US5682867A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Feedback control system for marine propulsion engine
Assignee: Yamaha Marine Co Ltd
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Filing: 1996-12-16
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Granted: 1997-11-04
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Expires: 2016-12-16
Abstract
Abstract A number of embodiments of feedback control systems for maintaining the desired air fuel ratio in a marine propulsion engine that has an exhaust system for exhausting the exhaust gases to the atmosphere through an underwater exhaust gas discharge and wherein the discharge is adjustable relative to the associated watercraft. Conditions which will change the back pressure in the exhaust system are measured and the amount of fuel air ratio supplied to the engine by a feedback control system is varied, depending upon the sensed airflow and the sensed condition of the exhaust outlet that may affect back pressure and, accordingly, the ideal air fuel ratio. Spark ignition timing is also changed and the air fuel ratio may be corrected depending upon exhaust back pressure.
Inventors
- 👤 Masahiko Katoh
- 👤 Kimihiro Nonaka
- 👤 Kazuhiro Nakamura
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 08:29
CPC Classifications
F; F02; F02P; F02P5/00; F02P5/04; F02P5/145; F02P5/15; F02P5/1502; F01; F01N; F01N13/00; F01N13/12; F02B; F02B61/00; F02B61/04; F02B61/045; F02B75/00; F02B75/16; F02B75/18; F02B75/20; F02D; F02D37/00; F02D37/02; F02D41/00; F02D41/02; F02D41/021; F02D41/14; F02D41/1438; F02D41/1486; F02P5/045; F02B75/02; F02B2075/022; F02B2075/025; F02B2075/1804; F02B2075/1812; F02D2400/00; F02D2400/04; F02D41/008; F02D41/0082; Y; Y02; Y02T; Y02T10/00; Y02T10/10; Y02T10/40
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 48
Claim 1
Independent Claim
144 words
A fuel control method for a two-cycle, crankcase compression, marine propulsion engine having a crankcase chamber containing a crankshaft, a fuel supply device for supplying fuel to the engine for combustion, a crankcase pressure sensor, an exhaust port for discharging exhaust gases from the engine, an exhaust system for collecting exhaust gases from the exhaust port and delivering them to the atmosphere through an exhaust outlet at least in part below the level of water in which the propelled vessel is traveling at least under certain running conditions, said method comprising the steps of sensing the crankcase pressure at least one specific angular position of the crankshaft, calculating an air flow amount from the sensed crankcase pressure, sensing a condition which will effect the back pressure in said exhaust system and adjusting the calculated amount of air flow in response to the sensed condition.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
144 words
A fuel control method for a two-cycle, crankcase compression, marine propulsion engine having a crankcase chamber containing a crankshaft, a fuel supply device for supplying fuel to the engine for combustion, a crankcase pressure sensor, an exhaust port for discharging exhaust gases from the engine, an exhaust system for collecting exhaust gases from the exhaust port and delivering them to the atmosphere through an exhaust outlet at least in part below the level of water in which the propelled vessel is traveling at least under certain running conditions, said method comprising the steps of sensing the crankcase pressure at least one specific angular position of the crankshaft, calculating an air flow amount from the sensed crankcase pressure, sensing a condition which will effect the back pressure in said exhaust system and adjusting the calculated amount of air flow in response to the sensed condition.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
A fuel control method for a marine propulsion, internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 1, wherein the exhaust back pressure is sensed by a pressure sensor in the exhaust system.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
54 words
A fuel control method for a marine propulsion, internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 1, wherein the exhaust outlet of the exhaust system is associated with a propulsion device for propelling the vessel and means are provided for changing the relation of the propulsion device and exhaust outlet relative to the vessel.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
37 words
A fuel control method for a marine propulsion, internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 3, wherein the condition sensed is the relative position of the exhaust outlet and the propulsion device relative to the vessel.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
A fuel control method for a marine propulsion, internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 4, wherein the relative position is determined by a trim sensor.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
38 words
A fuel control method for a marine propulsion, internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 5, wherein the propulsion device and exhaust outlet are pivotally supported on the vessel and the sensing device senses the pivotal position.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
41 words
A fuel control method for a marine propulsion, internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 1, wherein the engine is spark ignited and further including a spark control system for controlling the time at which the spark plug is fired.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
39 words
A fuel control method for a marine propulsion, internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 7, wherein the spark timing is also adjusted in response to the sensed condition that effects the back pressure in the exhaust system.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
32 words
A fuel control method for a marine propulsion, internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 8, wherein the exhaust back pressure is sensed by a pressure sensor in the exhaust system.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
54 words
A fuel control method for a marine propulsion, internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 8, wherein the exhaust outlet of the exhaust system is associated with a propulsion device for propelling the vessel and means are provided for changing the relation of the propulsion device and exhaust outlet relative to the vessel.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
37 words
A fuel control method for a marine propulsion, internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 10, wherein the condition sensed is the relative position of the exhaust outlet and the propulsion device relative to the vessel.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
27 words
A fuel control method for a marine propulsion, internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 11, wherein the relative position is determined by a trim sensor.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
38 words
A fuel control method for a marine propulsion, internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 3, wherein the propulsion device and exhaust outlet are pivotally supported on the vessel and the sensing device senses the pivotal position.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
182 words
A fuel control method for an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders, a fuel supply device comprising a plurality of charge formers, each supplying fuel to a respective cylinder of the engine, a plurality of exhaust ports in said engine for discharging combustion products from the respective cylinders thereof, an exhaust system for collecting exhaust gases from said exhaust ports comprising a collector section for collecting all of the exhaust gases and discharging them to the atmosphere through a common outlet, an air fuel ratio sensor for sensing the air fuel ratio supplied to the engine by the charge formers, said method comprising the steps of supplying fuel to said engine from said charger formers, reading the output of the air fuel sensor, adjusting the amount of fuel supplied to the engine by the charge formers in response to the output of the air fuel sensor to maintain the desired air fuel ratio and adjusting the amount of fuel supplied to each charger formers depending upon the distance of the exhaust port of the respective cylinder from the exhaust outlet.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
182 words
A fuel control method for an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders, a fuel supply device comprising a plurality of charge formers, each supplying fuel to a respective cylinder of the engine, a plurality of exhaust ports in said engine for discharging combustion products from the respective cylinders thereof, an exhaust system for collecting exhaust gases from said exhaust ports comprising a collector section for collecting all of the exhaust gases and discharging them to the atmosphere through a common outlet, an air fuel ratio sensor for sensing the air fuel ratio supplied to the engine by the charge formers, said method comprising the steps of supplying fuel to said engine from said charger formers, reading the output of the air fuel sensor, adjusting the amount of fuel supplied to the engine by the charge formers in response to the output of the air fuel sensor to maintain the desired air fuel ratio and adjusting the amount of fuel supplied to each charger formers depending upon the distance of the exhaust port of the respective cylinder from the exhaust outlet.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
61 words
A fuel control method for a marine propulsion, internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 14, further including the steps of sensing a condition that will effect the back pressure in the exhaust system, and adjusting the amount of fuel supplied to each of the cylinders in response to the sensed condition for compensating for variations in exhaust back pressure.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
32 words
A fuel control method for a marine propulsion, internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 15, wherein the exhaust back pressure is sensed by a pressure sensor in the exhaust system.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
54 words
A fuel control method for a marine propulsion, internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 15, wherein the exhaust outlet of the exhaust system is associated with a propulsion device for propelling the vessel and means are provided for changing the relation of the propulsion device and exhaust outlet relative to the vessel.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
37 words
A fuel control method for a marine propulsion, internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 17, wherein the condition sensed is the relative position of the exhaust outlet and the propulsion device relative to the vessel.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
27 words
A fuel control method for a marine propulsion, internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 18, wherein the relative position is determined by a trim sensor.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
38 words
A fuel control method for a marine propulsion, internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 19, wherein the propulsion device and exhaust outlet are pivotally supported on the vessel and the sensing device senses the pivotal position.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
41 words
A fuel control method for a marine propulsion, internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 15, wherein the engine is spark ignited and further including a spark control system for controlling the time at which the spark plug is fired.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
42 words
A fuel control method for a marine propulsion, internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 21, wherein the spark timing for each cylinder is also adjusted in response to the sensed condition that effects the back pressure in the exhaust system.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
142 words
A fuel control for a two-cycle, crankcase compression, marine propulsion engine having a crankcase chamber containing a crankshaft, a fuel supply device for supplying fuel to the engine for combustion, a crankcase pressure sensor, an exhaust port for discharging exhaust gases from the engine, an exhaust system for collecting exhaust gases from the exhaust port and delivering them to the atmosphere through an exhaust outlet at least in part below the level of water in which the propelled vessel is traveling at least under certain running conditions, means sensing the crankcase pressure at at least one specific angular position of the crankshaft, and calculating an air flow amount from the sensed crankcase pressure, means for sensing a condition which will effect the back pressure in said exhaust system and adjusting the calculated amount of air flow in response to the sensed condition.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
142 words
A fuel control for a two-cycle, crankcase compression, marine propulsion engine having a crankcase chamber containing a crankshaft, a fuel supply device for supplying fuel to the engine for combustion, a crankcase pressure sensor, an exhaust port for discharging exhaust gases from the engine, an exhaust system for collecting exhaust gases from the exhaust port and delivering them to the atmosphere through an exhaust outlet at least in part below the level of water in which the propelled vessel is traveling at least under certain running conditions, means sensing the crankcase pressure at at least one specific angular position of the crankshaft, and calculating an air flow amount from the sensed crankcase pressure, means for sensing a condition which will effect the back pressure in said exhaust system and adjusting the calculated amount of air flow in response to the sensed condition.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
31 words
A fuel control for a marine propulsion, internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 23, wherein the exhaust back pressure is sensed by a pressure sensor in the exhaust system.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
57 words
A fuel control for a marine propulsion, internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 23, wherein the exhaust outlet of the exhaust system is associated with a propulsion device driven by the engine for propelling the vessel and means are provided for changing the relation of the propulsion device and exhaust outlet relative to the vessel.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
36 words
A fuel control for a marine propulsion, internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 25, wherein the condition sensed is the relative position of the exhaust outlet and the propulsion device relative to the vessel.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
26 words
A fuel control for a marine propulsion, internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 26, wherein the relative position is determined by a trim sensor.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
37 words
A fuel control for a marine propulsion, internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 27, wherein the propulsion device and exhaust outlet are pivotally supported on the vessel and the sensing device senses the pivotal position.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
40 words
A fuel control for a marine propulsion, internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 23, wherein the engine is spark ignited and further including a spark control system for controlling the time at which the spark plug is fired.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
38 words
A fuel control for a marine propulsion, internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 29, wherein the spark timing is also adjusted in response to the sensed condition that effects the back pressure in the exhaust system.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
31 words
A fuel control for a marine propulsion, internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 29, wherein the exhaust back pressure is sensed by a pressure sensor in the exhaust system.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
56 words
A fuel control for a marine propulsion, internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 30, wherein the exhaust outlet of the exhaust system is associated with a propulsion device driven by the for propelling the vessel and means are provided for changing the relation of the propulsion device and exhaust outlet relative to the vessel.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
36 words
A fuel control for a marine propulsion, internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 32, wherein the condition sensed is the relative position of the exhaust outlet and the propulsion device relative to the vessel.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
26 words
A fuel control for a marine propulsion, internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 33, wherein the relative position is determined by a trim sensor.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
37 words
A fuel control for a marine propulsion, internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 33, wherein the propulsion device and exhaust outlet are pivotally supported on the vessel and the sensing device senses the pivotal position.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
173 words
A fuel control for an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders, a fuel supply device comprising a plurality of charge formers, each supplying fuel to a respective cylinder of the engine, a plurality of exhaust ports in said engine for discharging combustion products from the respective cylinders thereof, an exhaust system for collecting exhaust gases from said exhaust ports comprising a collector section for collecting all of the exhaust gases and discharging them to the atmosphere through a common outlet, an air fuel ratio sensor for sensing the air fuel ratio supplied to the engine by the charge formers, means for controlling the supply of fuel to said engine from said charger formers and adjusting the amount of fuel supplied to the engine by the charge formers in response to the output of said air fuel sensor to maintain the desired air fuel ratio and adjusting the amount of fuel supplied to each charger formers depending upon the distance of the exhaust port of the respective cylinder from the exhaust outlet.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
173 words
A fuel control for an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders, a fuel supply device comprising a plurality of charge formers, each supplying fuel to a respective cylinder of the engine, a plurality of exhaust ports in said engine for discharging combustion products from the respective cylinders thereof, an exhaust system for collecting exhaust gases from said exhaust ports comprising a collector section for collecting all of the exhaust gases and discharging them to the atmosphere through a common outlet, an air fuel ratio sensor for sensing the air fuel ratio supplied to the engine by the charge formers, means for controlling the supply of fuel to said engine from said charger formers and adjusting the amount of fuel supplied to the engine by the charge formers in response to the output of said air fuel sensor to maintain the desired air fuel ratio and adjusting the amount of fuel supplied to each charger formers depending upon the distance of the exhaust port of the respective cylinder from the exhaust outlet.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
59 words
A fuel control for a marine propulsion, internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 36 further including means for sensing a condition that will effect the back pressure in the exhaust system and adjusting the amount of fuel supplied to each of the cylinders in response to the sensed condition for compensating for variations in exhaust back pressure.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
31 words
A fuel control for a marine propulsion, internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 37, wherein the exhaust back pressure is sensed by a pressure sensor in the exhaust system.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
58 words
A fuel control method for a marine propulsion, internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 37, wherein the exhaust outlet of the exhaust system is associated with a propulsion device driven by the engine for propelling the vessel and means are provided for changing the relation of the propulsion device and exhaust outlet relative to the vessel.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
36 words
A fuel control for a marine propulsion, internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 39, wherein the condition sensed is the relative position of the exhaust outlet and the propulsion device relative to the vessel.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
26 words
A fuel control for a marine propulsion, internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 40, wherein the relative position is determined by a trim sensor.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
37 words
A fuel control for a marine propulsion, internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 41, wherein the propulsion device and exhaust outlet are pivotally supported on the vessel and the sensing device senses the pivotal position.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
40 words
A fuel control for a marine propulsion, internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 37, wherein the engine is spark ignited and further including a spark control system for controlling the time at which the spark plug is fired.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
41 words
A fuel control for a marine propulsion, internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 43, wherein the spark timing for each cylinder is also adjusted in response to the sensed condition that effects the back pressure in the exhaust system.
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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) | 2000-11-03 | 2001-05-05 | 2001-11-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-11-03 | 2005-05-05 | 2005-11-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-11-03 | 2009-05-05 | 2009-11-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |