Apparatuses, methods and systems for controlling vehicles with engine start-stop, cylinder deactivation, and neutral-at-stop capabilities
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control systems for improving fuel economy or reducing fuel consumption are inadequate, lacking comprehensive and efficient methods for managing engine start-stop, cylinder deactivation, and neutral-at-stop operations.
Innovation Solution
An electronic control system that selectively controls vehicle operations using engine start-stop, neutral-at-stop, and cylinder deactivation features based on specific conditions, such as exhaust thermal management, stop frequency, and vehicle speed, to optimize fuel efficiency and aftertreatment system performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If engine start-stop controls are used to improve fuel economy, then fuel consumption is reduced, but aftertreatment system efficiency may deteriorate due to insufficient thermal management
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary heating of the aftertreatment system before engine start-stop events by activating heating elements or maintaining engine operation at elevated speeds to ensure the aftertreatment system reaches optimal operating temperature in advance, preventing efficiency deterioration during subsequent start-stop cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The control system implements periodic engine operation cycles that alternate between active combustion phases and idle/off phases, with the active phases strategically timed to maintain aftertreatment system temperature within optimal ranges while achieving overall fuel economy improvements through reduced idle consumption
2Loss of energy
If cylinder deactivation controls are used to reduce fuel consumption, then fuel economy is improved, but engine performance may deteriorate under high load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts the number of active cylinders based on real-time operating conditions, transitioning between full-cylinder operation during high load demands and reduced-cylinder operation during low load conditions, thereby optimizing the balance between power output and fuel consumption across varying driving scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The control system changes operational parameters by deactivating specific cylinders under controlled conditions, altering the engine's effective displacement and combustion characteristics to reduce fuel consumption during part-load operation while maintaining adequate power delivery through selective cylinder engagement
3Loss of energy
If neutral-at-stop controls are used to optimize fuel efficiency, then fuel economy is improved, but vehicle responsiveness may deteriorate during acceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary engagement of the clutch or torque converter before acceleration events are detected, ensuring that the power transmission path is already established and ready for immediate torque delivery when the driver requests acceleration, thereby eliminating transmission delay while maintaining fuel efficiency benefits during stopped conditions
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic control system controls operation of a vehicle system by selectably controlling the vehicle system using engine start-stop controls in response to one or more engine start-stop conditions being met, controlling the vehicle system using neutral-at-stop controls in response to one or more neutral-at-stop conditions being met, and controlling the vehicle system using cylinder deactivation controls in response to the one or more neutral-at-stop conditions not being met.