Naturally Aspirated Engine Torque Linearization Through Dynamic Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Naturally aspirated internal combustion engines exhibit uneven torque curves, making high-performance driving complex and requiring advanced adjustments not applicable to this engine type.

Innovation Solution

A control method using a growth law to linearize torque with rotational speed, adjusting spark advance and throttle valve position, implemented via software in existing vehicle control units.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a naturally aspirated internal combustion engine is used to deliver high torque, then the engine can achieve high performance, but the torque curve becomes uneven causing sudden vehicle reactions and complex driving

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovetorqueVSAvoiddriving complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static conversion law to a dynamic conversion law that adapts in real-time based on engine operating conditions. The control unit continuously adjusts the relationship between accelerator pedal position and target torque based on actual engine speed, load, and other parameters, making the torque delivery smooth and predictable despite the naturally aspirated engine's inherent torque curve variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes parameters by using a dynamic conversion law that modifies torque calculation based on varying engine conditions. Instead of a fixed relationship between accelerator position and torque, the system adjusts multiple parameters including engine speed, load conditions, and torque multiplication factors to linearize the torque curve and eliminate sudden reactions during performance driving.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If a turbocharged internal combustion engine is used to linearize the torque curve, then the torque delivery becomes smoother, but the system requires complex real-time turbine pressure adjustment hardware

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque curve linearityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical turbocharger pressure adjustment system with an electronic control system. Instead of using physical mechanisms to vary turbine pressure in real-time, the system uses a control unit that calculates and adjusts the target torque based on a dynamic conversion law, achieving smooth torque delivery through electronic computation rather than mechanical adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the torque linearization function from the mechanical turbocharger system and relocates it to the electronic control system. By removing the dependency on physical turbine pressure adjustment, the system achieves torque curve linearization through software-based dynamic conversion laws, eliminating the need for complex real-time mechanical control hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Device complexity

If a static conversion law is used to determine target torque, then the control system remains simple, but the torque delivery does not adapt to changing surrounding conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system simplicityVSAvoidcondition adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static conversion law into a dynamic one that continuously adapts to changing conditions. The control unit monitors engine speed, load, and other parameters in real-time, adjusting the torque calculation accordingly. This dynamic approach maintains control system simplicity while significantly improving adaptability to varying operating conditions and surrounding environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4641006A1Method to control a vehicle provided with a naturally aspirated internal combustion engine
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 FERRARI SPA
  • EP4641006A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4641006A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4641006A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method to control a road vehicle (1) provided with a naturally aspirated internal combustion engine (4), which generates a torque transmitted to at least one drive wheel (3). The control method comprises the steps of: acquiring a position of an accelerator control (12); determining a requested torque (Treq) based on the position of the accelerator control (12); determining a torque target based on the requested torque (Treq); controlling the internal combustion engine (4) so as to pursue the target torque; establishing, based on the requested torque (Treq), a growth law (L), which entails a linear increase in the torque target as a rotational speed (ω) of the internal combustion engine (4) increases; and determining the torque target using the growth law (L).