Remote Diesel Particulate Filter Regeneration Initiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Diesel particulate filters (DPFs) in diesel engines often become clogged, requiring regeneration to maintain engine performance, with passive regeneration during vehicle operation and active regeneration needing vehicle parking, which is inconvenient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for initiating DPF regeneration using a diesel engine communication interface (ECI) device that connects to a data link connector (DLC) and electronic control unit (ECU), allowing for remote initiation of regeneration through radio signals and message transmission, enabling active regeneration without vehicle parking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If active regeneration is performed by parking the vehicle, then DPF regeneration can be initiated, but vehicle downtime increases and operational income is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring DPF status and proactively initiating regeneration sequences before the filter becomes excessively clogged. The ECU can start regeneration at optimal times during vehicle operation, avoiding the need for parking and minimizing downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of regeneration timing and duration based on real-time vehicle operating conditions. The system can adjust regeneration parameters (temperature, duration, intensity) dynamically to complete the process during vehicle operation rather than requiring parking, thus resolving the contradiction between regeneration reliability and time loss.
2Reliability
If service personnel travel to the vehicle for active regeneration, then DPF can be regenerated, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle's ECU autonomously monitors DPF status and initiates regeneration sequences without requiring external service personnel intervention. The system self-diagnoses and self-treats the clogged filter condition, eliminating the need for costly travel expenses and time investment from service technicians.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors DPF status through sensor feedback and automatically adjusts regeneration parameters accordingly. This closed-loop control enables the vehicle to regenerate its own filter based on real-time conditions, removing the need for external service intervention and associated costs.
3Loss of time
If passive regeneration is used during vehicle operation, then no parking is required, but regeneration may not be sufficient for excessively clogged DPF
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts regeneration intensity and duration based on the measured clogging level. For moderately clogged filters, passive regeneration suffices. For excessively clogged filters, the system activates enhanced active regeneration modes with higher temperature and longer duration, all while the vehicle remains operational, thus maintaining both low downtime and high effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments regeneration into different modes (passive and active) that can be selectively applied based on DPF clogging severity. The system can combine multiple regeneration techniques in sequence, using passive regeneration first and escalating to active regeneration only when necessary, optimizing both time loss and effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for initiating regeneration of a diesel particulate filter (DPF) within a diesel engine system comprising the DPF, a data link connector (DLC), and an electronic control unit (ECU) such as an engine control unit includes an engine communication interface (ECI) device and a communication device that request and transmit DPF inhibit parameters that indicate whether initiation of regeneration of the DPF can be performed. The ECI device can comprise two connectors that are connectable to different types of DLC. The communication device can comprise a smart-phone. The ECI device can determine which DPF inhibit parameter are to be requested from the ECU and which vehicle communication protocol is required to communicate with the ECU. The communication device can receive the DPF inhibit parameters, determine whether initiation of regeneration of the DPF can be performed, and transmit a communication to request initiation of regeneration of the DPF.