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

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing misfire detection methods are used, then continuous misfire conditions can be detected, but intermittent misfire phenomena cannot be identified

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemisfire detection capabilityVSAvoiddetection coverage for different misfire types
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

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.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemisfire information accuracyVSAvoiddetection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice 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.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (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.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If temperature signals are used for misfire classification, then accurate misfire type determination is achieved, but additional measurement requirements increase system complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemisfire classification accuracyVSAvoidsensor and measurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice 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.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12060842B2Misfire classification method and control unit for an internal combustion engine
Publication Date: 2024.08.13 CATERPILLAR ENERGY SOLUTIONS
  • US12060842B2 patent drawing
  • US12060842B2 patent drawing
  • US12060842B2 patent drawing

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.