control. This parameter change ensures that valve positioning commands are only executed when exhaust temperature is sufficiently high, preventing false error codes while maintaining efficient valve control operation during normal temperature conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10844762B2Method for variable position exhaust tuning valve diagnostics

Publication Date: 2020.11.24 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

Methods and systems are provided for adjusting and troubleshooting an adjustable exhaust valve of a variable exhaust tuning system. In one example, a method may include comparing engine startup conditions to engine conditions of a last engine off event, adjusting a position of the adjustable exhaust valve, and providing a diagnostic summary to a vehicle operator based upon the results of the comparison and adjustment.