Particle Filter Mass Estimation via Differential Pressure and Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for estimating the mass of particles in a motor vehicle particulate filter are not precise enough to meet current anti-pollution standards, are costly due to the use of multiple sensors, and result in fuel overconsumption and engine performance reduction, necessitating a more accurate and cost-effective solution.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that estimates the mass of particles by measuring differential pressure and flow rate at the particulate filter terminals, using a variable coefficient to correct estimates, and incorporating measurements of gas flow, oxygen, and nitrogen oxide concentrations to provide precise mass estimation with a minimal number of sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors (two oxygen sensors) are used to estimate particle mass, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and utilizes parameters that are already being measured by existing sensors in the exhaust system (oxygen concentration, nitrogen oxide concentration, temperature, flow rates) rather than adding dedicated sensors for particle mass measurement. This approach achieves accurate particle mass estimation without increasing sensor quantity, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a microprocessor-based calculation system that acts as an intermediary, computing particle mass from measurements of other parameters (oxygen concentration difference, nitrogen oxide concentration, temperature, flow rates) rather than directly measuring particle mass. This intermediary calculation approach achieves precise estimation without requiring additional expensive sensors.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If post-treatment systems are implemented to meet emission standards, then nitrogen oxide and particle emission levels improve, but fuel consumption increases and engine performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where particle mass is continuously estimated in real-time, and this information feeds back to the control system to optimize regeneration timing and injection strategies. This feedback enables precise control of the post-treatment system, ensuring emissions are met while minimizing unnecessary fuel injection and regeneration events, thus reducing overall fuel consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary estimation of particle mass accumulation to predict when regeneration will be needed, allowing the system to plan and execute regeneration events at optimal moments. This preliminary action prevents premature or excessive regeneration, reducing unnecessary fuel consumption while ensuring emissions standards are consistently met.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If frequent regeneration is performed to maintain low particle emissions, then emission levels improve, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic estimation of particle mass that adapts to varying operating conditions (engine load, temperature, flow rates) rather than using fixed thresholds. This dynamic approach allows the system to accurately determine when regeneration is truly necessary, preventing premature regeneration events that would waste fuel while ensuring emissions standards are met under all operating conditions.
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 approach allows for real-time, precise estimation of particle mass, reducing fuel consumption and manufacturing costs while meeting anti-pollution standards, and is applicable across various engine operating modes.
Implementation Method 1
comprising means for measuring a differential pressure at the particle filter terminals
Implementation Method 2
means for measuring a gas flow upstream of the particulate filter
Implementation Method 3
means for measuring the temperature of the particulate filter
Implementation Method 4
means for measuring the temperature of the particulate filter, oxygen and nitrogen oxide concentrations downstream of the particulate filter
Implementation Method 5
the filter is regenerated by combustion of the particles which it contains using in particular a catalyst to raise the temperature within the particle filter
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system for estimating the mass of particles stored in a particle filter (2) mounted in the exhaust line (6) of an internal combustion engine (3) of a motor vehicle, including a means (7, 8, 15) for measuring a differential pressure across the terminals of the particle filter, a first estimation means (15) for estimating a differential particle flow across the terminals of the particle filter, a second estimation means (15) for estimating a differential pressure across the terminals of the particle filter, and a third estimation means (17) for estimating the mass of particles stored in the particle filter (2) according to the sum of the differential particle flow and a deviation calculated between the estimation and the measurement of the differential pressure.