Sensor Abnormality Detection Using Forced Water Pump Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicles with electric water pumps, accurately determining the energization status of a block heater is challenging, which hinders precise abnormality detection of cooling water temperature sensors, especially when energy-saving measures are considered.
Innovation Solution
A sensor abnormality detection apparatus that forces the electric water pump to operate if the temperature detection results from two sensors do not meet a predetermined relationship, allowing for accurate determination of block heater energization by observing temperature changes after forced operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the electric water pump is driven before engine warming-up to enable accurate block heater energization detection, then measurement precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric water pump is driven in advance during the engine off period before engine start, allowing the cooling water temperature to stabilize and enabling accurate block heater energization detection when the engine starts, without requiring continuous pump operation
Solution Approach 2:
The electric water pump operates periodically rather than continuously - specifically during the engine off period before start - to achieve the necessary temperature stabilization for accurate sensor abnormality detection while minimizing energy consumption
2Use of energy by moving object
If the electric water pump is not driven before engine warming-up to save energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electric water pump is driven in advance during the engine off period before engine start, allowing the cooling water temperature to stabilize and enabling accurate block heater energization detection when the engine starts, without requiring continuous pump operation
Solution Approach 2:
The electric water pump operates periodically rather than continuously - specifically during the engine off period before start - to achieve the necessary temperature stabilization for accurate sensor abnormality detection while minimizing energy consumption
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
Enables high-accuracy detection of block heater energization while conserving energy by only operating the electric water pump when necessary, thereby improving sensor abnormality determination.
Implementation Method 1
an electric water pump for circulating engine cooling water
Implementation Method 2
a function of warming engine cooling water by energizing a block heater
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor abnormality detection apparatus which is installed in a vehicle with an electric water pump for circulating engine cooling water and is configured to perform an abnormality detecting process related to a first temperature sensor or a second temperature sensor based on a relationship between a detection result of the first temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the engine cooling water and a detection result of the second temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of another medium which is correlated with the temperature of the engine cooling water or an estimation result of the temperature of the engine cooling water, comprising: a water pump forced-operating part configured to force the electric water pump to operate if the detection result of the first temperature sensor and the detection result of the second temperature sensor or the estimation result of the temperature of the engine cooling water do not meet a predetermined relationship, under a condition where the electric water pump is not operated after an engine starts.