ISG Crankshaft Angle Sync via ECU Trigger and Rotor Position

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for acquiring a crankshaft angle degree for an engine require additional circuits and sensors, leading to increased costs and potential signal distortion, which can delay the operation of the integrated starter generator (ISG) controller.

Innovation Solution

The method involves the engine control unit (ECU) detecting the crankshaft angle degree and transmitting an angle-setting trigger to the ISG controller, allowing it to acquire a rotor-derived crankshaft angle degree based on the rotor position, thereby eliminating the need for a Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor and crankshaft position sensor signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the ISG controller directly receives signals from the MAP sensor and crankshaft position sensor, then the crankshaft angle degree can be acquired, but additional circuits are required which increases system cost and complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrankshaft angle degree acquisitionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the ECU as an intermediary component between the sensors (MAP sensor and crankshaft position sensor) and the ISG controller. The ECU receives sensor signals, processes the crankshaft angle information, and transmits it to the ISG controller via communication interface. This mediator approach eliminates the need for direct sensor connections to the ISG controller, reducing circuit complexity while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If the ISG controller directly processes signals from multiple sensors, then comprehensive engine data is available, but computational load increases which may delay signal output

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal distortionVSAvoidsignal processing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the signal processing function into two separate segments: the ECU handles sensor signal acquisition and crankshaft angle calculation, while the ISG controller focuses on using this information for starter generator control. This segmentation prevents the ISG controller from being overloaded with multiple sensor signal processing tasks, maintaining fast response times while avoiding signal distortion from excessive computational burden.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If extra sensors and circuits are added to the ISG controller, then crankshaft position information can be obtained, but the cost of the entire system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrankshaft angle detectionVSAvoidsystem cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent leverages the existing ECU, which is already present in modern vehicles for engine management, to perform the additional function of providing crankshaft angle information to the ISG controller. This multi-functional use of the ECU eliminates the need for dedicated sensors and circuits solely for the ISG controller, thereby maintaining measurement precision while avoiding additional system costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 reduces the computational load on the ISG controller, prevents signal distortion, and simplifies hardware design by allowing the ISG controller to accurately control the crankshaft position without extra sensors, thereby improving engine starting efficiency and reducing torque requirements.

Implementation Method 1

since the ISG controller 23 also receives position information of a rotor (not shown) from a rotor position sensor (not shown)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP3379060B1System and method for enabling an integrated starter generator controller to acquire a crankshaft angle degree for a crankshaft of an engine
Publication Date: 2024.05.01 KWANG YANG MOTOR LTD
  • EP3379060B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3379060B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3379060B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for enabling an integrated starter generator (ISG) controller (23) to acquire a crankshaft angle degree for a crankshaft (91) of an engine (9) through an engine control unit (ECU) (29) is provided. The ECU (29) transmits a trigger to the ISG controller (23) upon determining that a detected crankshaft angle degree acquired by the ECU (29) is equal to a predetermined angle degree after the engine (9) has been started. The ISG controller (23) sets a rotor-derived crankshaft angle degree acquired by the ISG controller (23) to the predetermined angle degree upon receipt of the trigger.