Remote Engine Derating via Throttle Voltage Monitoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle theft poses risks of harm to third parties and damage to vehicles, as existing solutions for engine control in stolen vehicles can lead to immediate shutdown, causing unsafe conditions and generating failure codes.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for remote engine derating and lockdown, where a microprocessor monitors the throttle position sensor voltage, generating a negative voltage ramp when it exceeds a threshold, allowing gradual engine deceleration without generating a failure code, and enabling secure vehicle immobilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If immediate engine shutdown is implemented upon detecting theft, then vehicle security is improved, but safety of third parties and vehicle stability deteriorate due to sudden stopping and potential harm
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by gradually derating the engine before complete shutdown. The engine control module progressively reduces engine power output through controlled fuel injection reduction, allowing the vehicle to slow down safely before immobilization occurs. This preliminary gradual reduction prevents sudden stopping that could harm third parties or cause vehicle instability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies beforehand cushioning by implementing a gradual derate profile that reduces engine power in controlled increments. This cushioning approach ensures the vehicle decelerates smoothly rather than stopping abruptly, protecting third parties from sudden vehicle stops while maintaining security through eventual complete immobilization.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If gradual engine deceleration is implemented, then safety of third parties is improved, but time required for vehicle shutdown increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by implementing a multi-stage derate profile. Rather than gradual reduction over an extended period, the engine power is reduced in controlled increments that balance safety requirements with time efficiency. The derate profile reduces power in sufficient increments to ensure safe deceleration while completing the process within an acceptable time frame.
3Ease of operation
If throttle position sensor voltage is monitored and ramped, then controlled engine derating is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the throttle position sensor voltage and using this information to control the derate process. The engine control module reads the TPS voltage, compares it to threshold values, and adjusts fuel injection accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables controlled shutdown while utilizing existing sensor infrastructure, minimizing additional system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing throttle position sensor as an intermediary to enable controlled derating. Rather than requiring a separate sensor or complex control mechanism, the TPS voltage serves as the intermediary signal that the engine control module uses to determine when and how to reduce engine power, simplifying the overall control system architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems for, and methods of, derating and locking down a vehicle's engine are described. The systems and methods gradually derate an engine in response to a command sent over the air in a manner that does not cause the engine control module (ECM) of the vehicle to generate an error code.