Pressure Sensor Dynamics Diagnosis in Engine Air and Exhaust Tracts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for diagnosing sensor dynamics in internal combustion engines are insufficiently robust and reliable, failing to accurately distinguish between functional and deteriorated sensors, particularly due to aging or clogging processes, which can lead to inaccurate measurements and flawed method execution.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves coupling a sensor with a control and computing unit to measure pressure signals across different frequency ranges, calculating a characteristic based on these measurements, and comparing it to a user-defined threshold to trigger a signal indicating impaired sensor dynamics, utilizing the difference in power density between low and high frequencies to assess sensor health.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing diagnostic methods (signal gradient, individual FFT frequencies, bandpass filters) are used to detect sensor dynamics, then some frequency information is captured, but the distinction between functional and deteriorated sensors is insufficient and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the frequency spectrum into multiple frequency ranges (e.g., first frequency range and second frequency range) and evaluates the sensor response in each range separately. By segmenting the frequency analysis, the method captures different aspects of sensor dynamics behavior, enabling more reliable distinction between functional and deteriorated sensors through comparative evaluation of multiple frequency bands rather than relying on a single frequency point or broad bandpass filter.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If bandpass filters are used to focus on certain frequencies, then specific frequency information is obtained, but the overall sensor dynamics assessment becomes too imprecise for the desired purposes
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying solely on frequency domain analysis with bandpass filters, the patent introduces a time-domain dimension by evaluating the sensor response in successive time frames (e.g., first time frame and second time frame) corresponding to different engine rotation intervals. This multi-dimensional approach (combining frequency ranges with time frames) provides a more comprehensive and precise assessment of sensor dynamics, overcoming the limitations of single-dimensional frequency filtering.
3Duration of action of moving object
If sensor dynamics deteriorate due to aging or clogging, then the sensor still produces measured values, but the accuracy and correctness required for new methods (e.g., camshaft adaptation) are no longer maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary diagnostic evaluation of sensor dynamics during normal operation by continuously analyzing the sensor response across multiple frequency ranges and time frames. This preliminary action detects early signs of sensor deterioration (aging or clogging) before the sensor completely fails, allowing the system to identify when measured values are no longer reliable for precision-dependent methods like camshaft adaptation, thereby preventing flawed method execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The method establishes a feedback mechanism where the evaluated sensor dynamics characteristic (derived from comparative analysis of sensor responses in different frequency ranges and time frames) is fed back to determine whether the sensor maintains sufficient dynamics. This feedback loop continuously monitors sensor health and provides real-time information about measured value reliability, enabling the system to adapt its operation based on actual sensor performance rather than assuming continuous accuracy throughout the sensor's operational lifetime.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for diagnosing the dynamics of a sensor in the fresh air or exhaust gas tract of internal combustion engines, as well as a computer program, a computer program product and a corresponding vehicle. It is provided that a corresponding sensor for measuring a pressure signal in the fresh air or exhaust gas tract of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle, which is coupled with a control and computing unit, is checked with respect to its dynamic characteristics. Measured values of differing frequency ranges are measured, these being used as the basis for a calculation of a characteristic. After the calculation, the characteristic is compared with a threshold value stored in a user-defined manner in the control and computing unit. If the calculated characteristic deviates from the threshold value, at least one triggering signal is triggered, so that an impaired sensor dynamic of the sensor is displayed.