Pedal-Start Engine Warmup Algorithm for Cold Start Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pedal-start internal combustion engine vehicles face issues with cold engine starts in cold environments, leading to fuel overconsumption, rough engine operation, and spark plug wet-fouling due to repeated start and stop conditions.
Innovation Solution
An ICE management algorithm that checks engine temperature via sensors and commands the engine to idle for a predetermined time, allowing it to warm up and burn off unburnt fuel, thereby preventing spark plug fouling and restricting engine movement until the engine reaches a desired temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the engine starts quickly and accelerates immediately upon pedal press, then the vehicle responds quickly to operator input, but the cold engine overconsumes fuel, runs rough, and may stall due to wet-fouling of spark plugs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary warming action by maintaining the engine at idle RPM for a predetermined time period after cold start detection. The control algorithm identifies cold start conditions and commands the engine to idle before allowing acceleration, ensuring the engine reaches a minimum operating temperature before full power delivery is permitted.
2Loss of energy
If the engine is allowed to idle for warmup, then fuel consumption during acceleration is reduced, but the vehicle response time to operator input is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts engine RPM based on real-time temperature feedback. The algorithm continuously monitors engine temperature and transitions the engine from idle to acceleration mode when the predetermined temperature threshold is reached, creating a dynamic response that balances warmup requirements with operator responsiveness.
3Productivity
If repeated start and stop conditions occur in cold environment, then the engine can be used frequently, but spark plug wet-fouling increases and engine reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary burning-off action by maintaining idle operation that allows unburnt fuel to be combusted before the engine is shut down. This preliminary action prevents fuel accumulation on spark plugs, eliminating wet-fouling and maintaining engine reliability even under repeated cold start conditions.
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 solution reduces fuel consumption and prevents spark plug fouling by maintaining the engine within an idle RPM range until it reaches a predetermined temperature, ensuring smooth operation and extending engine lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
the engine to idle for a certain period of time... and also will burn off any unburnt fuel
Data Source
AI summary
A method for cold engine starting in a pedal-start vehicle that comprises determining an ICE temperature value of an internal combustion engine of the vehicle upon starting the engine via depression of an accelerator, then comparing the ICE temperature value to a predetermined ICE temperature threshold value. Thereafter, when the ICE temperature value is below a predetermined ICE threshold value, controlling operation of the engine such that an RPM of the internal combustion engine remains within a predetermined idle RPM range for a predetermined amount of time, regardless of throttle control commands from the accelerator pedal of the vehicle, or when the ICE temperature value is equal to or greater than the predetermined ICE threshold value, or controlling operation of the internal combustion engine in accordance with the throttle control commands from the accelerator pedal.