Motorcycle Catalytic Device Heating Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional motorcycle heating systems using small electric heaters take a long time to heat the catalytic device, often resulting in the catalytic device not reaching the active temperature in time for power generation preparation.
Innovation Solution
A motorcycle system with a power mode and eco mode, where the catalytic device is heated during engine stoppage, using a heating device that calculates the predicted remaining battery amount and heating time based on temperature prediction curves to ensure timely temperature setting for power generation, eliminating the need for a temperature sensor and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a small electric heater is used to heat the catalytic device, then power consumption is reduced, but the heating time becomes excessively long and the catalytic device does not reach active temperature in time for power generation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating of the catalytic device during engine stoppage periods before power generation is needed. The control unit calculates the required heating time based on prediction curves and starts heating in advance, ensuring the catalytic device reaches active temperature by the time power generation begins, thus resolving the contradiction between reduced power consumption and sufficient heating time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the heating strategy based on real-time conditions. The control unit monitors battery remaining amount, engine stoppage duration, and catalytic device temperature to dynamically determine whether to activate heating and for how long, optimizing the balance between power consumption and heating effectiveness.
2Reliability
If the catalytic device is heated continuously to ensure it reaches active temperature, then power generation readiness is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the temperature of the catalytic device and adjusts the heating operation accordingly. When the temperature reaches the active threshold, heating is automatically stopped, preventing unnecessary power consumption while ensuring power generation readiness. This feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing reliability only when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous heating, the system applies partial heating action only during specific periods (engine stoppage) and only for the duration necessary to reach active temperature. This selective application of heating resolves the contradiction between ensuring readiness and minimizing power consumption.
3Productivity
If the engine operates continuously to maintain catalytic device temperature, then power generation capability is maintained, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating of the catalytic device during engine stoppage periods using the electric heater. By heating the catalytic device in advance before power generation is needed, the engine can be stopped without compromising power generation capability, thus reducing fuel consumption while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the electric power from the battery to heat the catalytic device during engine stoppage, making the heating process self-service rather than relying on continuous engine operation. This approach maintains power generation capability while eliminating the need for continuous fuel consumption.
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
The system ensures timely temperature setting of the catalytic device for power generation, reduces heating time, and lowers power consumption by providing different battery modes and optimizing heating times, thus preparing for power generation effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a heating device for heating the catalytic device
Implementation Method 2
a catalytic device for purifying exhaust gas discharged from the engine
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a motorcycle with which the temperature setting of a catalytic device, which is a preparation for power generation, can be performed in time. The motorcycle includes an engine, a power generator, a battery, an electric motor, a rear wheel 16, a catalytic device 87, and a heating device 88. In the motorcycle, an ECU calculates a predicted remaining amount of the battery after a predetermined time elapse based on a remaining amount of the battery and an amount to be decreased per unit time from the remaining amount of the battery, and heats the catalytic device by means of the heating device when the predicted remaining amount has reached a battery remaining amount r2.