Throttle Valve IMC Control for Accurate Intake Manifold Pressure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control systems for intake manifold pressure regulation at the throttle valve face challenges such as reduced sensitivity to throttle valve movements, leading to inaccurate pressure control, increased noise amplification, and potential degradation of the throttle valve component, especially in the pressure equalization zone, which affects driving behavior and fuel consumption.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an Internal Model Control (IMC) principle to continuously control the throttle valve position across the entire operating range, using a model-based feedforward control system to calculate and adjust the throttle valve area based on target intake manifold pressure, while filtering noise and considering physical actuator limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional control systems are used for intake manifold pressure regulation at the throttle valve, then the system structure is simple, but the control accuracy is reduced due to reduced sensitivity to throttle valve movements in the pressure equalization zone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter from direct throttle valve position control to intake manifold pressure control. By using pressure feedback and adjusting the throttle valve based on pressure deviations rather than position commands, the system maintains high control accuracy even in the pressure equalization zone where direct position control becomes insensitive.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the actual intake manifold pressure is continuously measured and compared with the target pressure. The control unit adjusts the throttle valve position based on the pressure deviation, creating a closed-loop system that maintains accuracy regardless of the operating zone.
2Reliability
If conventional control systems regulate intake manifold pressure, then the control loop is simple, but noise amplification increases leading to degraded throttle valve component
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback control mechanism allows the system to respond to actual pressure conditions rather than issuing aggressive position commands. This results in smoother throttle valve adjustments that reduce mechanical stress and noise, extending component life.
Solution Approach 2:
By controlling based on pressure feedback rather than position commands, the system naturally produces smoother actuator movements. The pressure-based control parameter filtering reduces high-frequency noise that would otherwise cause rapid, damaging throttle valve fluctuations.
3Measurement precision
If conventional control systems are used, then the control algorithm is simple, but steady-state accuracy of intake manifold pressure is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous feedback of actual intake manifold pressure to the control unit enables the system to detect and correct steady-state pressure deviations. The control algorithm integrates pressure error over time, ensuring that even small steady-state errors are eliminated through persistent small adjustments to the throttle valve.
Solution Approach 2:
The control algorithm uses pressure-based feedback parameters rather than position-based parameters. This allows the system to maintain accurate steady-state pressure control by continuously adjusting the throttle valve based on actual pressure measurements, achieving high precision without overly complex algorithms.
4Use of energy by moving object
If conventional control systems regulate pressure, then the response is fast, but fuel consumption increases due to inaccurate fresh air charge control
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure feedback control ensures that the actual fresh air charge matches the target charge by continuously monitoring intake manifold pressure. This accuracy prevents both over-fueling (wasting fuel) and under-fueling (reducing power), optimizing fuel consumption while maintaining required performance.
Solution Approach 2:
By using pressure as the controlled parameter rather than throttle position, the system achieves more accurate air charge control. This leads to better stoichiometry control and optimized fuel injection timing, reducing fuel consumption while maintaining the required fresh air charge in the cylinder.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Method for adjusting a throttle valve, comprising: controlling a throttle valve position throughout the entire operating range of an internal combustion engine, wherein the control is based on an Internal Model Control (IMC) principle.