Glow Plug Control via Resistance Feedback for Aging Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling glow plugs do not effectively account for aging, which can degrade their performance, especially at low ambient temperatures, affecting the reliability and starting efficiency of combustion engines.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that assess the aging of glow plugs by measuring resistance, counting glow phases, recording temperatures, and applying a weighting factor to adjust control voltage, ensuring reliable operation until the end of the plug's service life without overloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If the glow plug is operated until the end of its service life without compensation, then the service life is extended, but the performance degrades especially at low ambient temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The control device continuously monitors the resistance of the glow plug and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the control voltage. By comparing the measured resistance with reference values and adjusting the control voltage accordingly, the system compensates for aging effects and maintains reliable starting performance throughout the service life of the glow plug.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the control voltage parameter based on the measured resistance and ambient temperature. The control voltage is dynamically adjusted according to the aging state of the glow plug, allowing the plug to maintain optimal performance characteristics throughout its service life rather than operating at fixed voltage levels.
2Reliability
If the control voltage is increased to compensate for aging, then the starting performance is maintained, but the plug may be overloaded
Solution Approach 1:
The control voltage is dynamically adjusted based on real-time resistance measurements and ambient temperature conditions. Rather than using a fixed high voltage, the system adapts the voltage level to the actual state of the glow plug, providing sufficient voltage for reliable starting while avoiding excessive voltage that could cause overload or damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses resistance measurements as feedback to control the voltage level. By continuously monitoring the plug's resistance and adjusting the control voltage accordingly, the system ensures that voltage is only increased when and where needed to maintain performance, preventing unnecessary overload conditions.
3Measurement precision
If the glow plug resistance is measured continuously, then the aging state is accurately determined, but the measurement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resistance measurement function is integrated into the existing control circuitry, serving dual purposes: monitoring plug aging and controlling plug operation. The same measurement infrastructure used for control voltage regulation is also used for aging detection, eliminating the need for separate dedicated measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The glow plug's own resistance characteristics are used to provide information about its aging state. The plug essentially measures itself through the control circuitry, using its electrical properties to indicate its condition without requiring external diagnostic equipment or complex measurement systems.
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
The solution improves the operational reliability of combustion engines by compensating for glow plug aging, ensuring smooth starting even at low temperatures, and extending the service life of the plugs.
Implementation Method 1
a current flow through the glow plug heats the glow plug to a temperature of over 1000° C.
Implementation Method 2
a measuring resistor is configured in the current path of the glow plug, and the voltage drop across the measuring resistor is measured
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a device for controlling a glow plug in a combustion engine, where a state of aging A of the glow plug is ascertained, and the control of the glow plug is influenced as a function of the state of aging A of the plug.