Oxygen Sensor Compensation During Engine Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for controlling the air-fuel ratio in internal combustion engines, especially those with exhaust gas recirculation devices, face challenges in accurately measuring oxygen intake due to changes in oxygen concentration, leading to potential inaccuracies and increased power consumption when compensating for oxygen sensor deterioration.
Innovation Solution
A sensor control device and system that collect compensation information while the engine is operational, using specific operation states like idle mode or reduced EGR valve opening degrees to calculate and update compensation coefficients, thereby stabilizing the oxygen sensor output and reducing battery power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the oxygen sensor compensation is performed after the internal combustion engine stops, then the oxygen sensor accuracy is improved, but the battery power consumption increases and the heater may not be sufficiently driven
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs oxygen sensor compensation during engine operation rather than after shutdown, utilizing the heater's natural operation during running conditions to warm the sensing element. This preliminary action during operation eliminates the need for post-shutdown compensation heating, thereby avoiding excessive battery power consumption while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If the heater is continuously driven to maintain sensing element temperature, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the battery power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic compensation measurements during engine operation at specific intervals rather than continuous operation. The control unit performs compensation at predetermined timing during operation, allowing the heater to be activated only periodically to maintain sensing element temperature, thereby reducing overall battery power consumption while preserving measurement accuracy.
3Speed
If the compensation coefficient is calculated using current operation data only, then the response speed is improved, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates due to sensor deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where the control unit calculates compensation coefficients based on oxygen sensor output during engine operation, then applies these coefficients to correct subsequent measurements. The system continuously monitors oxygen concentration measurements and adjusts compensation coefficients in real-time based on detected deviations, maintaining accuracy despite sensor deterioration while responding quickly to changing operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs compensation coefficient calculation during engine operation before significant sensor deterioration occurs, establishing baseline compensation values. These pre-calculated compensation coefficients are then applied to correct measurements throughout operation, proactively addressing sensor drift before it significantly impacts accuracy while maintaining rapid response to operational changes.
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
This approach enhances the accuracy of oxygen sensor measurements while minimizing battery power usage by calculating compensation coefficients during engine operation, thus addressing measurement inaccuracies and power consumption concerns.
Implementation Method 1
an oxygen sensor including a sensing element that measures oxygen concentration in an intake atmosphere of an internal combustion engine and a heater that heats the sensing element
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor control device for connection to an oxygen sensor including a sensing element that measures oxygen concentration in an intake atmosphere of an internal combustion engine and a heater that heats the sensing element, including a detection unit that detects an output signal corresponding to the oxygen concentration output from the sensing element and a calculation unit that calculates a compensation coefficient of the output signal that is used when calculating the oxygen concentration. The calculation unit collects compensation information used in calculating the compensation coefficient when the internal combustion engine is in operation and in a specific operation state in which the oxygen concentration in the intake atmosphere is subject to estimation. Also disclosed is a sensor control system which includes an oxygen sensor and the sensor control device.