Electronic airflow control

Details Electronic airflow control Electronic airflow control

1999-11-03

2001-08-21

Solis, Erick (Department: 3747)

Internal-combustion engines

Engine speed regulator

Open loop condition responsive

C123S361000, C123S399000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06276332

ABSTRACT:

TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention is directed to an electronic throttle control strategy.
BACKGROUND ART
Mechanical throttle control systems use airflow as the primary control parameter in controlling powertrain output. The airflow is controlled by a throttle valve in the intake which is mechanically linked to a throttle pedal. As such, many powertrain control parameters were traditionally based on, or indexed by, the throttle valve position.
Electronic airflow control systems, such as variable cam timing systems and electronic throttle control systems, replace the traditional mechanical throttle cable system with an “electronic linkage” provided by sensors and actuators in communication with an electronic controller. This increases the control authority of the electronic controller and allows the airflow to be controlled independently of the accelerator pedal position. As such, the throttle valve position is no longer necessarily indicative of the requested or desired powertrain output.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a system and method for control of an electronic throttle control system.
In carrying out the above object and other objects, advantages, and features of the present invention, a system and method for controlling a powertrain using electronic airflow control for an internal combustion engine including a plurality of position sensors include comparing values corresponding to signals generated by each of the plurality of sensors to at least one corresponding threshold to determine if each signal is within a predetermined range. An out-of-predetermined-range signal is generated for each sensor having at least one value which is outside of the predetermined range. The system and method also include comparing at least one pair of values corresponding to the signals to generate at least one difference value, comparing the difference value to a corresponding difference threshold, generating a difference exceeded signal if the difference value exceeds the difference threshold, controlling the powertrain based on the values corresponding to the signals generated by the plurality of sensors, the out-of-predetermined-range signal, and the difference exceeded. In a preferred embodiment, three redundant position sensors are provided for each of the accelerator pedal position and the throttle position.
The above advantages and other advantages, objects, and features of the present invention, will be readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best mode for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.


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