GPS Fidelity Monitoring for Hybrid Engine Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hybrid electric vehicles face inefficiencies in emissions and fuel usage due to the cold start of internal combustion engines, which are not monitored effectively by emissions control systems, and the reliability of GPS and mapping data inputs for predicting engine needs is questionable, leading to inconsistent performance.

Innovation Solution

A system using a GPS, clock, and processor to control the internal combustion engine based on GPS fixes, determining the Horizontal Dilution of Precision (HDOP) to enable or maintain engine functions only when accuracy is sufficient, and utilizing a dead reckoning system when GPS fidelity degrades.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If GPS-based prediction systems are used to anticipate engine needs, then fuel economy is improved, but reliability of control inputs deteriorates due to unmonitored GPS fidelity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel economyVSAvoidreliability of GPS inputs

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors GPS fidelity metrics (HDOP, VDOP, GDOP, time since fix) and provides feedback to the propulsion control system. When fidelity deteriorates below thresholds, the system automatically disables advanced engine control functions and reverts to conventional control, ensuring reliable operation despite varying GPS quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts its operation mode based on real-time GPS fidelity conditions. During high-fidelity periods, advanced prediction-based engine control is enabled for optimal fuel economy. During low-fidelity periods, the system automatically disables these functions and uses conventional control strategies, creating a dynamic adaptation to environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-generated harmful factors

If advanced engine control functions are enabled using GPS data, then emissions are reduced, but consistency of performance deteriorates when GPS reception varies

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveemissionsVSAvoidconsistency of engine control performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses continuous feedback from GPS fidelity monitoring to determine when to enable or disable advanced engine control functions. This feedback mechanism ensures that emission-reducing features are only active when GPS data is sufficiently reliable, maintaining consistent and predictable performance across varying reception conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary assessment of GPS fidelity before enabling advanced engine control functions. By checking fidelity metrics in advance and only enabling prediction-based control when thresholds are met, the system prevents performance inconsistency caused by degraded GPS reception.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If GPS monitoring and diagnosis systems are added to the propulsion control system, then reliability of emissions control is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of emissions controlVSAvoidcomplexity of control system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the existing GPS receiver already present in the vehicle for multiple purposes: both for navigation/location functions and for monitoring GPS fidelity metrics related to emissions control. This multi-functional use of the GPS hardware avoids adding dedicated monitoring equipment, reducing overall system complexity while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses its own GPS receiver to self-monitor the fidelity of its control inputs. By having the propulsion control system evaluate the quality of its own GPS data through fidelity metrics, the system performs self-diagnosis without requiring external monitoring equipment, simplifying the overall architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9045134B2Method and systems for emissions compliant use of telematics inputs to a propulsion control system for function enablement

Publication Date: 2015.06.02 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

Systems and methods are provided to allow for reliable consumption of GPS and Map information into a Control System, for such uses as improving off cycle fuel economy in a plug in hybrid vehicle with an electric motor, and an internal combustion engine using a global position system (GPS) is provided. The system comprises a global position system (GPS), a clock, and a processor containing a function executing therein that controls the internal combustion engine based on a GPS fix and its Accuracy Information (VDOP/HDOP/Satellite Quantity).