Fuel Consumption Estimation via Operating Parameter Scoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for estimating vehicle fuel consumption are imprecise due to variability in injector models and operating conditions, leading to confusion and potential misdiagnosis of vehicle faults.
Innovation Solution
A system that standardizes fuel consumption estimation by dividing operating parameters into intervals, assigning scores based on distance from ideal conditions, and grouping vehicles by total score to calculate average fuel consumption, allowing for objective comparison and fault identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fuel consumption is estimated based on injector quantity and injector models, then estimation can be performed using available data, but precision deteriorates due to injector variability and construction characteristics changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the estimation approach from using injector-specific parameters to using engine operating parameters (rpm, torque, speed) that are more stable and less variable across different injectors. This parameter transformation resolves the contradiction by eliminating sensitivity to injector variability while maintaining estimation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary scoring system that maps operating parameters to standardized intervals, creating a mediator layer between raw sensor data and fuel consumption estimation. This scoring mechanism (0-4 points based on distance from ideal conditions) standardizes variability and improves precision by comparing like-with-like across different vehicles and operating conditions.
2Measurement precision
If standardized scoring intervals are applied to operating parameters, then comparison precision between vehicles improves, but system complexity increases due to multiple parameter intervals and scoring rules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments continuous operating parameters (rpm, torque, speed) into discrete intervals with assigned scores. This segmentation simplifies comparison by converting continuous variables into categorical data, making the system more manageable while maintaining precision through meaningful interval boundaries based on ideal operating conditions.
3Reliability
If multiple operating parameters are discretized into intervals, then vehicle grouping and comparison become more reliable, but calculation and processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary discretization of operating parameters into scored intervals during normal vehicle operation, storing these pre-processed values. This preliminary action allows rapid retrieval and comparison during fuel consumption analysis, reducing processing time while maintaining grouping reliability through pre-established scoring categories.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Method for estimating the vehicle fuel consumption, comprising the following subsequent steps: (i) attribution of a first score to at least a first operating parameter (S, RPM, T, D) of the vehicle and/or of a respective internal combustion engine, (ii) attribution of a further score and of a further operating parameter (S, RPM, T, D) of the vehicle and/or of the respective internal combustion engine, sum of the first score to the further score in order to obtain a total score, calculation of an average of average consumptions (ECE) over a group of vehicles having the same total score.