Spark Timing Control for Cylinder Deactivation Torque Fluctuations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional engine control systems fail to accurately control engine output torque and respond rapidly to control signals, leading to torque fluctuations during cylinder deactivation and reactivation, which increase noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) and reduce fuel economy.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a control system with a first spark control module that retards spark timing for a subset of cylinders and a second spark control module that advances spark timing for the remaining active cylinders, based on a torque split calculation to maintain average output torque with reduced disturbances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional engine control systems are used to control torque output, then the system structure is simple, but the torque control accuracy is insufficient and response speed is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into multiple independent spark control modules, each responsible for specific cylinders. This segmentation enables parallel processing of spark timing control for different cylinder groups, improving both torque control accuracy and response speed while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts spark timing for different cylinder groups based on real-time operational requirements. During cylinder deactivation/reactivation transitions, the control system dynamically modifies spark timing for active cylinders to compensate for torque fluctuations, achieving accurate torque control through dynamic parameter adjustment
2Stability of the object's composition
If spark timing is adjusted during cylinder deactivation and reactivation, then torque fluctuations are decreased, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spark control system is divided into multiple independent control modules, each managing spark timing for specific cylinder groups. This segmentation allows independent optimization of spark timing control for different cylinders during deactivation/reactivation events, improving torque stability while keeping each control module relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs preliminary spark timing adjustments before cylinder deactivation and reactivation events. By anticipating torque fluctuations and pre-adjusting spark timing for affected cylinders, the system maintains torque stability without requiring complex real-time intervention during the transition itself
3Speed
If rapid response to control signals is implemented, then torque control responsiveness improves, but the risk of torque fluctuations during cylinder transitions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system processes spark timing adjustments for different cylinder groups in parallel through separate control modules. This parallel processing enables rapid response to control signals while maintaining torque stability, as each module independently manages its assigned cylinders without interfering with others during transition events
Solution Approach 2:
The system rapidly changes spark timing parameters for active cylinders during deactivation/reactivation transitions. By precisely controlling the timing parameter adjustments and coordinating them across different cylinder groups, the system achieves fast response while minimizing torque fluctuations through controlled parameter transitions
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for an engine includes a first spark control module and a second spark control module. The first spark control module retards spark timing for M of N cylinders of the engine to a first spark timing during a period before deactivating or after reactivating the M cylinders, wherein M is an integer greater than or equal to one, and wherein N is an integer greater than M. The second spark control module advances spark timing for (N−M) active cylinders of the engine to a second desired spark timing during the period before deactivating or after reactivating the M cylinders, wherein the second spark timing is greater than the first spark timing.