Coordinated Torque Control via Cam Phaser Segmentation

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional engine control systems fail to accurately control engine output torque and do not provide rapid responses to control signals, nor coordinate torque control among various devices affecting engine output.

Innovation Solution

A control system comprising a selecting module, a target air per cylinder module, and a phaser scheduling module that selects and sets cam phaser angles, determines target air per cylinder based on spark timing, and controls cam phasers to minimize torque output delay and reduce fuel consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

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

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque control precisionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into multiple independent control modules: intake cam phaser control module, exhaust cam phaser control module, throttle control module, and fuel injection control module. Each module independently controls a specific actuator to adjust engine torque, allowing for precise coordinated control without requiring a single complex control system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating target intake and exhaust cam phaser angles based on desired torque changes. The intake cam phaser is adjusted in advance to prepare for torque changes, and the system coordinates multiple actuators to execute control actions with minimal delay

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Speed

If traditional engine control systems are used, then the device complexity is low, but the response speed to torque control signals is slow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse speedVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating target intake and exhaust cam phaser angles based on desired torque changes. The intake cam phaser is adjusted in advance to prepare for torque changes, and the system coordinates multiple actuators to execute control actions with minimal delay

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control system dynamically adjusts multiple actuators (intake cam phaser, exhaust cam phaser, throttle, fuel injection) based on real-time engine operating conditions and torque requests. The system continuously monitors actual torque output and adjusts actuator positions dynamically to achieve rapid torque changes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If coordinated torque control among multiple devices is implemented, then the torque control precision improves, but the control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque control precisionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into multiple independent control modules: intake cam phaser control module, exhaust cam phaser control module, throttle control module, and fuel injection control module. Each module independently controls a specific actuator to adjust engine torque, allowing for precise coordinated control without requiring a single complex control system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control system uses a universal controller that manages multiple actuators (intake cam phaser, exhaust cam phaser, throttle valve, fuel injection system) through standardized control protocols. This multi-functional approach allows one control system to coordinate all torque-affecting devices efficiently

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8954257B2Coordinated torque control security systems and methods

Publication Date: 2015.02.10 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A control system for an engine includes a selecting module, a target air per cylinder (APC) module, and a phaser scheduling module. The selecting module: selects one of (a) target intake and exhaust cam phaser angles and (b) measured intake and exhaust cam phaser angles; and sets selected intake and exhaust cam phaser angles based on the selected one of the target intake and exhaust cam phaser angles and the measured intake and exhaust cam phaser angles, respectively. The target APC module determines a target APC based on a target spark timing and the selected intake and exhaust cam phaser angles. The phaser scheduling module determines the target intake and exhaust cam phaser angles based on the target APC and controls intake and exhaust cam phasers of the engine based on the target intake and exhaust cam phaser angles, respectively.