Electronic Throttle Control Fault Recovery via Sensor Correlation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic throttle control systems often malfunction and stall engines due to faulty throttle position sensor states, leading to incorrect throttle control and engine stalling, especially when manifold absolute pressure is low.
Innovation Solution
The system includes a status determination module and a throttle actuation module that determine fault states in throttle position sensors and open the throttle prior to commanding a default throttle authority, using a pulse-width modulation signal when engine manifold absolute pressure is below a threshold and at least one sensor is in a fault state, to prevent engine stalling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the system uses multiple throttle position sensors to improve measurement reliability, then sensor fault detection capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple throttle position sensors (first TPS and second TPS) into a unified monitoring system that evaluates their correlation with each other and with manifold absolute pressure readings. This merging approach allows the system to cross-validate sensor data and detect faults through inconsistency analysis, thereby improving reliability while managing complexity through integrated processing logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback monitoring by comparing readings from multiple sensors and evaluating their correlation over time. When sensor readings become unc correlated or fall outside expected ranges, the system generates fault indicators that trigger appropriate responses. This feedback mechanism enables reliable fault detection without requiring overly complex hardware modifications.
2Measurement precision
If the system monitors sensor correlation over time to detect faults, then fault detection accuracy is improved, but response time to correct issues deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary correlation evaluation of sensor readings continuously in the background, establishing baseline relationships between the first TPS, second TPS, and manifold absolute pressure before faults occur. This preliminary monitoring allows the system to detect deviations immediately when they happen, rather than waiting for extended periods of abnormal operation, thus maintaining both detection accuracy and rapid response capability.
Solution Approach 2:
When sensor correlation faults are detected, the system immediately implements corrective actions such as switching to alternative sensor readings or activating default throttle positions before the fault can cause engine stalling. This preliminary anti-action prevents the deterioration of engine operation by counteracting the harmful effects of sensor faults as soon as they are detected.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the system opens the throttle to restore engine vacuum when sensors fail, then engine stability is improved, but risk of incorrect throttle control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares compensatory measures in advance by establishing default throttle authority modes and alternative control strategies before sensor faults occur. When faults are detected, these pre-prepared cushioning measures are activated to maintain engine stability. The system also monitors manifold absolute pressure to ensure that throttle opening actions are appropriate and do not create harmful conditions, thus cushioning against potential incorrect control scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
When sensor faults are detected, the system changes operational parameters by switching from normal closed-loop throttle control to alternative modes such as default throttle authority or open-loop control based on manifold pressure feedback. These parameter changes allow the system to maintain stable engine operation under fault conditions while reducing reliance on faulty sensor data, thereby improving stability without significantly increasing the risk of incorrect control.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach prevents engine stalls by restoring desired engine vacuum levels by uncorking the throttle before default throttle authority is commanded, ensuring stable engine operation even with faulty sensor states.
Implementation Method 1
using a pulse-width modulation signal when engine manifold absolute pressure is below a threshold
Data Source
AI summary
An engine control system includes a status determination module that determines states of first and second throttle position sensors (TPSs), wherein a fault state includes when one of the first and second TPSs is one of outside of a predetermined range and out of correlation with the other of the first and second TPSs, for greater than a first predetermined period. A throttle actuation module opens a throttle when an engine manifold absolute pressure (MAP) is less than a predetermined MAP threshold, at least one of the first and second TPSs is in the fault state, and the other one of the first and second TPSs is within a second predetermined period from transitioning to the fault state.