Ignition Control Unit Energy Level Detection for Engine Restart
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ignition systems for combustion engines do not effectively manage energy storage and discharge, leading to inefficient operation and parameter settings when the engine restarts after a period of inactivity, as they lack a mechanism to accurately determine the energy level and adjust parameters like fuel mixture richness, ignition timing, and idle speed based on the engine's state.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that include a switch to control energy storage device charging, determining the energy level upon restart, and setting engine operational parameters such as fuel mixture richness, ignition timing, and idle speed based on the energy level and temperature conditions, using a timing circuit with a second energy storage device and a controller to manage energy discharge and charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the engine restarts after a period of inactivity, then the energy storage device may have depleted energy levels, but existing systems lack a mechanism to detect and adapt to this state, leading to inefficient operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of energy storage device charge levels before engine restart attempts. The controller monitors the charge state of the energy storage device and preemptively adjusts engine operational parameters or alerts the operator, preventing restart failures before they occur. This aligns with the patent's focus on detecting energy levels and adapting parameters in advance of actual engine operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously monitors energy storage device charge levels and uses this information to dynamically adjust engine operational parameters. The patent describes a system that detects the charge state of the energy storage device and responds by modifying ignition timing, fuel injection, or other parameters to ensure reliable operation across all energy levels.
2Productivity
If engine operational parameters are fixed, then the system is simple to operate, but the system cannot adapt to varying energy levels and temperature conditions, reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from fixed operational parameters to dynamic, adaptive parameters that automatically adjust based on real-time conditions. The controller continuously monitors energy storage device charge levels and temperature, then dynamically modifies ignition timing, fuel injection rates, and other parameters to optimize engine efficiency under varying conditions. This eliminates the need for manual parameter adjustment while maximizing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters based on detected conditions rather than maintaining fixed values. The patent describes adjusting ignition timing, fuel-to-air ratio, and other critical parameters as a function of energy storage device charge level and temperature. This automatic parameter adaptation improves efficiency without requiring operator intervention or complex user input.
3Quantity of substance
If the energy storage device is continuously charged during engine operation, then energy availability is maximized, but the system cannot detect the time since engine cessation, reducing restart optimization
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary timing circuit or clock mechanism that independently tracks the duration of engine inactivity. This intermediary component monitors the time elapsed since engine shutdown separately from the energy storage charging process, providing precise timing information to the controller without interfering with continuous energy charging during operation. This enables accurate detection of engine off-time for optimized restart procedures.
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 allows for optimized engine operation by accurately determining the energy level and adjusting parameters, ensuring efficient engine restart and operation by preventing unnecessary energy discharge and optimizing fuel and air mixture delivery and ignition timing.
Implementation Method 1
charging an energy storage device during at least a portion of the time when the engine is operating, permitting the level of energy stored on the charge storage device to decrease over time after the engine ceases to operate
Implementation Method 2
A switch is provided that has a first state in which charging of the energy storage device is not permitted and a second state in which charging of the energy storage device is permitted
Data Source
AI summary
In at least some implementations, a method of operating an ignition system for a combustion engine includes charging an energy storage device during at least a portion of the time when the engine is operating, permitting the level of energy stored on the charge storage device to decrease over time after the engine ceases to operate, determining the energy level on the energy storage device when the engine is restarted after having ceased operating, and setting at least one engine operational parameter as a function of the determined energy level. In at least some implementations, the at least one engine operational parameter may include one or more of: richness of a fuel and air mixture to be delivered to the engine, ignition timing, desired engine idle speed.