Vehicle Power Unit Warming-Up via Accelerated Idling and Fuel Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for accelerating the warming-up of a motor vehicle power unit before tests or maintenance operations are inefficient, taking too long and causing discomfort due to high noise levels, and result in increased fuel consumption and non-uniform heating.
Innovation Solution
The method involves maintaining a greatly accelerated idling speed at a modified fuel-pressure value higher than nominal, reducing injector operation to minimize fuel consumption, and combining this with combustion settings that increase engine heat, such as activating the cabin air conditioning and emissions-control element regeneration, to efficiently warm up the power unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the engine is kept at a greatly accelerated idling speed for warming up, then the warming-up speed is improved, but the noise level increases causing discomfort to personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by alternating between accelerated idling phases and normal idling phases during the warming-up process. The engine operates at accelerated idling speed (e.g., 2500-3000 rpm) during warming-up phases, then transitions to normal idle speed (e.g., 800-1200 rpm) during test phases, creating a periodic cycle that achieves warming-up while reducing continuous noise exposure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the engine speed variable rather than fixed. The control system dynamically adjusts the engine speed between accelerated and normal idle levels based on the warming-up progress and test requirements, optimizing both warming-up efficiency and noise reduction throughout the process
2Temperature
If the engine is kept at a greatly accelerated idling speed for a long period, then the warming-up temperature is achieved, but the fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces fuel consumption by implementing periodic alternation between accelerated idling (high fuel consumption) and normal idle (low fuel consumption). The warming-up process is divided into phases where the engine cycles between high-speed warming and low-speed operation, achieving the required temperature while minimizing total fuel usage compared to continuous accelerated idling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using accelerated idling speed only for the necessary duration to achieve warming-up, rather than maintaining it continuously. Once the minimum temperature threshold is reached, the engine transitions to normal idle speed, applying just enough accelerated operation to achieve the goal without excessive fuel consumption
3Ease of operation
If the air conditioning is deactivated during accelerated warming-up, then the warming-up process is simplified, but the engine is not subjected to additional torque demand which would assist warming-up
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the air conditioning system operational status variable. Rather than deactivating it permanently, the system dynamically controls the air conditioning to operate during specific phases of the periodic cycle, allowing it to provide torque demand assistance during accelerated idling phases while managing the overall warming-up process
4Loss of energy
If standard combustion settings are used during accelerated warming-up, then pollutant emissions and fuel consumption are reduced, but the temperature increase of the power unit is unfavorable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by alternating between standard combustion settings and modified combustion settings that favor temperature increase. During accelerated idling phases, the combustion settings are modified to prioritize temperature rise, while during normal idle phases, standard settings are restored to minimize emissions and fuel consumption, creating a periodic optimization cycle
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 significantly reduces the time required to reach the necessary temperatures for tests and maintenance operations, minimizes fuel consumption, and reduces noise levels by optimizing heat distribution across the power unit components.
Implementation Method 1
maintaining a greatly accelerated idling speed at a modified fuel-pressure value higher than the nominal pressure value required so as to increase the temperature of the fuel
Implementation Method 2
combustion settings that increase engine heat
Data Source
AI summary
A method for accelerating the warming-up of a power unit of a vehicle including an internal combustion engine, the unit needing to undergo a test and/or maintenance operation during which the vehicle remains stationary with its engine running, the unit needing to have achieved a minimum operating temperature prior to the test and/or the operation, the unit including a fuel injection system with a high-pressure pump supplying pressurized fuel to one or more injectors, the pressurizing of the fuel by the pump being controlled according to a combustion configuration that requires a nominal pressure value dependent on operating parameters including an engine speed and engine torque, the method including a step of warming up the unit by maintaining a greatly accelerated idling speed, which is effected at a modified pressure value higher than the nominal pressure value.