Knock Sensor Acoustic Fingerprinting for Engine Event Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional monitoring techniques for combustion engines are not accurate, leading to reduced efficiency in detecting operating events and conditions such as peak firing pressure and valve closure events, which can negatively impact engine performance.

Innovation Solution

A system and method using a knock sensor to receive noise signals, correlate them with predefined fingerprints having an ADSR envelope, and detect operating events by matching the signals with these fingerprints, allowing for precise monitoring of engine operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional monitoring techniques are used to detect operating events and conditions, then the system is simple and easy to implement, but the measurement precision and accuracy are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracy of operating eventsVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical monitoring techniques with acoustic field-based detection using knock sensors. The system captures combustion noise signals and processes them through spectral analysis to detect operating events, substituting mechanical measurement methods with acoustic sensing and digital signal processing to achieve higher measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that includes a knock sensor, signal conditioner, and processor. This intermediary layer captures acoustic signals, conditions them through filtering and amplification, and processes them through spectral analysis to extract operating event information, thereby improving detection accuracy without directly modifying the engine itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If traditional monitoring techniques are used, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity and efficiency of engine operation are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengine operational efficiencyVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous monitoring of combustion noise signals throughout engine operation. The knock sensor continuously captures acoustic signals, and the processor continuously analyzes spectral content to detect operating events in real-time, ensuring uninterrupted detection of valve events and combustion characteristics to maintain optimal engine efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback by detecting operating events such as valve closure and combustion timing, then using this information to optimize engine operation. The processor analyzes spectral peaks and timing characteristics, providing continuous feedback on engine health and performance parameters that can be used to adjust operating conditions for improved productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If traditional monitoring techniques are used, then the system is simple, but the reliability of detecting critical operating events is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliability of critical eventsVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes mechanical vibration and acoustic wave phenomena generated during combustion and valve operation. The knock sensor detects vibrations and acoustic signals produced by valve closure, combustion events, and engine operation, converting mechanical energy into electrical signals for analysis. This approach reliably detects critical events by exploiting the inherent vibrational signatures of engine operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection and analysis of combustion noise signals to identify operating events before they become critical issues. By continuously monitoring spectral content and timing characteristics, the system can detect valve timing deviations, combustion anomalies, and other critical events early, allowing for preventive maintenance and avoiding engine damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 enables more accurate and efficient monitoring of engine operations, improving the detection of critical events like peak firing pressure and valve closures, thereby enhancing engine performance and maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

receiving a noise signal sensed by a knock sensor disposed in or proximate to the combustion engine

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

receiving a noise signal sensed by a knock sensor disposed in or proximate to the combustion engine

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic emission: Acoustic Emission

Data Source

PatentUS9874488B2System and method for detecting operating events of an engine
Publication Date: 2018.01.23 AI ALPINE US BIDCO INC
  • US9874488B2 patent drawing
  • US9874488B2 patent drawing
  • US9874488B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of monitoring an operating event of a combustion engine includes receiving a noise signal sensed by a knock sensor disposed in or proximate to the combustion engine, correlating the noise signal with a fingerprint having at least an ADSR envelope indicative of the operating event, and detecting if the operating event has occurred based on the correlating of the noise signal with the fingerprint.