Event Logging Device Using Ignition Counter for Engine Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing event logging systems for internal combustion engines face challenges in recording critical events without a continuous power supply, leading to potential data loss or missed transient events, especially in variable geometry turbines where precise timing is crucial for diagnostic analysis.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that increment a counter only when the ignition circuit is on, creating event records with fields for event type and counter value, and storing them in non-volatile memory, allowing for event logging without a continuous clock signal, with the ability to overwrite oldest records when memory is full.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a continuous clock signal is used for event logging, then precise timing of events is achieved, but continuous power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic ignition events as a timing reference instead of continuous clock operation. The ignition circuit provides periodic pulses at engine cycles, and the system logs events relative to these periodic occurrences, enabling timing measurement without continuous power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The ignition circuit serves dual purposes: it both ignites the engine and provides the timing reference for event logging. By utilizing the existing periodic ignition signal for timing purposes, the system eliminates the need for a separate continuous clock signal, reducing power consumption while maintaining timing precision.
2Loss of information
If event logging continues without power management, then complete event data is captured, but memory is wasted storing unnecessary data during non-operational periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system detects the transition to powered-off state in advance and proactively stops event logging and clears memory before power is completely lost. This preliminary action ensures that no incomplete or unnecessary data is stored, optimizing memory usage while preserving all relevant event information from operational periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The event logging system dynamically adjusts its operation based on power availability. It activates logging when power is available and stops when power is lost, adapting its behavior to the changing power state rather than operating continuously or at fixed intervals.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a simple counter is used instead of a clock signal, then power consumption is reduced, but absolute time measurement capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary reference system using the periodic ignition circuit as a mediator between the counter and absolute time measurement. By correlating counter values with known ignition event timings, the system can calculate absolute event times without requiring the counter itself to provide direct time measurement, thus maintaining low power consumption while recovering time measurement capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of logging information about events for an internal combustion engine having an ignition circuit, and an event logging device arranged to implement the method. The method comprises incrementing a current value of a counter (50) at a predetermined rate when the ignition circuit is turned on, detecting that an event has occurred (53), creating a new event record (54) having at least two fields, populating the fields within the new event record with information about the event (55), including at least an event type and the current value of the counter; and storing the new event record (57).