Vehicle Particle Filter Regeneration Trigger Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for triggering an active regeneration cycle of a particle filter in vehicles, particularly diesel engines, are inefficient as they often fail to ensure complete regeneration due to unfavorable drive patterns and high fuel penalties, especially in vehicles with frequent short runs from cold starts, leading to soot accumulation and fuel contamination.
Innovation Solution
A trigger method that uses three parameters - general drive index, current physical condition of the particle filter, and current drive pattern - to forecast the suitability of the regeneration cycle, determining if the vehicle is in a favorable state for regeneration by evaluating drive cycles and sensing soot load, temperature, and velocity to optimize regeneration timing and reduce fuel consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If active regeneration cycle is triggered in vehicles with frequent short runs from cold starts, then soot accumulation is reduced, but fuel is wasted and lubrication oil is contaminated
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary evaluation of drive pattern characteristics before triggering regeneration. By analyzing whether the vehicle is in a favorable drive pattern (sufficient duration, appropriate speed ranges), the system predicts whether regeneration will be successful, preventing fuel waste from incomplete regeneration cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors drive pattern parameters (vehicle speed, duration, temperature) and uses this feedback to dynamically decide whether to trigger regeneration. The control unit adjusts regeneration timing based on real-time drive conditions, ensuring regeneration only occurs when conditions are favorable
2Reliability
If active regeneration cycle is triggered frequently, then particle filter is kept clean, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system evaluates drive pattern characteristics in advance before triggering regeneration. By predicting whether upcoming drive cycles will be favorable for regeneration, the system avoids unnecessary regeneration events, reducing fuel consumption while maintaining adequate filter performance
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the triggering parameters from fixed thresholds to dynamic evaluation based on drive pattern characteristics. By considering multiple parameters (duration, speed ranges, temperature) simultaneously, the system optimizes the balance between filter performance and fuel consumption
3Use of energy by moving object
If active regeneration cycle is delayed, then fuel consumption is reduced, but particle filter becomes clogged
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of particle filter soot load combined with drive pattern prediction. By evaluating both the current filter state and future drive conditions, the system determines the optimal timing for regeneration, delaying only when it is safe to do so
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors filter load and provides feedback to the control unit. This feedback, combined with real-time drive pattern analysis, enables dynamic adjustment of regeneration timing, delaying regeneration only when filter load is below critical thresholds
4Productivity
If drive pattern monitoring is implemented, then regeneration timing is optimized, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit leverages existing sensors and processing capabilities already present in modern vehicles. By repurposing existing hardware for drive pattern analysis, the system avoids adding dedicated complex monitoring equipment, maintaining cost-effectiveness while enabling sophisticated regeneration control
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 method ensures a successful and fuel-efficient active regeneration cycle by identifying favorable drive patterns and soot load conditions, reducing the need for frequent regeneration and minimizing fuel penalties, thereby maintaining filter effectiveness and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a particle filter retains bigger exhaust gas particles by forcing the gas to flow through the filter
Implementation Method 2
a certain program is run in a manner that elevates the exhaust temperature in conjunction with an extra fuel injection in the exhaust stream gas, such that fuel is injected to burn off the accumulated soot and convert it to ash
Implementation Method 3
The pressure difference measured by the pressure difference sensor 16 in the particle filter 12 gives information about the soot amount
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a trigger method to start an active regeneration cycle of a particle filter (12) in a vehicle (10), whereas a general drive index (GI) of the vehicle (10) is recorded, a current physical condition of the particle filter (12) is sensed, a current drive pattern (DP) of the vehicle (10) is sensed and a regeneration necessity is affirmed or negated based on a map (38) relating the general drive index (GI), the physical condition and the current drive pattern (DP) of the vehicle (10) to the regeneration necessity.