Ion Current Misfire Detection in Alternative Fuel Engines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine management systems for utility vehicles powered by alternative fuels face challenges in reliably detecting misfires, particularly due to the complexity and cost of existing methods that require multiple sensors and advanced procedures, which can lead to misinterpretation of signals.
Innovation Solution
A cost-effective solution that integrates ion current information and discharge current/spark-over voltage analysis within the engine management system to detect misfires, allowing for optimized combustion control and conversion from diesel to alternative fuels using a modular engine construction with common parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and advanced procedures are used to detect misfires, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines misfire detection, combustion optimization, and ion current analysis into a single integrated engine management system. The ion current sensor serves multiple functions: detecting misfires, analyzing combustion quality, and providing feedback for optimization, eliminating the need for separate detection systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The ion current sensor is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously performs misfire detection, combustion analysis, and engine management. This universal sensor replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized sensors, reducing system complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and advanced procedures are used to detect misfires, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges misfire detection and combustion optimization functions into a single engine management system using ion current analysis. This consolidation reduces the total number of sensors and components required, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining high measurement precision through the versatile ion current sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal ion current sensor performs multiple functions including misfire detection and combustion optimization, replacing what would traditionally require several specialized sensors. This multi-functionality reduces component count and manufacturing complexity, making the system more cost-effective while maintaining high detection accuracy.
3Productivity
If ion current sensing is used to optimize combustion, then combustion control is improved, but reliability of misfire detection decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ion current signal analysis into distinct evaluation criteria: one set for combustion optimization (analyzing ion current magnitude and patterns for fuel-air mixture quality) and another set for misfire detection (identifying specific signal characteristics indicating combustion failure). This segmentation allows the system to reliably perform both functions simultaneously using the same sensor data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its interpretation of ion current signals based on operating conditions. It uses adaptive thresholds and context-aware analysis that consider engine load, speed, and other parameters, allowing reliable differentiation between normal combustion variations and actual misfires while optimizing combustion across varying operating conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to an engine for a vehicle using alternative fuel, preferably gas, comprising an engine (5) having a spark ignited ignition system (2) wherein said ignition system (2) includes misfire detection by means of a sensor device (4) providing information to a control system (20), connected to or within said ignition system (2), and wherein said combustion includes diluted operation to optimize emissions wherein said sensor device (4) includes an ion sensing measurement means (40) arranged to measure an ion current in said engine (5) and that said ignition system (2) has a built-in function to detect misfiring through an analysis of the ion current of the engine (5) during combustion.