Variable Geometry Turbocharger Nozzle Abnormality Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing abnormality detection methods for nozzle mechanisms in variable geometry turbochargers cannot accurately detect issues in real-time while the engine is operating, limiting early-stage detection accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A system with a piezoelectric element between the actuator and housing to detect load changes, a map defining allowable ranges based on operational states, and a determination part to set suitable ranges for accurate abnormality detection, allowing for early-stage detection of nozzle mechanism abnormalities during engine operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If abnormality detection is performed using wiping motion at engine stop (as in JP2011-220289A), then the detection method is simple, but the detection cannot be performed during engine operation and early-stage abnormalities are not detected with high accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wiping motion detection method with a sensor-based detection system that uses magnetic fields or other physical fields to detect nozzle mechanism abnormalities. This allows continuous monitoring during engine operation without requiring manual wiping actions, thereby improving both detection accuracy and operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous abnormality detection during engine operation rather than only at stop conditions. By implementing real-time monitoring of the nozzle mechanism's position and movement, the system continuously detects abnormalities as they develop, improving early-stage detection capability while maintaining simple automated operation.
2Measurement precision
If real-time abnormality detection during engine operation is implemented, then early-stage detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and computation load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediate sensors (such as magnetic sensors or position sensors) that act as mediators between the nozzle mechanism and the control unit. These sensors convert complex mechanical states into simple electrical signals, enabling real-time detection without requiring complex computation or sophisticated detection algorithms in the control unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the detection function into separate sensor components that are independent from the main control unit. This modular approach allows the sensors to handle the complex task of real-time monitoring while the control unit only needs to process simple sensor outputs, thereby reducing the computation load and overall system complexity.
3Device complexity
If the piezoelectric element is disposed on the actuator side to detect load, then the detection structure is compact, but the rod member cannot drive along the axial direction properly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection function from the actuator's driving function by placing the piezoelectric element on the housing side rather than the actuator side. This spatial segmentation allows the rod member to freely drive along the axial direction without interfering with the piezoelectric element's load detection function, while still maintaining a compact overall structure through functional integration.
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
Enables accurate early-stage detection of nozzle mechanism abnormalities in variable geometry turbochargers, reducing computation load on control units and improving processing speed, while allowing for separate component management.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element interposed between the actuator and the housing; a first detection part configured to detect a load of the actuator on the basis of an output voltage of the piezoelectric element
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application relates to an abnormality determination device for a variable geometry turbocharger having a nozzle mechanism capable of changing a flow path area of exhaust gas with an actuator. The abnormality determination device includes: a first detection part configured to be capable of detecting at least one of a load of the actuator or supply energy to the actuator; and a determination part configured to determine that an abnormality is present, if a detection result by the first detection part is out of an allowable range corresponding to an operational state of the variable geometry turbocharger.