Hybrid Vehicle Throttle Valve Control via Generator Current Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control devices for throttle valves in hybrid vehicles cannot accurately adjust the aperture when both the aperture sensor and pressure sensor fail, leading to inaccurate throttle valve adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A control device that estimates the actual aperture of the throttle valve using the output current value of the electric generator and engine revolution speed, allowing for feedback control to adjust the throttle valve to a target aperture without relying on aperture or pressure sensors, and determines throttle valve malfunctioning based on estimated aperture differences and throttle motor current values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the control device uses aperture sensor to detect throttle valve aperture, then the aperture detection is direct and accurate, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases when sensor fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary estimation method that uses electric generator output current as a mediator to infer throttle valve aperture. Instead of directly measuring aperture with a sensor, the system uses the current output from the electric generator (which is correlated with engine load and air intake) to estimate the aperture value. This intermediary approach provides redundancy when direct sensing fails.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical sensor-based measurement system with an estimation system based on electrical parameter correlation. Instead of using an aperture sensor (mechanical/electrical direct measurement), the system substitutes it with an estimation algorithm that processes electric generator current data to derive aperture information, thereby eliminating the need for the vulnerable sensor component.
2Reliability
If the control device uses pressure sensor to calculate aperture when aperture sensor fails, then the aperture can be estimated, but the measurement precision decreases and the method becomes unavailable when pressure sensor also fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the electric generator serve multiple functions: it not only generates electricity for the hybrid vehicle but also acts as a sensing element for estimating throttle valve aperture. By utilizing the existing electric generator output current for dual purposes (power generation and aperture estimation), the system achieves multi-functionality without adding separate sensing components, thereby improving reliability while maintaining precision through correlation-based estimation.
3Reliability
If the control device adds redundant sensors to improve reliability, then the system can withstand sensor failures, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by making the electric generator serve itself for dual purposes. The electric generator's primary function is power generation, but it simultaneously provides data for aperture estimation. This self-service approach allows the system to gain redundancy and estimation capability without adding separate dedicated sensors, thereby avoiding increased device complexity while improving reliability.
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
Enables accurate adjustment and malfunction detection of the throttle valve without using aperture or pressure sensors, ensuring precise control and reliability in hybrid vehicle operations.
Implementation Method 1
an electric generator configured to generate electric power by operation of the engine
Implementation Method 2
a battery configured to store the electric power generated by the electric generator
Implementation Method 3
a traction motor configured to operate by the electric power stored in the battery
Data Source
AI summary
A control device that may be a control device of a hybrid vehicle. The hybrid vehicle including an engine; an electric generator configured to generate electric power by operation of the engine; a battery configured to store the electric power; a traction motor configured to operate by the electric power stored in the battery; and a throttle valve configured to adjust an amount of air to be supplied to the engine. The control device is configured to estimate torque of the engine based on an output current value of the electric generator. The control device is configured to estimate an actual aperture of the throttle valve based on the estimated torque and revolution speed of the engine. The control device is configured to perform feedback control so that the aperture of the throttle valve is adjusted to the target aperture based on the estimated actual aperture.