Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an hybrid engine control system for four-wheeler vehicles that is capable of providing a means to facilitate seamless switching between diesel and CNG modes for vehicle’s engine to address regulation of fuel injection and combustion process in the vehicle’s engine thereby improving fuel efficiency in running the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In conventional internal combustion engines used in four-wheeler vehicles, the operation is typically optimized for a single fuel type, such as diesel or compressed natural gas (CNG). While diesel engines provide high torque and power, they often produce higher emissions. On the other hand, CNG engines are more environmentally friendly but may lack the efficiency and range offered by diesel. Transitioning between these two fuel types often requires manual intervention or separate engine configurations, which increases complexity, cost, and operational inefficiencies.

[0003] Traditionally, existing solutions for dual-fuel engines are either limited to specific applications or do not offer seamless adaptability in real-time scenarios. The solutions fail to address the need for a system capable of optimizing the combustion process for both diesel and CNG without compromising performance or fuel efficiency. Additionally, these systems lack user-friendly interfaces to facilitate quick and efficient fuel switching. Further, also lacks in seamless switching between diesel and CNG modes through a push-button interface, coupled with an ECU-controlled mechanism that adjusts the engine's combustion chamber and fuel injection parameters.

[0004] US7167790B2 discloses a control system for controlling a control target apparatus provided to an engine includes a main ECU and a sub-ECU. The main ECU calculates at least one operational command value according to an operational state of the engine. The at least one operational command value is used to operate the control target apparatus. The sub-ECU is independent of the main ECU, and controls the control target apparatus non-autonomously and autonomously. In non-autonomous control of the control target apparatus, the sub-ECU corrects the at least one operational command value, which is calculated by the main ECU. The sub-ECU non-autonomously controls the control target apparatus by use of the corrected at least one operational command value corrected by the sub-ECU. In autonomous control of the control target apparatus, the sub-ECU autonomously controls the control target apparatus independently of the main ECU, when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0005] EP1355209A1 discloses a vehicle control system comprises a plurality of subsystem controllers including an engine management system, a transmission controller, a steering controller, a brakes controller and a suspension controller. These subsystem controllers are each operable in a plurality of subsystem modes, and are all connected to a vehicle mode controller which controls the modes of operation of each of the subsystem controllers so as to provide a number of driving modes for the vehicle. Each of the modes corresponds to a particular driving style, like normal, sport or economy and to a particular on-road or off-road driving surface or terrain, like ice, grass or mud, and in each mode each of the functions is set to the function mode most appropriate to those conditions.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices are disclosed in prior art that provides mechanisms for dual-fuel engine operation in vehicles, typically involving manual adjustments or complex mechanical configurations. Moreover, such devices often include separate fuel injection method and combustion chamber designs optimized for either petrol or compressed natural gas (CNG) due to which there are chances of complexity in switching the mode.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a system that is capable of seamlessly switching between diesel and compressed natural gas (CNG) modes in four-wheeler vehicles without requiring manual adjustments based on the selected fuel type, ensuring optimal engine performance, enhanced fuel efficiency, and reduced emissions.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of switching between diesel and compressed natural gas (CNG) modes by adjusting engine’s internal configurations, such as the combustion chamber shape and fuel injection parameters to optimize performance for the selected fuel type.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of enabling quick and effortless transitions between fuel modes without requiring manual adjustments.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to increase the efficiency output of the vehicles.

[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of automating the process of fuel switching and internal adjustments, ensuring precise timing, enhanced fuel efficiency, and reduced emissions during operation.

[0013] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention relates to a hybrid engine control system for four-wheeler vehicles that is capable of switching between diesel and compressed natural gas (CNG) modes to optimize engine performance for the selected fuel type.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a hybrid engine control system for four-wheeler vehicles, comprises of a set of cylinders installed in engine of a four-wheeler vehicle and having a cylindrical piston having hollow portion from center installed within each of the cylinder and a cylindrical unit is embedded in the hollow portion that is capable of being translated to alter shape of top portion of the piston, a first push-button installed within the vehicle that is accessed by a user for switching the engine to diesel mode, an ECU of the vehicle actuates a motorized slider configured with each of the cylindrical units for translating the units in a manner to form a cavity on top portion of the pistons, an electric pump installed within diesel tank installed within the vehicle and connected with a diesel injector installed with each of the cylinder, a second push-button crafted in the vehicle that is pressed by the user for running the vehicle on CNG (Compressed Natural Gas), a pair of motorized iris lids configured a pair of openings carved on each of the cylinders to open, a pair of horizontal members installed with the openings via a pair of motorized sliding units to open for translating and partially positioning the members within the cylinders, a CNG injector installed with one of the members and connected with a CNG tank installed with the vehicle for injecting CNG in the cylinders, a spark plug is arranged with the other member and connected with a current distributor installed within the vehicle and further paired with battery of the vehicle for igniting CNG compressed within the cylinders for combustion to successfully run the vehicle, and multiple primary and secondary electronic valves configured with each of the cylinders for air intake in the cylinders and removing exhaust from the cylinders.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a hybrid engine control system for four-wheeler vehicles; and
Figure 2 illustrates an inner view of a four-wheeler vehicle associate with the proposed system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to a hybrid engine control system for four-wheeler vehicles that is capable of providing a means to control engine of a four-wheeler vehicle to switch operating of the engine from diesel type mode to CNG type mode for running the vehicle in efficient manner by optimizing fuel efficiency.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1 and 2, an isometric view of a hybrid engine control system for four-wheeler vehicles and inner view of a four-wheeler vehicle associate with the proposed system, respectively are illustrated, comprising a set of cylinders 101 installed in engine of a four-wheeler vehicle 201, a cylindrical piston 102 having hollow portion from center, installed within each of the cylinder, a cylindrical unit 103 embedded in the hollow portion, a first push-button 202 installed within the vehicle 201, a motorized slider 104 configured with each of the cylindrical units 103, a diesel injector 105 installed with each of the cylinder connected with a diesel tank 115 , a second push-button 203 crafted in the vehicle 201, a pair of motorized iris lids 106 configured a pair of openings 107 carved on each of the cylinders 101, a pair of horizontal members 108 installed with the openings 107 via a pair of motorized sliding units 109, a CNG injector 110 installed with one of the members 108 and connected with a CNG tank 111 installed with the vehicle 201, a spark plug 112 arranged with the other member 108 and connected with a current distributor 113 installed within the vehicle 201, and multiple primary and secondary electronic valves 114 configured with each of the cylinders 101.

[0023] The proposed system is characterized by a cylinder 101 installed in engine of a four-wheeler vehicle 201 and encased with various components associated with the system arrange in sequential manner that aids in controlling engine of the vehicle 201. Herein, a cylindrical piston 102 having hollow portion from center assembled within each of the cylinder and a cylindrical unit 103 that is embedded in the hollow portion that facilitate to translate for altering shape of top portion of the piston 102 for switching mode of vehicle’s engine. In an embodiment, one or more washers are integrated in between the cylindrical unit 103 and hollow portion of the cylinder. A user, herein accesses a first push-button 202 integrated within the vehicle 201 that is accessed by the user for switching the engine to diesel mode. The push-button 202 operates by sending an electrical signal to an ECU (Engine Control Unit) of the vehicle 201 being pressed.

[0024] The generated signal triggers the ECU to activate a motorized slider 104 configured with each of the cylindrical unit 103 for translating the units to form a cavity on top portion of the piston 102 for optimizing combustion chamber for diesel operation. The slider 104 moves the cylindrical unit 103 slightly downwards to form a small cavity portion. The ECU works by receiving input signals generated by pressing the push-button 202, to determine the operational requirements. Upon receiving the signal from the push-button 202, the ECU processes the information and sends output commands to actuate the motorized slider 104. The ECU utilizes embedded protocols and real-time data to direct the slider 104 for translating the cylinder units to form the required cavity on the piston 102, optimizing the combustion chamber for efficient diesel operation.

[0025] The slider 104 mentioned herein consists of a rail unit that provides a guided path for linear movement. The rail unit usually includes a pair of parallel rails or tracks, along which the slider 104 moves. The slider carriage, also called a stage or platform equipped with a mechanism to minimize friction and ensure smooth motion. The slider 104 incorporates a motor and a drive mechanism to generate linear motion. The motor is connected to a drive mechanism, such as a belt, lead screw, or ball screw. The drive mechanism converts the rotational motion of the motor into linear motion, propelling the slider carriage along the rail unit to translate the cylinder units to form the cavity on top portion of the piston 102 for optimizing the combustion chamber for diesel operation.

[0026] After forming of the cavity, the piston moves towards the Top Dead Center (TDC), which is the highest point of its travel within the cylinder. As it moves upward, it compresses the air up to a threshold pressure that has been drawn into the cylinder through the intake valve. This compression significantly increases both the pressure and temperature of the air within the combustion chamber. The high pressure and temperature are crucial for the diesel combustion process, as the pressure and temperatures create the necessary conditions for fuel ignition. Herein, simultaneously the ECU actuates an electric pump installed within a diesel tank 115 installed within the vehicle 201 for pumping the diesel towards a diesel injector 105 installed within the cylinder and connected with the tank 115.

[0027] The electric pump operates by using an electric motor to drive an impeller or diaphragm mechanism that creates suction. This suction draws diesel from the tank 115 and pressurizes it, enabling the regulated flow of diesel through the fuel lines to the injectors 105. Herein, the pump ensures consistent pressure and flow to support efficient combustion within the cylinder 101. After the pumping of the diesel in the diesel injector 105, the ECU directs the diesel injector 105 for injecting diesel in the cylinder in a regulated manner. The diesel injector 105 operates by utilizing a solenoid valve or piezoelectric actuator controlled by the ECU. When activated, the actuator opens a nozzle to spray a fine mist of diesel into the combustion chamber. The injector 105 regulates the timing, duration, and amount of fuel delivery to ensure precise atomization and mixing with air for carrying out combustion in the cylinders 101 for running the vehicle 201 with optimized combustion efficiency and reduced emissions.

[0028] Upon spraying of a fine mist of diesel into the combustion chamber, at the Top Dead Center (TDC), the fuel mixes with the hot, high-pressure air in the combustion chamber. Due to the extreme pressure and temperature, the fuel spontaneously ignites, initiating the combustion process. This rapid ignition generates a large amount of heat and pressure, which drives the piston down, creating the power necessary to operate the engine. The compression of air at TDC is essential for this process, as it ensures the air temperature and pressure are high enough to allow for efficient fuel combustion for achieving the high energy efficiency and power output typical of diesel engines.

[0029] For CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) mode, the user accesses a second push-button 203 crafted in the vehicle 201 for switching mode of operating the vehicle 201 with CNG. Upon pressing the units 103, a diesel injector 105 installed with each of the cylinder, a second push-button 203, the ECU actuates the sliders 104 for translating the units to form a flat surface at top portion of the cylinder. Simultaneously, the ECU actuates a pair of motorized iris lids 106 configured a pair of openings 107 carved on each of the cylinder 101 to open. The iris lid 106 operates by utilizing a motor-driven mechanism that rotates or slides interlocking segments to create a circular aperture. The ECU sends a signal to the motor-driven mechanism, which adjusts the segments to open or close the lid 106 as required.

[0030] Simultaneously, the ECU actuates a pair of motorized sliding units 109 integrated with a pair of horizontal members 108 installed with the openings 107 to open for translating and partially positioning the members 108 within the cylinder 101. Herein, the sliding unit 109 works in similar manner as the sliding unit 109 that is mentioned above where it disclosed based on that the sliding unit translates and partially position the members 108 within the cylinders 101. Herein, a CNG injector 110 installed with one of the members 108 and connected with a CNG tank 111 installed with the vehicle 201 for injecting CNG in the cylinder 101.

[0031] The CNG injector 110 mentioned herein works by utilizing an electrically controlled solenoid valve or a piezoelectric actuator to regulate the flow of compressed natural gas into the cylinder 101. The injector 110 is connected to the CNG tank 111 via high-pressure lines, and when activated by the ECU, it opens to allow CNG to flow through the injector nozzle. The gas is then atomized into fine droplets and injected into the combustion chamber in a precise and regulated manner for efficient mixing of CNG with air, optimizing combustion and enabling smooth engine operation in CNG mode. Herein, the injector’s operation is synchronized with the ECU to maintain the proper fuel-air ratio for efficient combustion and engine performance.

[0032] Upon injecting CNG gas in the cylinder 101, the ECU directs a spark plug 112 arranged with the other member 108 for igniting CNG compressed within the cylinder 101 for combustion to successfully run the vehicle 201. The spark plug 112 works by creating a high-voltage electrical spark that ignites the compressed CNG within the cylinder. When the ECU signals the spark plug 112, the ECU sends an electrical current to electrode of the spark plug 112, which generates a spark across the gap between the electrodes.

[0033] The generated spark is further timed precisely by the ECU to occur upon compressing of the CNG and air mixture in the cylinder, ensuring optimal ignition. The ignition of the CNG-air mixture initiates combustion, which drives the piston 102 and powers the engine, allowing the vehicle 201 to run efficiently on CNG mode. Herein, the spark plug 112 is connected with a current distributor 113 installed within the vehicle 201 and further paired with battery of the vehicle 201 for routing the electrical current from the vehicle's battery to the spark plug 112 at the correct time. The battery offers power to all electrical and electronic components necessary for their correct operation.

[0034] The battery is linked to the ECU and provides (DC) Direct Current to the ECU. And then, based on the order of operations, the ECU sends that current to those specific electrical or electronic components so they effectively carry out their appropriate functions. The current distributor 113 mentioned above ensures that the right amount of voltage is passed to the spark plug 112, enabling it to produce a spark at the precise moment when the CNG-air mixture in the cylinder is compressed. By controlling the flow of electrical current, the current distributor 113 aids to maintain optimal ignition timing, contributing to the vehicle's overall performance and fuel efficiency.

[0035] Additionally, multiple primary and secondary electronic valves 114 are configured with each of the cylinders 101 that are timely activated by the ECU for air intake in the cylinders 101 and removing exhaust from the cylinders 101. The electronic valves 114 operates by using solenoid actuators controlled by the ECU. When the ECU sends an electrical signal, the solenoid energizes the valve, causing it to open or close depending on the required action. The primary valves 114 control the intake of fresh air into the combustion chamber during the intake stroke, while the secondary valves 114 regulate the expulsion of exhaust gases during the exhaust stroke. By precisely controlling the timing of the valves 114, the ECU optimizes engine performance, air-fuel mixture, and exhaust emissions in view of ensuring efficient combustion and smooth operation of the engine.

[0036] The present invention works best in following manner that includes the cylindrical piston 102 having hollow portion from center having the cylindrical unit 103 that is capable of being translated to alter shape of top portion of the piston 102.Herein, the first push-button 202 is accessed by the user for switching the engine to diesel mode, and upon pressing of the first push-button 202, the ECU of the vehicle 201 actuates the motorized slider 104 for translating the units in a manner to form a cavity on top portion of the pistons 102. After that the electric pump connected with the diesel injector 105 directed by the ECU for pumping the diesel towards the diesel injectors 105 and the ECU directs the diesel injector 105 for injecting diesel in the cylinder in a regulated manner for carrying out combustion in the cylinders 101 for running the vehicle 201. Further, the second push-button 203 is pressed by the user for running the vehicle 201 on CNG (Compressed Natural Gas), and upon pressing of the units 103, a diesel injector 105 installed with each of the cylinder, a second push-button 203, the ECU actuates the sliders 104 for translating the unit to form a flat surface at top portion of the cylinder, followed by actuation of the pair of motorized iris lids 106 to open in addition with the motorized sliding units 109 to open for translating and partially positioning the members 108 within the cylinders 101. Herein, the CNG injector 110 connected with the CNG tank 111 that is timely actuated by the ECU for injecting CNG in the cylinders 101. Herein, the spark plug 112 is timely actuated by the ECU for igniting CNG compressed within the cylinders 101 for combustion to successfully run the vehicle 201.

[0037] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , C , Claims:1) A hybrid engine control system for four-wheeler vehicles, comprising a cylinder 101 installed in engine of a four-wheeler vehicle 201, characterized in that:

i) a cylindrical piston 102 having a hollow portion, installed within said cylinder, wherein a cylindrical unit 103 is embedded in said hollow portion that is capable of being translated to alter shape of top portion of said piston 102;
ii) a first push-button 202 installed within said vehicle 201 that is accessed by a user for switching said engine to diesel mode, wherein upon pressing of said first push-button 202, an ECU of said vehicle 201 actuates a motorized slider 104 configured with said cylindrical unit 103 for translating said unit 103 in a manner to form a cavity on top portion of said piston 102;
iii) an electric pump installed within diesel tank 115 installed within said vehicle 201 and connected with a diesel injector 105 installed with each of said cylinder, wherein, on compression of air within said cylinder 101 by reciprocation of the piston 102, said ECU directs said pump for pumping said diesel towards said diesel injectors 105 which in turn electronically injecting diesel in said cylinder in a regulated manner for carrying out combustion in said cylinders 101 to obtain a power stroke for powering said vehicle 201;
iv) a second push-button 203 crafted in said vehicle 201 that is pressed by said user for running said vehicle 201 on CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) mode, wherein upon pressing of said button 203, said ECU actuates said sliders 104 for translating said unit to form a flat surface at top portion of said piston 102, followed by actuation of a pair of motorized iris lids 106 configured a pair of openings 107 carved on said cylinder 101 to open;
v) a pair of horizontal members 108 installed with said openings 107 via a pair of motorized sliding units 109 that are actuated by said ECU to open for translating and partially positioning said members 108 within said cylinder 101; and
vi) a CNG injector 110 installed with one of said members 108 and connected with a CNG tank 111 installed with said vehicle 201 that is timely actuated by said ECU for injecting CNG in said cylinders 101, wherein a spark plug 112 is arranged with said other member 108 that is timely actuated by said ECU for igniting CNG pressurized by said piston within said cylinders 101 to obtain a power stroke for running said vehicle 201.

2) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein plurality of primary and secondary electronic valves 114 are configured with each of said cylinders 101 that are timely activated by said ECU for air intake in said cylinders 101 and removing exhaust from said cylinders 101.

3) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said spark plug 112 is connected with a current distributor 113 installed within said vehicle 201 and further paired with battery of said vehicle 201.