Misfire Classification via Cylinder Temperature Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing misfire detection methods in internal combustion engines are inadequate for identifying intermittent or non-continuous misfire phenomena, which can lead to performance deterioration, environmental pollution, and equipment damage, as they primarily focus on continuous misfire conditions.
Innovation Solution
A misfire classification method that involves determining the occurrence and type of misfire by obtaining temperature signals from engine cylinders, using existing In-Cylinder Temperature (ICT) sensors to differentiate between continuous and intermittent misfires, and identifying affected cylinders through temperature signal analysis and ignition timing data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing misfire detection methods are used, then continuous misfire conditions can be detected, but intermittent misfire phenomena cannot be identified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static misfire detection (continuous conditions only) to dynamic detection that adapts to varying misfire patterns. The system dynamically adjusts detection parameters and uses multiple evaluation criteria to identify both continuous and intermittent misfires, making the detection system flexible and adaptive to different failure modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes detection parameters by introducing temperature signal analysis alongside traditional methods. By monitoring cylinder temperature variations and comparing them against threshold values, the system can detect intermittent misfires that traditional methods miss. This parameter change enables versatile detection across different misfire types.
2Loss of information
If misfire phenomena are not accurately classified, then engine performance deterioration and emission issues go undetected, but implementing comprehensive detection increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional detection system that uses the same control unit and sensor infrastructure to perform both traditional misfire detection and new temperature-based classification. This approach minimizes additional hardware complexity while achieving comprehensive misfire analysis through software-based multi-functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces temperature signals as an intermediary parameter that bridges the gap between combustion events and misfire detection. By using temperature as a mediator, the system can infer misfire conditions without requiring direct observation of combustion failures, simplifying the detection mechanism while improving information accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If temperature signals are used for misfire classification, then accurate misfire type determination is achieved, but additional measurement requirements increase system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by utilizing the existing In-Cylinder Temperature (ICT) sensors already present in modern engines for direct injection temperature measurement. The system repurposes these existing sensors to provide temperature signals for misfire classification, eliminating the need for additional dedicated temperature measurement devices and reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Misfire classification method for an internal combustion engine, comprising: a step of determining whether the engine is subjected to a misfire; a step of obtaining at least one temperature signal being indicative of a temperature prevailing in a cylinder of the engine; and a step of determining a type of misfire in dependence on the obtained temperature signal.


