Powertrain output monitor

Details Powertrain output monitor Powertrain output monitor

2000-01-20

2001-10-02

Solis, Erick (Department: 3747)

Internal-combustion engines

Engine speed regulator

Open loop condition responsive

C123S361000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06295967

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates generally to control systems for internal combustion engines, and more particularly, concerns a powertrain output monitor for electronic throttle control-equipped vehicles.
Present powertrain output monitor techniques typically compute an estimate of engine output and compare that value to the requested engine output. Such methods typically take the form of resolving one or more engine operating parameters and comparing the estimated versus requested output value. Such operating parameters can include: engine output torque, engine output power, wheel torque, wheel power, and wheel acceleration. The requested output is typically a function of driver demand as measured by the accelerator pedal position, combined with internally automated demands such as idle speed control and catalyst heating.
Due to the complex nature of determining estimated and requested engine output as a function of one or more engine operating characteristics and driver inputs, diagnostics based upon such monitoring techniques are inherently complex. Therefore, there exists a need for a simplified method of monitoring the powertrain control system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved method of monitoring the powertrain output. It is also an object to provide a simplified powertrain output monitor as compared to present output monitoring technologies.
According to the present invention, the foregoing and other objects and advantages are attained by a method of monitoring the powertrain controller for an internal combustion engine responsive to an accelerator pedal input, the engine having a throttle responsive to a throttle position command. The method comprises the steps of determining the engine speed, determining the accelerator pedal position, and generating a desired throttle position value. If the commanded throttle position is greater than the desired throttle position value, the commanded throttle position is set equal to the desired throttle position value.
In one aspect of the invention, the desired throttle position value is generated as a function of the accelerator pedal position. In another aspect, the desired throttle position value is generated as a function of the accelerator pedal position and engine speed. If the commanded throttle position is greater than the desired throttle position value, the commanded throttle position is limited to the desired value, or other powertrain control action is taken. Such action can include retarding or eliminating the spark timing, reducing the fuel quantity injected per engine stroke, or the fuel delivery rate.
An advantage of the present invention is that little or no field calibration is required. Another advantage is that few inputs are necessary, thus, the main control element interface is simplified.
Other advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and appended claims, and upon reference to the accompanying drawings.


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