Patent US5778857A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5778857A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Engine control system and method
Assignee: Yamaha Motor Co Ltd
•
Filing: 1996-11-05
•
Granted: 1998-07-14
•
Expires: 2016-11-05
Abstract
Abstract A number of embodiments of engine controls and engine control methods that employ instantaneous rate of combustion is the combustion chamber at a sensed parameter. Rate of combustion is determined by a linear equation based upon data arrived from combustion chamber pressures. The system is adapted to operate under different control modes so as to provide specific control for normal running, lean burn, maximum torque, cold starting, transient conditions, and/or knock control. The desired rate of combustion is achieved by engine control adjustments.
Inventors
- 👤 Michihisa Nakamura
- 👤 Noritaka Matsuo
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 12:50
CPC Classifications
F; F02; F02D; F02D35/00; F02D35/02; F02D35/028; F02D35/023; F02D37/00; F02D37/02; F02D41/00; F02D41/02; F02D41/14; F02D41/0002; F02D41/0007; F02D41/0025; F02D41/0047; F02D41/006; F02D41/0065
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 92
Claim 1
Independent Claim
145 words
A method for controlling an internal combustion engine having at least one chamber the volume of which varies cyclically during operation and in which combustion occurs during a portion of a complete cycle of operation, an induction system for delivering an air charge to said chamber, a fuel charging system for delivering a fuel charge to said chamber for combustion therein, an exhaust system for discharging combustion products from said chamber, said method comprising the steps of sensing the rate of combustion in said chamber at at least one specific volume of said chamber, comparing at least one of the measured rate of combustion and the specific volume with a target value from a map of such values, and adjusting at least one of said systems in a direction to establish the target value of at least the rate of combustion or the relative volume.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
145 words
A method for controlling an internal combustion engine having at least one chamber the volume of which varies cyclically during operation and in which combustion occurs during a portion of a complete cycle of operation, an induction system for delivering an air charge to said chamber, a fuel charging system for delivering a fuel charge to said chamber for combustion therein, an exhaust system for discharging combustion products from said chamber, said method comprising the steps of sensing the rate of combustion in said chamber at at least one specific volume of said chamber, comparing at least one of the measured rate of combustion and the specific volume with a target value from a map of such values, and adjusting at least one of said systems in a direction to establish the target value of at least the rate of combustion or the relative volume.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
44 words
A method for controlling an internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 1, wherein the rate of combustion is calculated from measurement of the pressure in the combustion chamber at at least two different times during the same cycle of the combustion process.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
A method for controlling an internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 2, wherein the rate of combustion is determined by utilizing the pressures measured at the respective times and applying a linear approximation equation to them.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method for controlling an internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 3, wherein the linear equation is: qx=(Q1+Q2+. . .+Qx)/(Q1+Q2+. . .+Qn)×100.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
44 words
A method for controlling an internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 2, wherein the times when the rate of combustion is calculated comprise at least a time shortly after combustion has begun and a further time substantially later during the combustion cycle.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
52 words
A method for controlling an internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 5, wherein the times are at predetermined cycle times with the first time being when the combustion chamber volume is approximately at its minimum volume condition and the second time is at a stage late in the expansion process.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method for controlling an internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 5, wherein the times of measurement are times when the pressure in the combustion chamber reaches two different specific values.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
51 words
A method for controlling an internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 7 wherein the values chosen are values that should exist at a time when the combustion chamber is at its minimum volume condition and a time when the combustion chamber is toward the end of its expansion cycle.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method for controlling an internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 1, wherein the rate of combustion is determined from calculating the amount of fuel burned from a linear approximation equation.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method for controlling an internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 9, wherein the linear approximation equation is: qx=b+b1(P1-P0)+b2(P2-P0)+. . . bn(Pn-P0).
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method for controlling an internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 1, wherein the beginning of fuel charging is adjusted to establish the target value of rate of combustion.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method for controlling an internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 1, wherein the amount of fuel delivered by the fuel charging system is varied to establish the target rate of combustion.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method for controlling an internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 1, further including an ignition system for effecting ignition of the combustion in the chamber.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method for controlling an internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 13, wherein the ignition system comprises a spark plug for firing a charge in the chamber.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method for controlling an internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 14, wherein the time of firing of the spark plug is adjusted to achieve the target value of rate of combustion.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
39 words
A method for controlling an internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 13, wherein the ignition system comprises direct fuel injection into the combustion chamber by the fuel charging system, and the engine operates on a diesel cycle.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method for controlling an internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 14, wherein the amount of fuel delivered by the fuel charging system is also varied to establish the target rate of combustion.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method for controlling an internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 14, wherein the beginning of fuel charging is also adjusted to establish the target value of rate of combustion.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
44 words
A method for controlling an internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 1, wherein the induction system includes means for generating turbulence in the chamber and the amount of turbulence generated by the induction system is adjusted to control the rate of combustion.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method for controlling an internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 1, wherein the engine is provided with an exhaust gas recirculation system and the rate of combustion is controlled by changing the amount of exhaust gas recirculation.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
41 words
A method for controlling an internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 20, wherein the exhaust gas recirculation system takes a portion of the exhaust gasses from the exhaust system and delivers them to the engine through the induction system.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
91 words
A method for controlling an internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 20, wherein the induction system includes an intake valve for controlling the admission of an intake charge to the combustion chamber and the exhaust system includes an exhaust valve for controlling the discharge of exhaust gasses form the combustion chamber and the exhaust gas recirculation is achieved by adjusting the timing of the events of at least one of said valves to provide overlap between the closing of the exhaust valve and the opening of the intake valve.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method for controlling an internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 1, wherein the target rate of combustion is adjusted by adjusting the effective compression ratio of the engine.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method for controlling an internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 23, wherein the effective compression ratio is adjusted by controlling the timing of the discharge of exhaust gases to the exhaust system.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method for controlling an internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 23, wherein the effective compression ratio is varied by relieving the pressure in the combustion chamber.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method for controlling an internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 23, wherein the engine is supercharged and the compression ratio is varied by changing the supercharger pressure.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method for controlling an internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 1, wherein the target value of rate of combustion is determined from a map based upon engine speed.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method for controlling an internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 27, wherein the map is a three-dimensional map based upon engine speed and load.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method for controlling an internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 1, wherein the target value of rate of combustion is derived from a map based on engine load.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method for controlling an internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 29, wherein engine load is measured by operator demand.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method for controlling an internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 30, wherein operator demand is measured by the position of a throttle valve in the induction system.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
44 words
A method for controlling an internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 1, wherein a target value of rate of combustion is applied for one running condition, and a different target value of rate of combustion is applied for a different running condition.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method for controlling an internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 32, wherein the one running condition is normal engine running.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method for controlling an internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 33, wherein the other running condition is maximum torque.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method for controlling an internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 33, wherein the other running condition is cold starting.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method for controlling an internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 33, wherein the other engine running condition is lean burn.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method for controlling an internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 33, wherein the other running condition is incipient knocking.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method for controlling an internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 33, wherein the other running condition is a transient condition.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
67 words
A method for controlling an internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 1, wherein the engine is comprised of a reciprocating engine and the chamber is formed at least in part by a cylinder bore and a piston reciprocating in the cylinder bore, said piston being operative to drive an engine output shaft, the rate of combustion being determined at at least one output shaft angle.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
37 words
A method for controlling an internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 39, wherein the rate of combustion is calculated from measuring the pressure in the combustion chamber at at least two different output shaft angles.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
43 words
A method for controlling an internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 40, wherein the times when the rate of combustion is calculated comprise at least time shortly after combustion has begun and a further time substantially later during the combustion cycle.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
51 words
A method for controlling an internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 41, wherein the times are at predetermined cycle times with the first time when the combustion chamber volume is approximately at its minimum volume condition and the second time is at a stage late in the expansion cycle.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method for controlling an internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 41, wherein the times of measurement are times when the pressure in the combustion chamber reaches two different specific values.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
52 words
A method for controlling an internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 43, wherein the values chosen are values that should exist at a time when the combustion chamber is approximately at its minimum volume condition and at a time when the chamber is toward the end of its expansion cycle.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
48 words
A method for controlling an internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 39, wherein the output shaft angle is measured at which the target pressure is reached, and the system is adjusted so as to obtain the target rate of combustion at the desired output shaft angle.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
124 words
An internal combustion engine having at least one chamber the volume of which varies during a single cycle of operation and in which combustion occurs during a portion of the cycle, an induction system for delivering an air charge to said chamber, a fuel charging system for delivering a fuel charge to said chamber for combustion therein, an exhaust system for discharging combustion products from said chamber, means for sensing the rate of combustion in said chamber at at least one specific volume of said chamber, means for comparing at least one of the measured rate of combustion and the specific volume with a target value, and means for adjusting at least one of said systems in a direction to establish the target value.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
124 words
An internal combustion engine having at least one chamber the volume of which varies during a single cycle of operation and in which combustion occurs during a portion of the cycle, an induction system for delivering an air charge to said chamber, a fuel charging system for delivering a fuel charge to said chamber for combustion therein, an exhaust system for discharging combustion products from said chamber, means for sensing the rate of combustion in said chamber at at least one specific volume of said chamber, means for comparing at least one of the measured rate of combustion and the specific volume with a target value, and means for adjusting at least one of said systems in a direction to establish the target value.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
42 words
An internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 46, wherein the rate of combustion is calculated from measurement of the pressure in the combustion chamber at at least two different specific volumes of the combustion chamber during the same combustion cycle.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
33 words
An internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 47, wherein the rate of combustion is determined by utilizing the pressures measured at the volumes and applying a linear approximation equation to them.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
20 words
An internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 48, wherein the linear equation is: qx=(Q1+Q2+. . .+Qx)/(Q1+Q2+. . .+Qn)×100.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
40 words
An internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 47, wherein the times when the rate of combustion is calculated comprise at least a time shortly after combustion has begun and a further time substantially later during the combustion cycle.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
48 words
An internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 50, wherein the times are at predetermined cycle times with the first time being when the combustion chamber volume is approximately at its minimum volume condition and the second time is at a stage late in the expansion process.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
29 words
An internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 47, wherein the times of measurement are times when the pressure in the combustion chamber reaches two different specific values.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
47 words
An internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 52, wherein the values chosen are values that should exist at a time when the combustion chamber is at its minimum volume condition and a time when the combustion chamber is toward the end of its expansion cycle.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
29 words
An internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 46, wherein the rate of combustion is determined from calculating the amount of fuel burned from a linear approximation equation.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
20 words
An internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 54, wherein the linear approximation equation is: qx=b+b1(P1-P0)+b2(P2-P0)+. . . bn(Pn-P0).
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
27 words
An internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 46, wherein the beginning of fuel charging is adjusted to establish the target value of rate of combustion.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
30 words
An internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 46, wherein the amount of fuel delivered by the fuel charging system is varied to establish the target rate of combustion.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
24 words
An internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 46, further including an ignition system for effecting ignition of the combustion in the chamber.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
25 words
An internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 58, wherein the ignition system comprises a spark plug for firing a charge in the chamber.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
30 words
An internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 59, wherein the time of firing of the spark plug is adjusted to achieve the target value of rate of combustion.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
35 words
An internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 58, wherein the ignition system comprises direct fuel injection into the combustion chamber by the fuel charging system, and the engine operates on a diesel cycle.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
31 words
An internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 59, wherein the amount of fuel delivered by the fuel charging system is also varied to establish the target rate of combustion.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
28 words
An internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 59, wherein the beginning of fuel charging is also adjusted to establish the target value of rate of combustion.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
40 words
An internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 46, wherein the induction system includes means for generating turbulence in the chamber and the amount of turbulence generated by the induction system is adjusted to control the rate of combustion.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
36 words
An internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 46, wherein the engine is provided with an exhaust gas recirculation system and the rate of combustion is controlled by changing the amount of exhaust gas recirculation.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
37 words
An internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 65, wherein the exhaust gas recirculation system takes a portion of the exhaust gasses from the exhaust system and delivers them to the engine through the induction system.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
87 words
An internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 65, wherein the induction system includes an intake valve for controlling the admission of an intake charge to the combustion chamber and the exhaust system includes an exhaust valve for controlling the discharge of exhaust gasses form the combustion chamber and the exhaust gas recirculation is achieved by adjusting the timing of the events of at least one of said valves to provide overlap between the closing of the exhaust valve and the opening of the intake valve.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
27 words
An internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 65, wherein the target rate of combustion is adjusted by adjusting the effective compression ratio of the engine.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
31 words
An internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 68, wherein the effective compression ratio is adjusted by controlling the timing of the discharge of exhaust gases to the exhaust system.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
25 words
An internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 68, wherein the effective compression ratio is varied by relieving the pressure in the combustion chamber.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
26 words
An internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 68, wherein the engine is supercharged and the compression ratio is varied by changing the supercharger pressure.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
27 words
An internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 46, wherein the target value of rate of combustion is determined from a map based upon engine speed.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
23 words
An internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 72, wherein the map is a three-dimensional map based upon engine speed and load.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
27 words
An internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 46, wherein the target value of rate of combustion is derived from a map based on engine load.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
18 words
An internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 74, wherein engine load is measured by operator demand.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
19 words
An internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 75, wherein operator demand is measured by throttle valve position.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
40 words
An internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 46, wherein a target value of rate of combustion is applied for one running condition, and a different target value of rate of combustion is applied for a different running condition.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
19 words
An internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 77, wherein the one running condition is normal engine running.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
18 words
An internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 78, wherein the other running condition is maximum torque.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
18 words
An internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 78, wherein the other running condition is cold starting.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
19 words
An internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 78, wherein the other engine running condition is lean burn.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
18 words
An internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 78, wherein the other running condition is incipient knocking.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
19 words
An internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 78, wherein the other running condition is a transient condition.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
63 words
An internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 46, wherein the engine is comprised of a reciprocating engine and the chamber is formed at least in part by a cylinder bore and a piston reciprocating in the cylinder bore, said piston being operative to drive an engine output shaft, the rate of combustion being determined at at least one output shaft angle.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
33 words
An internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 56, wherein the rate of combustion is calculated from measuring the pressure in the combustion chamber at at least two different output shaft angles.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
39 words
An internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 85, wherein the times when the rate of combustion is calculated comprise at least time shortly after combustion has begun and a further time substantially later during the combustion cycle.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
47 words
An internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 86, wherein the times are at predetermined cycle times with the first time when the combustion chamber volume is approximately at its minimum volume condition and the second time is at a stage late in the expansion cycle.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
29 words
An internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 87, wherein the times of measurement are times when the pressure in the combustion chamber reaches two different specific values.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
48 words
An internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 88, wherein the values chosen are values that should exist at a time when the combustion chamber is approximately at its minimum volume condition and at a time when the chamber is toward the end of its expansion cycle.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
44 words
An internal combustion engine as set forth in claim 84, wherein the output shaft angle is measured at which the target pressure is reached, and the system is adjusted so as to obtain the target rate of combustion at the desired output shaft angle.
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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) | 2001-07-13 | 2002-01-12 | 2002-07-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-07-13 | 2006-01-12 | 2006-07-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-07-13 | 2010-01-12 | 2010-07-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |