Vehicle Engine Auto-Stop Control via Gear Selector Delay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle engine control systems for hybrid and micro-hybrid vehicles do not effectively manage engine auto-start and auto-stop functions to optimize fuel economy and reduce emissions, particularly when the vehicle is shifted into neutral or park positions, leading to inefficient fuel usage and increased emissions due to frequent start-stop cycles.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control system that includes an automatic transmission with a gear selector and a controller programmed to auto-stop the engine when the gear selector is in neutral or park position for a predetermined time, and to auto-start when necessary, using a method that involves detecting operator absence and vehicle movement to optimize engine operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the engine is commanded to auto-stop when the gear selector is in neutral or park position, then fuel economy is improved and emissions are reduced, but unnecessary engine starts and stops occur leading to decreased system efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The controller monitors the gear selector position in advance and only commands the engine to auto-stop after the neutral or park position has been maintained for a predetermined time period. This preliminary monitoring prevents premature engine shutdowns that would occur with immediate stop commands upon gear selection change, thereby eliminating unnecessary start-stop cycles while still achieving fuel savings during genuine idle periods
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the engine auto-stop function is activated immediately upon shifting to neutral or park, then emissions are reduced, but frequent unnecessary start-stop cycles decrease overall efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a predetermined time period delay before commanding the engine to auto-stop, allowing the controller to verify that the neutral or park position is being maintained intentionally rather than temporarily. This preliminary verification reduces emissions during genuine idle periods while preventing unnecessary engine shutdowns that would harm energy management efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously monitors the gear selector position and uses this feedback to determine whether to maintain the auto-stop command or restart the engine. This feedback mechanism ensures that the engine only remains stopped when the neutral or park position is sustained, preventing harmful emissions during idle periods while avoiding inefficient frequent start-stop cycles
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle engine start/stop control method includes shifting an automatic transmission to a park or neutral position and auto-stopping the engine in response the automatic transmission being in the park or neutral position for a predetermined period of time that begins with a shift of the automatic transmission to the park or neutral position.