Lambda Probe Fuel Discharge Detection in Engine Oil
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting fuel discharge from engine oil in internal combustion engines are either costly or unreliable, leading to incorrect error detection and ethanol proportion measurement issues, especially when using ethanol-containing fuels.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a lambda probe to measure lambda deviations during different air mass flows, forming an actual comparison value and a setpoint comparison value to detect fuel discharge by comparing these values, allowing for precise determination of fuel discharge quantity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fuel input/discharge models are calculated and compared with operating conditions to detect fuel discharge, then detection capability is provided, but the cost becomes very high and only theoretical possibility can be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a lambda probe to measure lambda values as a simplified copy/representation of the fuel discharge condition, rather than implementing complex fuel input/discharge models. The lambda value serves as an indirect but sufficient indicator that can be measured inexpensively and used to detect fuel discharge from engine oil.
2Reliability
If HC sensor is installed in crank casing venting means to measure hydrocarbon proportion, then fuel discharge detection is achieved, but the cost becomes expensive making it unsuitable for series fabrication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the expensive HC sensor with a lambda probe, which is a much cheaper and more commonly used sensor in automotive applications. The lambda probe provides sufficient detection capability for fuel discharge monitoring without the high cost associated with HC sensors, making the system suitable for series fabrication.
3Manufacturing precision
If Lambda controller regulates fuel/air mixture based on residual oxygen content, then fuel/air ratio control is achieved, but incorrect error detection and ethanol proportion measurement occur due to outgased fuel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection step using the lambda probe to specifically identify fuel discharge from engine oil before the Lambda controller regulates the fuel/air mixture. By detecting lambda deviations that indicate oil discharge, the system can distinguish between genuine fuel/air mixture issues and those caused by oil vaporization, preventing incorrect error detection and ethanol proportion measurement.
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 simple and precise method to detect fuel discharge from engine oil, avoiding incorrect fault diagnoses and enabling accurate ethanol proportion detection.
Implementation Method 1
The Lambda controller is a sensor which measures the respective residual oxygen content in the combustion discharge gas of the spark-ignition engine
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for detecting fuel discharge from a lubricant in a housing of an internal combustion engine. A first lambda deviation is measured by a lambda sensor for a first mass air flow supplied in an intake tract of the engine. A second lambda deviation is measured by the lambda sensor for a second mass air flow that differs from the first mass air flow, and is supplied in an intake tract of the engine. An actual comparative value is calculated from the measured first and second lambda deviations. A desired comparative value indicative of the fuel discharge is calculated from a first desired lambda deviation for the first mass air flow, and a second desired lambda deviation is calculated for the second mass air flow. The fuel discharge is detected based on a comparison of the actual comparative value and the desired comparative value.