Measuring and testing – Vehicle chassis – Steering
Reexamination Certificate
1998-11-16
2001-11-27
Fuller, Benjamin R. (Department: 2855)
Measuring and testing
Vehicle chassis
Steering
Reexamination Certificate
active
06321592
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to apparatus and methods for controlling engine operation, and more particularly to apparatus and methods for determining the position of a sensor used for controlling engine operation.
2. Related Prior Art
It is generally known to provide engine control systems including one or more sensors for detecting an engine condition of engine operation and for generating a corresponding control signal used by the control system. An example of such a control system is a throttle control system for an internal combustion engine. Such a system typically includes a throttle lever, a throttle on the engine, and a linkage operably connecting the throttle lever and the throttle. The system may also typically include a throttle position sensor for generating a throttle position control signal used by an electronic control unit (ECU). A throttle position control signal can be used, for example, for determining load demanded by the operator and can relate acceleration and deceleration information to the ECU.
Some such engine control systems may also include a neutral position switch that is operable to indicate the position of the throttle lever in the “neutral” position. This type of switch is commonly used in engine control systems, such as marine applications, wherein the throttle lever position controls both the transmission driven by the engine as well as the throttle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In most applications using the above described control systems, the assembly of the control system can entail laborious calibration or synchronization to assure proper correlation between the position of a throttle lever and the throttle lever control signal. Such calibration is necessary to account for variation in performance or sensitivity of the position sensor, the manner in which the sensor is mounted to monitor the throttle lever position.
Recalibration of such an engine control system may also be necessary after a period of engine operation or after control system maintenance or repair. Such calibration is critical to control systems using an ECU and is often performed by skilled personnel.
In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of calibrating a position sensor having a variable output corresponding to the variable position of a movable member, the method comprising the steps of (a) establishing, for the position sensor, an original assumed output corresponding to a given position of the member, (b) establishing, for the position sensor, a maximum output corresponding to the given position, the maximum output being greater than or equal to the assumed output, (c) establishing, for the position sensor, a minimum output corresponding to the given position, the minimum output being less than or equal to the assumed output, (d) determining an actual output of the position sensor, and (e) if the actual output is between the maximum output and the minimum output, reestablishing the assumed output as being a function of the original assumed output and the actual output.
The invention also provides a method of calibrating a position sensor having a variable output corresponding to the variable position of a movable member, the method comprising the steps of (a) establishing, for the position sensor, an original assumed output corresponding to a given position of the member, (b) determining an actual output of the position sensor, and (c) reestablishing the assumed output as being a function of the original assumed output and the actual output.
The invention also provides an apparatus including a position sensor having a variable output corresponding to the variable output of a movable member, and a device for calibrating the position sensor, the device including means for establishing, for the position sensor, an original assumed output corresponding to a given position of the member, means for establishing, for the position sensor, a maximum output corresponding to the given position, the maximum output being greater than or equal to the assumed output, means for establishing, for the position sensor, a minimum output corresponding to the given position, the minimum output being less than or equal to the assumed output, means for determining an actual output of the position sensor, and means operable, when the actual output is between the maximum output and the minimum output, for reestablishing the assumed output as being a function of the original assumed output and the actual output.
The invention also provides an apparatus including a position sensor having a variable output corresponding to the variable position of a movable member, and a device for calibrating the position sensor, the device including means for establishing, for the position sensor, an original assumed output corresponding to a given position of the member, means for determining an actual output of the position sensor, and means operable, when the actual output is between the maximum output and the minimum output, for reestablishing the assumed output as being a function of the original assumed output and the actual output.
The invention also provides an outboard motor including a throttle lever movable between a wide open throttle position and a neutral position, a position sensor having a variable output corresponding to the position of the throttle lever, and a device for calibrating the position sensor, the device including means for establishing, for the position sensor, an original assumed output corresponding to the wide open throttle position of the throttle lever, means for establishing, for the position sensor, a maximum output corresponding to the wide open throttle position of the throttle lever, the maximum output being greater than or equal to the assumed output, means for establishing, for the position sensor, a minimum output corresponding to the wide open throttle position, the minimum output equal to the assumed output, the device also including means for establishing, for the position sensor, an original assumed output corresponding to the neutral position of the throttle lever, means for establishing, for the position sensor, a maximum output corresponding to the neutral throttle position of the throttle lever, the maximum output being equal to the assumed output, means for establishing, for the position sensor, a minimum output corresponding to the neutral throttle position, the minimum output being less than the assumed output, the device also including means for determining an actual output of the position sensor, and means operable, when the actual output is between the maximum output and the minimum output, for reestablishing the assumed output as being a function of the original assumed output and the actual output.
Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description, claims and drawings.
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Bylsma Philip J.
Ng Paul T.
Bombardier Motor Corporation of America
Davis Octavia
Fletcher Yoder & Van Someren
Fuller Benjamin R.
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