Internal-combustion engines – Charge forming device – Including exhaust gas condition responsive means
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-02
2001-01-23
Argenbright, Tony M. (Department: 3747)
Internal-combustion engines
Charge forming device
Including exhaust gas condition responsive means
C123S520000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06176228
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The field of the invention relates to fuel vapor purge in direct injection spark ignition engines.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Internal combustion engines are coupled to fuel vapor recovery systems to allow purging of fuel vapors generated in fuel tank systems. Conventional systems control total purge flow based on an estimated purge fuel vapor concentration. This estimated purge fuel vapor concentration represents the amount of fuel vapor contained in the total purge flow from the fuel system. Fuel injection control is also adjusted based on this estimated purge concentration.
The inventor herein has recognized a disadvantage with prior art methods. In particular, the prior art methods do not show an accurate method for determining cylinder fuel vapor purge concentration. Further, the prior art does not even recognize uses of cylinder fuel vapor purge concentration. Cylinder fuel vapor purge concentration represents fuel vapor concentration in an engine cylinder, taking into account total purge flow, purge fuel vapor concentration, and cylinder fresh charge.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the invention herein is to determine cylinder fuel vapor concentration.
The above object is achieved, and problems of prior approaches overcome, by a control method for determining a cylinder fuel vapor concentration of an engine, the engine having multiple combustion chambers coupled to a fuel system, the method comprising the steps of indicating fuel vapor concentration of a fuel vapor entering the engine from the fuel system; indicating at least one engine operating condition; and determining the cylinder fuel vapor concentration based on the fuel vapor concentration and at least one engine operating condition.
By taking into account both purge fuel vapor concentration and engine operating conditions, it is possible to accurately determine cylinder vapor concentration. Accurate cylinder vapor concentration can then be used for various engine control applications.
An advantage of the present invention is the ability to determine cylinder vapor concentration.
Another advantage of the present invention is improved engine control, leading to increased fuel economy and reduced emissions.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated by the reader of this specification.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5245975 (1993-09-01), Ito
patent: 5438967 (1995-08-01), Ito
patent: 5596972 (1997-01-01), Sultan et al.
patent: 5657625 (1997-08-01), Koga et al.
patent: 5806304 (1998-09-01), Price et al.
Argenbright Tony M.
Ford Global Technologies Inc.
Russell John D.
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