Adaptive Power Control for Ceramic Glow Plug Resistance Characterization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The resistance temperature characteristic of ceramic glow plugs varies significantly due to the production process, requiring individual determination for each plug, and changes over time due to ageing, leading to inaccurate temperature regulation and potential system failure if not re-characterized.
Innovation Solution
Determine the resistance temperature characteristic of ceramic glow plugs with higher accuracy by adjusting the power supply based on the ageing state, using a reduced power for aged plugs to maintain consistent end temperature, and differentiating power reduction levels for varying degrees of ageing, allowing for selective re-characterization of aged plugs while protecting the rest of the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a specified power is supplied to a factory-outlet glow plug for a specified period of time to determine resistance temperature characteristic, then the resistance temperature characteristic can be determined, but the accuracy decreases for aged glow plugs due to resistance increase and temperature displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the heating power adaptive rather than fixed. The control system dynamically adjusts the heating power supplied to the glow plug based on its detected ageing state. New glow plugs receive full specified power, while aged glow plugs receive reduced power to compensate for resistance increases, ensuring accurate resistance temperature characteristic determination throughout the glow plug's service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power parameter based on the glow plug's ageing state. By detecting resistance changes and identifying ageing, the system modifies the heating power parameter - using specified power for new plugs and reduced power for aged plugs. This parameter adaptation ensures that the resistance temperature characteristic remains accurate despite ageing-induced resistance increases.
2Measurement precision
If reduced power is supplied to aged glow plugs during characterization, then the same end temperature is achieved despite resistance increase, but requires detection and differentiation of ageing stages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the electrical resistance of the glow plug and using this information to determine its ageing state. The control system receives feedback on resistance changes, compares them against thresholds, and automatically adjusts the heating power accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables accurate temperature determination for both new and aged plugs without requiring complex external detection equipment.
3Power
If full power is continuously supplied to ensure maximum heating capability, then starting capability is maintained, but aged glow plugs are overloaded and service life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by supplying only the necessary heating power rather than always using full power. For aged glow plugs, the system supplies reduced power that is sufficient to achieve the required temperature for starting, but not excessive enough to overload the aged component. This partial action extends the service life of aged glow plugs while maintaining adequate heating capability for engine starting.
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
Ensures reliable engine operation by accurately determining the resistance temperature characteristic of aged glow plugs, preventing system failure and maximizing starting capability by reducing load on aged plugs and minimizing the risk of overload.
Implementation Method 1
heating the glow plug with a constant specified electrical power
Implementation Method 2
a setpoint resistance is determined from the setpoint temperature by means of a resistance temperature characteristic
Data Source
AI summary
A method is described for determining the resistance temperature characteristic of a ceramic glow plug, wherein the glow plug is heated at a specified power, wherein before the heating it is first determined whether the glow plug is an aged glow plug, and then, if the glow plug has not been detected as an aged glow plug, the glow plug is heated at a first specified power and the resistance value thereby achieved is assigned to a temperature that is anticipated to be the final temperature when heating a factory-outlet glow plug at this first power, or if the glow plug has been detected as an aged glow plug, the glow plug is heated at a reduced power which is smaller than the first power, and the resistance value achieved thereby is assigned to the same temperature that is also anticipated when heating a factory-outlet glow plug at the first power.