Torque-Based Engine Speed Control via Segmented Response

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional engine control systems fail to accurately control engine speed and respond rapidly to control signals, and they do not effectively coordinate torque control among various devices affecting engine torque output.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced that calculates slow and fast response torque values based on desired engine speed, generating actuator commands to regulate engine operation, including throttle area and spark timing, while determining reserve, feed-forward, and proportional-integral torque values to achieve precise engine speed control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional engine control systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the engine speed control accuracy is insufficient and response speed is slow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengine speed control accuracyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into multiple independent torque calculation modules: fast response torque (Treq_fast), slow response torque (Treq_slow), feedforward torque (T_ff), and feedback torque (T_fb). Each module handles specific control aspects, allowing parallel processing of control signals to achieve high-precision engine speed control while maintaining modular system architecture that manages complexity effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between fast and slow response torque calculations based on operating conditions. The fast response path provides immediate torque adjustments for rapid response, while the slow response path provides smoothed torque commands for stability. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to achieve both rapid response and high accuracy without requiring overly complex fixed-architecture control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Speed

If traditional single-response torque control is used, then the control logic is simple, but the response speed to control signals is slow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse speedVSAvoidcontrol logic complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The torque control is segmented into fast response (Treq_fast) and slow response (Treq_slow) components. The fast response component processes control signals immediately for rapid engine speed adjustment, while the slow response component provides smoothed torque commands. This segmentation enables the system to respond rapidly to control signals without requiring completely complex control logic, as each segment has a dedicated, simplified processing path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional throttle-only control is used, then the control mechanism is simple, but the coordination among various torque-affecting devices is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoordination capabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system universally coordinates multiple torque-affecting devices including throttle position, spark timing, and fuel injection. The integrated torque calculation framework (Treq = Treq_fast + Treq_slow + T_ff + T_fb) simultaneously adjusts all these parameters based on engine operating conditions, enabling comprehensive coordination without requiring separate control systems for each device, thus achieving multi-functionality without proportional increase in overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Measurement precision

If complex torque control algorithms are implemented, then the engine speed control accuracy improves, but the software requirements and development costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengine speed control accuracyVSAvoidsoftware implementation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The complex torque control algorithm is segmented into four distinct, independently calculable components: fast response torque, slow response torque, feedforward torque, and feedback torque. Each component has a dedicated calculation path with specific input parameters and control objectives. This segmentation transforms a single complex algorithm into multiple simpler, modular algorithms that are easier to implement, test, and maintain in software, while collectively achieving high engine speed control accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The feedforward torque component (T_ff) performs preliminary action by pre-calculating required torque adjustments based on anticipated engine load changes and operating conditions. This preliminary torque calculation occurs before actual speed deviations occur, allowing the system to proactively adjust throttle, spark, and fuel parameters. This preliminary action simplifies the overall control software by handling predictable torque requirements in advance, reducing the burden on feedback control algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS7463970B2Torque based engine speed control
Publication Date: 2008.12.09 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
  • US7463970B2 patent drawing
  • US7463970B2 patent drawing
  • US7463970B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of achieving a desired engine speed of an internal combustion engine includes determining the desired engine speed, calculating a slow response torque value based on the desired engine speed and calculating a fast response torque value based on the desired engine speed. A slow response actuator command and a fast response actuator command are generated based on the slow response torque value and the fast response torque value, respectively. Operation of the engine is regulated based on the slow response actuator command and the fast response actuator command to achieve the desired engine speed.