Powertrain output monitor

Details Powertrain output monitor Powertrain output monitor

2000-01-20

2001-07-24

Argenbright, Tony M. (Department: 3747)

Internal-combustion engines

Engine speed regulator

Having condition responsive means with engine being part of...

C123S361000, C123S406470, C123S406520, C123S478000, C123S568210

Reexamination Certificate

active

06263856

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.
In cases where engines are designed for optimum fuel efficiency (i.e., variable valve timing, lean burn, direct injected spark-ignited, high EGR rates), fuel is the variable most directly related to engine torque (fuel quantity injected per stroke) or power (fuel rate). Accordingly, there is a need for a powertrain output monitoring method relating to engine fuel flow.
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 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 at least one fuel injector responsive to a commanded fuel signal. The method comprises the steps of determining the engine speed, determining the accelerator pedal position, and generating a desired fuel quantity value. If the commanded fuel signal is greater than the desired fuel quantity value, the commanded fuel signal is set equal to the desired fuel quantity value.
In one aspect of the invention, the desired fuel quantity value is generated as a function of the accelerator pedal position. In another aspect, the desired fuel quantity value is generated as a function of the accelerator pedal position and engine speed. If the commanded fuel signal is greater than the desired fuel quantity value, the commanded fuel signal is limited to the desired value, or other powertrain control action is taken. Such action can include modifying spark timing, or modifying the throttle actuator.
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.


REFERENCES:
patent: 3863054 (1975-01-01), Monpetit
patent: 4094274 (1978-06-01), Harada et al.
patent: 4220059 (1980-09-01), Mizuno et al.
patent: 4635607 (1987-01-01), Yasuoka et al.
patent: 4748955 (1988-06-01), Yonekawa et al.
patent: 4890590 (1990-01-01), Iwamoto et al.
patent: 4903669 (1990-02-01), Groff et al.
patent: 5048481 (1991-09-01), Chan et al.
patent: 5048482 (1991-09-01), Kratt et al.
patent: 5074267 (1991-12-01), Ironside et al.
patent: 5079946 (1992-01-01), Motamedi et al.
patent: 5146892 (1992-09-01), Krampe et al.
patent: 5204816 (1993-04-01), Wright et al.
patent: 5255653 (1993-10-01), Ironside et al.
patent: 5370094 (1994-12-01), Sorg et al.
patent: 5391127 (1995-02-01), Nishimura
patent: 5429091 (1995-07-01), Huber et al.
patent: 5623905 (1997-04-01), Kau et al.
patent: 5687694 (1997-11-01), Kanno
patent: 5692472 (1997-12-01), Bederna et al.
patent: 5732381 (1998-03-01), Guido et al.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Powertrain output monitor does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Powertrain output monitor, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Powertrain output monitor will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2508914