US5228305A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Driver-adjustable system for improving vehicle performance
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1991-07-08
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Granted: 1993-07-20
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Expires: 2011-07-08
Abstract
Abstract A user-adjustable control system monitors an electrical signal indicative of manifold pressure in an internal combustion engine that powers a wheeled vehicle. The engine simultaneously powers the drive train of the vehicle and, when a thermostat so dictates, an air conditioning compressor. This system improves vehicle driving performance by selectively restricting the diversion of engine power from the drive train to operate the air conditioning compressor, based on threshold changes in a monitored electrical signal. With electronic circuitry the system selectively disengages power to the compressor when the difference between manifold and atmospheric pressure drops below a preset value. The system includes a transducer connected to provide an electrical output signal that is indicative of pressure changes in the engine manifold. The manifold pressure changes are, in turn, indicative of changes in the engine's load conditions. Electronic circuitry compares the transducer output signal with a preset value, and provides a control signal to a relay to disengage the compressor when the transducer output signal is less than the preset value. The circuitry includes an adjustment knob in the passenger compartment of the vehicle for selectively modifying the preset value-to adjust the pressure at which the relay disengages the compressor. Adjustment may take place while the engine is running and a driver is operating the vehicle. Hence, a driver may make a choice, as often as desired, between comfort and improved fuel economy-by adjusting the point at which power will not be diverted to the compressor.
Inventors
- 👤 Ernest C. Vogt
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 10:02
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60H; B60H1/00; B60H1/32; B60H1/3204; B60H1/3205; B60H1/3208; F; F02; F02B; F02B77/00; F02B77/08; F02B77/084
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
142 words
A user-adjustable control system which monitors an electrical signal indicative of manifold pressure in an internal combustion engine, and which selectively disengages power to an accessory based on threshold changes in the monitored electrical signal, said system comprising: a) a transducer connected to provide an electrical output signal that is indicative of pressure changes in the engine manifold, said changes indicating changes in load conditions of the engine; b) a relay for selectively disengaging the accessory from engine power; c) electronic circuitry for comparing the transducer output signal with a preset value, said circuitry providing a control signal to the relay to disengage the accessory from engine power when the transducer output signal is less than said value, and said circuitry including electrical input means for selectively modifying said preset value to adjust the pressure at which the relay disengages the accessory.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
142 words
A user-adjustable control system which monitors an electrical signal indicative of manifold pressure in an internal combustion engine, and which selectively disengages power to an accessory based on threshold changes in the monitored electrical signal, said system comprising: a) a transducer connected to provide an electrical output signal that is indicative of pressure changes in the engine manifold, said changes indicating changes in load conditions of the engine; b) a relay for selectively disengaging the accessory from engine power; c) electronic circuitry for comparing the transducer output signal with a preset value, said circuitry providing a control signal to the relay to disengage the accessory from engine power when the transducer output signal is less than said value, and said circuitry including electrical input means for selectively modifying said preset value to adjust the pressure at which the relay disengages the accessory.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
79 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the accessory constitutes an air conditioning compressor and the engine is utilized to simultaneously power the drive train of an over-the-road vehicle as well as the air conditioning compressor, said electronic circuitry disengaging the compressor when the difference between manifold and atmospheric pressure drops below said preset value, and said system improving vehicle driving performance by selectively restricting the diversion of engine power from the drive train to operate the air conditioning compressor.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
50 words
The system of claim 2 wherein the transducer is positionable entirely within a compartment housing the vehicle engine, and wherein said electrical input means is positionable within a separate compartment and within reach of the vehicle driver, such that the driver may modify said preset value while operating the vehicle.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system of claim 3 wherein all of said electronic circuitry is located in the driver compartment of the vehicle, with the connections between said circuitry and the transducer including no fluid communication.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
49 words
The system of claim 2 wherein said transducer measures differential pressure based on variations in the demand for engine power, and wherein the demand for engine power varies in direct proportion to changes in vehicle performance as a result of changing conditions including acceleration, cruise, passing and hill climbing.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said transducer is connected to monitor differential pressure within the intake manifold relative to atmospheric pressure.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
70 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the engine is coupled to the train of an automotive vehicle and the accessory comprises an air conditioning compressor, said compressor having a primary clutch that is responsive to signals generated by a thermostatically controlled switch, and said relay providing a secondary clutch control over the compressor to improve fuel economy by preventing power diversion to the compressor during periods of high engine output.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
28 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said electronic circuitry comprises a difference amplifier configured to receive both the transducer output signal and said preset value as input voltages.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
67 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said electronic circuitry comprises: a) a comparator for providing an intermediate signal indicative of the voltage difference between the transducer output and the predetermined value; and b) an integrator connected to receive the intermediate signal and generate said control signal in response thereto, said integrator reducing the effects of transient voltages present in the intermediate signal upon operation of the relay.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
61 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said electronic circuitry comprises: a) an integrator for reducing the effects of transient voltages present in the transducer output signal as a result of relay operation; and b) means for preventing the relay from engaging the accessory to receive engine power unless the transducer output signal is a predetermined value greater than said preset value.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 10 wherein means for preventing the relay from engaging the accessory comprises a Schmitt trigger.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said electrical input means comprises a potentiometer for selectively modifying said preset value.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
58 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said electronic circuitry comprises: a) an analog-to-digital converter for generating a binary representation of the transducer output signal; b) a switch for generating a digital representation of said preset value; and c) a comparator for providing a signal indicative of the voltage difference between the transducer output signal and said preset value.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
72 words
The system of claim 13 wherein the comparator signal is an intermediate signal, and said circuitry further including: a) an integrator connected to receive the intermediate signal and generate said control signal in response thereto; and b) means for preventing the relay from engaging the accessory to receive engine power unless the binary representation of the transducer output signal is a predetermined value greater that the digital representation of said preset value.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1996-07-19 | 1997-01-18 | 1997-07-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-07-19 | 2001-01-18 | 2001-07-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-07-19 | 2005-01-18 | 2005-07-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |