Valve Control Time Detection via Pressure Oscillations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for internal combustion engines fail to precisely detect and correct deviations in valve control times due to fabrication tolerances and wear, leading to inefficiencies in emissions, consumption, power, and smooth running.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the measurement of dynamic pressure oscillations and crankshaft-position feedback signals using discrete Fourier transformation to determine valve control times, allowing for precise identification and correction of deviations by comparing phase angles with reference values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If mechanical aids are used to minimize fabrication tolerances during assembly, then manufacturing precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement and adjustment systems with an acoustic field-based detection system. Pressure oscillations in the intake manifold are measured and analyzed to determine valve control times, eliminating the need for complex mechanical alignment aids and tolerance compensation mechanisms during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces pressure oscillations as an intermediary medium to indirectly measure valve control times. Instead of directly measuring mechanical positions and timings, the system uses acoustic pressure waves in the intake manifold that are influenced by valve operation, providing a non-contact measurement approach.
2Manufacturing precision
If valve control times are measured and adjusted during assembly, then manufacturing precision improves, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the engine to self-diagnose and self-adjust its valve control times during normal operation. The control unit continuously monitors pressure oscillations and automatically determines the actual valve control times, eliminating the need for manual measurement and adjustment procedures during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct mechanical position/time to acoustic pressure oscillation characteristics. By analyzing frequency and phase of pressure waves in the intake manifold, the system indirectly determines valve control timing parameters without requiring mechanical measurement equipment or adjustment procedures.
3Measurement precision
If position feedback systems with reference points are used to detect deviations, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing intake manifold pressure sensor serve multiple functions: it is used for both engine management (air mass measurement) and for determining valve control times. This eliminates the need for separate measurement systems, markers, or additional sensors while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the measurement function from a separate dedicated system and integrates it into the existing pressure sensor system. By analyzing the acoustic signal already being captured for other engine control purposes, the system derives valve timing information without adding separate measurement hardware.
4Ease of operation
If existing measurement methods are used to detect control time deviations, then ease of operation is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary characterization of the engine's acoustic response during a reference measurement phase. The system stores reference pressure oscillation patterns and uses them as a basis for subsequent comparisons, enabling continuous automatic determination of valve control times without requiring repeated manual calibration procedures.
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 method enables precise identification and correction of valve control times, improving engine efficiency, reducing emissions, and enhancing smooth operation by accurately determining the fresh gas charge during the intake stroke.
Implementation Method 1
the phase angles of selected signal frequencies of the measured pressure oscillations are determined from the measured pressure oscillations and the crankshaft-position feedback signal using discrete Fourier transformation
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to internal combustion engines and its teachings may be embodied in methods for controlling and identifying valve control times of an internal combustion engine. Some embodiments may include a method comprising: measuring dynamic pressure oscillations in the inlet section or outlet section of the respective series-production engine; determining a crankshaft-position feedback signal; determining the phase angles of selected signal frequencies using discrete Fourier transformation; and determining the valve control times of the respective series-production internal combustion engine based on the determined phase angles, the reference phase angles, and reference valve control times with the same signal frequencies of the pressure oscillations of a reference internal combustion engine or of a model function derived therefrom.