Engine Oil Pressure Switch Malfunction Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic control devices for internal combustion engines with pressure level switch mechanisms face malfunctions that prevent stable operation by failing to switch oil pressure levels correctly, leading to unstable engine performance and reduced fuel efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic control device with a pressure level switch mechanism that includes an electronic control unit, sensors for engine speed and coolant temperature, and a pressure level switch mechanism with a relief valve and switch valve, which accurately determines malfunctions by setting a malfunction determination value based on expected oil pressures at high and low levels, allowing for precise switching control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a pressure level switch mechanism is used to switch oil pressure between high and low levels, then fuel efficiency is improved during low-pressure operation, but the system becomes unreliable when valve malfunctions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control unit continuously monitors oil pressure and compares it with target pressure values corresponding to different engine operating states. When a pressure deviation exceeding a predetermined threshold is detected, the system automatically triggers a malfunction determination routine to identify whether the switch valve or relief valve is malfunctioning, enabling real-time feedback-based reliability assurance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis by automatically determining valve malfunctions based on pressure monitoring without requiring external intervention. The control unit executes malfunction determination processes that identify which valve is faulty and automatically switches to alternative control strategies, allowing the system to service itself and maintain reliable operation.
2Device complexity
If the switch valve fails to regulate oil pressure to the high pressure level, then the system becomes simple in structure, but the engine cannot operate stably when high pressure is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that monitors pressure and coordinates between the switch valve and relief valve. When the switch valve malfunctions and cannot achieve high pressure, the control unit detects this condition and activates the relief valve control as a backup mechanism, ensuring that engine stability is maintained despite the valve malfunction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters by switching between different valve control modes based on detected conditions. When high pressure is required and the switch valve malfunctions, the control unit alters the pressure regulation strategy by utilizing the relief valve instead, thereby adapting to the changed system state and maintaining engine stability.
3Device complexity
If the relief valve or switch valve malfunctions and cannot switch pressure to the low level, then the system remains simple, but fuel efficiency is reduced due to excessive pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors oil pressure and compares it with target pressure values. When pressure remains higher than expected despite commands to switch to low pressure mode, the feedback mechanism detects this deviation and triggers malfunction determination, identifying whether the switch valve or relief valve is failing to switch pressure levels correctly, thereby preventing unnecessary fuel consumption.
4Device complexity
If malfunction detection is not implemented, then the system is simpler, but accurate determination of valve malfunctions is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements continuous feedback monitoring by comparing actual oil pressure with target pressure values corresponding to different engine operating states and valve positions. When pressure deviations exceed predetermined thresholds, the system triggers malfunction determination routines that accurately identify which valve is malfunctioning, achieving precise malfunction detection through feedback-based pressure monitoring.
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
Enables accurate detection and correction of malfunctions in the pressure level switch mechanism, ensuring stable engine operation and improved fuel efficiency by correctly switching oil pressure levels according to engine state.
Implementation Method 1
a relief valve, which permits some oil to escape into a relief passage when the pressure of the oil discharged by an oil pump become greater than or equal to a predetermined valve opening pressure
Implementation Method 2
the switch valve switches the level of the pressure of the oil supplied to the components of the engine between a high pressure level and a low pressure level
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
A hydraulic control device for an internal combustion engine having a pressure level switch mechanism that switches the pressure level of the oil supplied to components of the engine between a high pressure level and a low pressure level is provided. The hydraulic control device has a detecting section and a determining section. The determining section outputs a command signal instructing to switch the pressure level of the oil to the high pressure level to the pressure level switch mechanism and determines that the pressure level switch mechanism has a malfunction on condition that, after the command signal has been output, the pressure of the oil detected by the detecting section is smaller than a high-pressure-level switching malfunction determination value.