Ignition Timing Controller Torque Fluctuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control systems face challenges in quickly changing ignition timing to suppress engine torque fluctuation and shock occurrence, especially after ignition retardation control during fuel injection restart, which can lead to lowered engine torque and thermal efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control apparatus that includes an ignition timing controller, which changes the ignition timing at a first rate until a rotational acceleration threshold is reached and then at a second, greater rate, to minimize torque fluctuation and shock, using a system with an input-side and output-side rotating element and circuitry for fuel injection and ignition control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ignition timing is quickly changed after fuel injection restart, then engine torque fluctuation and shock are reduced, but ignition control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic ignition timing control by switching between two change rates based on rotational acceleration conditions. The ignition timing change rate is dynamically adjusted: a first change rate is applied when rotational acceleration is below a threshold, and a second change rate is applied when rotational acceleration exceeds the threshold. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by optimizing torque stability without requiring complex additional hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of ignition timing change rate based on rotational acceleration conditions. By monitoring rotational acceleration and adjusting the ignition timing change rate accordingly, the system achieves smooth torque transition and reduces shock. This parameter-based control strategy resolves the contradiction through software-based adaptation rather than hardware complexity.
2Reliability
If ignition timing is delayed to avoid knocking, then knocking is prevented, but engine torque and thermal efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic ignition retardation control only during specific conditions (fuel injection restart periods) rather than continuously. By timing the ignition retardation to coincide with natural low-torque periods in the engine cycle and duration, the system prevents knocking while minimizing torque loss. This periodic application resolves the contradiction between knocking prevention and torque maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies ignition retardation in advance during fuel injection restart periods before normal ignition timing would cause knocking. By proactively delaying ignition timing during these critical transition periods, the system prevents knocking from occurring in the first place, allowing normal high-torque ignition timing to be used immediately afterward, thus resolving the torque efficiency contradiction.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle control apparatus includes input-side and output-side rotating elements, a fuel injection controller, and an ignition timing controller. The ignition timing controller controls ignition timing of an engine to first timing on the condition that the engine is controlled from a fuel cut state to a fuel injection state, and afterwards, changes the ignition timing to second timing on advance side of the first timing. The ignition timing controller changes the ignition timing toward the second timing at a first change rate until a rotational acceleration rate of the output-side rotating element reaches a threshold. After the rotational acceleration rate of the output-side rotating element reaches the threshold, the ignition timing controller changes the ignition timing toward the second timing at a second change rate greater than the first change rate.