Linear Interpolation of Engine Combustion Parameter Setpoints

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing internal combustion engine control systems face challenges in smoothly transitioning between different combustion modes without affecting engine performance and increasing emissions, as the current methods lead to inconsistent combustion parameter values and potential engine jerks due to differing convergence speeds of actuators.

Innovation Solution

A method of linear interpolation for combustion parameter setpoints is employed, where each parameter's current and target values are calculated and interpolated over a synchronized transition time, ensuring all parameters evolve coherently and proportionally, preventing engine performance issues and excessive emissions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If the on-board computer switches between combustion mode settings based on operating conditions, then the efficiency of pollution control systems is improved, but the combustion parameters become inconsistent during transitions causing engine performance degradation and excessive emissions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepollution control efficiencyVSAvoidengine performance stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the combustion parameter transitions adaptive and time-dependent. Instead of abrupt switches between combustion modes, the system dynamically adjusts parameters like air flow rate, fuel flow rate, and recirculation gas flow rate over calculated transition periods. This dynamic approach ensures that parameters evolve coherently during mode changes, preventing inconsistency while maintaining pollution control efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses preliminary action by calculating the required transition time for each combustion parameter before actually implementing the mode switch. The on-board computer determines in advance how long each parameter needs to transition from its current value to its target value, allowing the system to prepare and coordinate all parameter changes simultaneously. This preliminary calculation prevents parameter inconsistency during transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple combustion modes are implemented with different settings, then additional degrees of freedom are obtained for improving pollution control efficiency, but the transition between modes causes inconsistent combustion parameter values

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecombustion mode varietyVSAvoidcombustion parameter consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying combustion parameters (air flow rate, fuel flow rate, recirculation gas flow rate) during mode transitions. The on-board computer calculates target values for each parameter based on the desired combustion mode and determines the appropriate transition time to reach each target. This coordinated parameter change approach maintains consistency while enabling versatile combustion mode selection for different operating conditions and pollution control requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the on-board computer controls all actuators simultaneously to adjust flow rates to setpoints, then the combustion mode switching is efficient, but the different convergence speeds of actuators cause parameter inconsistency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecombustion mode switching speedVSAvoidparameter synchronization accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by continuously monitoring the actual values of combustion parameters and comparing them to their target values during transitions. The on-board computer uses this feedback information to adjust the transition process, ensuring that all parameters reach their target values at the appropriate times. This feedback mechanism compensates for differences in actuator convergence speeds and maintains parameter consistency throughout the switching process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4039960B1Method for linear interpolation of the setting value of combustion parameters of an engine
Publication Date: 2024.09.25 HORSE POWERTRAIN SOLUTIONS S L U
  • EP4039960B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4039960B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

This linear interpolation method for the setpoint values ​​of combustion parameters of an internal combustion engine comprises the following steps: - Determination (step 20), for each combustion parameter, of a current value; - Definition (step 21), for each combustion parameter of a final target value; - Calculation (step 22) of the transition time required for each combustion parameter to go from its current value to its final target value; - Determination (step 23) of the longest transition time of the combustion parameters; - Interpolation (step 24) of a target value for each combustion parameter; - Transition (step 25) of each combustion parameter to its target value.