Knock Indicator via Modal Decomposition of Cylinder Pressure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing knock indicators in internal combustion engines are dependent on the position of the pressure sensor and do not accurately represent the risk of damage to the cylinder, as they are influenced by non-homogeneous pressure distribution and qualitative measurements.

Innovation Solution

A method involving local pressure measurement with modal decomposition to determine overall pressure in the combustion chamber, which allows for the calculation of a knock indicator representative of damage to the cylinder, including gas velocity and heat transfer coefficients to assess the severity of knocking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If local pressure measurement is used for knock detection, then the measurement device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to pressure non-homogeneity in the cylinder

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement device complexityVSAvoidknock detection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces modal decomposition as an intermediary mathematical tool that bridges local pressure measurements and global knock characteristics. By decomposing the pressure signal into modal components and reconstructing the overall pressure, the system achieves accurate knock detection using only a single local sensor, thus resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If MAPO indicator is used for knock detection, then the detection method is simple, but the reliability deteriorates as it is not representative of actual cylinder damage risk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection method complexityVSAvoidknock damage representation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the knock detection parameter from simple maximum amplitude (MAPO) to overall pressure characteristics derived from modal decomposition. This parameter change enables the indicator to reflect actual cylinder damage risk by capturing the global pressure distribution effects, while maintaining computational simplicity through systematic signal processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If pressure sensor position is varied for measurement, then the adaptability improves for different measurement points, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to position-dependent results

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor position adaptabilityVSAvoidknock indicator accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal knock detection method that works at any sensor position within the cylinder. The modal decomposition approach reconstructs the overall pressure characteristics that are independent of sensor location, making the system universally applicable while maintaining consistent accuracy regardless of where the single pressure sensor is placed.

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 provides a more accurate and position-independent knock indicator, enabling effective combustion control to mitigate damage to engine components by quantifying the severity of knocking based on overall pressure, gas velocity, and heat transfer coefficients.

Implementation Method 1

measurement of the pressure in the cylinder, followed by a determination of an indicator called MAPO (from the English 'Maximum Amplitude of Pressure Oscillations' which can be translated by maximum amplitude of the pressure oscillations)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure oscillation:

Implementation Method 2

These parasitic explosions produce vibrations in the audible range and beyond (of the order of 5 to 50 KHz)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP3626954B1Method for determining an indicator of knocking by determining the overall pressure in the cylinder
Publication Date: 2021.11.10 IFP ENERGIES NOUVELLES
  • EP3626954B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3626954B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3626954B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for determining a knock indicator in the cylinder of an internal combustion engine. The method is implemented using a local pressure measurement (LPM), the modal decomposition of which provides characteristics of the overall pressure (OP) in the cylinder. This pressure allows for the direct or indirect determination of a knock indicator (KOI).