Hybrid Engine Auto-Ignition Control via Supplemental Torque

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hybrid powertrain systems face challenges in maintaining efficient auto-ignition combustion during transient conditions such as transmission gear changes, where engine load and speed may drop below feasible levels, leading to potential mode transitions that affect vehicle performance and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A method is implemented to control the engine and supplemental torque apparatus by increasing loading during low-speed, low-load conditions using a supplemental torque source like an alternator or hybrid motor to maintain partial auto-ignition combustion, thereby avoiding unnecessary mode transitions and ensuring consistent engine operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the engine operates with at least one cylinder carrying out compression ignition, then fuel efficiency is improved, but during transient gear change the engine output may vary dramatically and drop below the value that can be provided via compression ignition

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel efficiencyVSAvoidadaptability to transient conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two different combustion modes (compression ignition and spark ignition) within the same engine system, allowing the engine to merge the fuel efficiency benefits of compression ignition with the transient response capabilities of spark ignition. The control system dynamically selects which cylinders operate in which mode based on real-time operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The engine system dynamically adjusts the combustion mode for each cylinder based on transient conditions. During gear changes or other transient events, the control system temporarily switches affected cylinders to spark ignition mode, then returns to compression ignition mode once steady-state conditions are restored, optimizing both fuel efficiency and transient adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the engine operates in low speed and low load condition during gear change, then vehicle transmission is enabled, but auto-ignition operation becomes infeasible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission operationVSAvoidreliability of auto-ignition operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control system detects transient conditions such as gear changes in advance and proactively switches affected cylinders to spark ignition mode before the auto-ignition operation becomes infeasible. This preliminary action prevents combustion mode failures and ensures continuous reliable operation throughout the transient event.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Spark ignition acts as an intermediary combustion mode that bridges the gap during transient conditions when compression ignition cannot operate. The system uses spark ignition as a temporary substitute to maintain engine operation during gear changes, then transitions back to compression ignition when conditions permit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the engine transitions combustion mode during low load conditions, then engine operation is maintained, but fuel efficiency and emissions are adversely affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine operation continuityVSAvoidfuel efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different combustion modes to different cylinders based on their specific operating conditions. When a gear change causes transient low-load conditions in the overall engine operation, only the affected cylinders switch to spark ignition mode while other cylinders may continue operating in compression ignition mode, maintaining fuel efficiency in unaffected cylinders.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The control system changes the combustion mode parameter for specific cylinders based on transient operating conditions. By monitoring engine load, speed, and other parameters, the system dynamically adjusts which cylinders operate in which mode, minimizing the duration and impact of less efficient spark ignition operation while maintaining reliable engine function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This approach extends the operational window of auto-ignition combustion at low speeds and loads, reducing the need for mode transitions, which helps in maintaining fuel efficiency and minimizing disruptions to driver torque and emissions.

Implementation Method 1

operating at least one cylinder with at least partial auto-ignition combustion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAuto-ignition combustion: Combustion

Data Source

PatentUS7867133B2Increased loading to improve low load controlled auto-ignition operation

Publication Date: 2011.01.11 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

A method for controlling an engine and a supplemental torque apparatus of a vehicle, such as a hybrid vehicle. During a transient gear change where the engine temporarily encounters a low load and low speed operating condition, the system increases loading on the engine via the supplemental torque apparatus so that a cylinder can continue auto-ignition combustion.