Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
90 words
A method of minimizing torque disturbances in an internal combustion engine for a vehicle having a lean NO x trap that is periodically purged and a continuously variable transmission, said method comprising the steps of: calculating a desired drive axle torque; calculating a setpoint for predetermined engine characteristics based on said desired drive axle torque; calculating target values for predetermined engine variables based on said setpoint; and setting said engine variables to said target values to compensate for torque disturbances that result from said lean NO x trap purge cycle.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
90 words
A method of minimizing torque disturbances in an internal combustion engine for a vehicle having a lean NO x trap that is periodically purged and a continuously variable transmission, said method comprising the steps of: calculating a desired drive axle torque; calculating a setpoint for predetermined engine characteristics based on said desired drive axle torque; calculating target values for predetermined engine variables based on said setpoint; and setting said engine variables to said target values to compensate for torque disturbances that result from said lean NO x trap purge cycle.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said step of calculating target values further comprises calculating a target value for a fuel rate, a spark timing and a throttle position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method as claimed in claim 2 wherein said step of calculating target values for a fueling rate further comprises calculating a fueling rate as a sum of a feedforward term and a feedback term.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method as claimed in claim 3 wherein said feedback term is applied when one of said engine speed, said turbine speed or said gear ratio exceeds a predetermined threshold value.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method as claimed in claim 2 wherein said step of setting said engine variables to said target values further comprises setting said throttle value according to a proportional plus integral control law.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method as claimed in claim 2 wherein said step of calculating target values further comprises calculating said target values as functions of a measured engine speed and an estimated engine torque.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
73 words
The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said step of calculating a setpoint for predetermined engine characteristics further comprises: calculating a desired engine speed based on said desired drive axle torque; calculating a desired engine torque based on said desired drive axle torque; calculating a desired turbine speed based on said desired drive axle torque; and calculating a gear ratio for said continuously variable transmission based on said desired drive axle torque.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method as claimed in claim 7 wherein said step of calculating a setpoint further comprises calculating a setpoint to maximize purge efficiency within a predetermined period of time.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method as claimed in claim 7 wherein said step of calculating a setpoint further comprises calculating a setpoint to minimize fuel consumption.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method as claimed in claim 7 wherein said desired values for said engine speed, engine torque, turbine speed, and gear ratio are calculated from values stored in lookup tables.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method as claimed in claim 7 wherein said steps of calculating desired values and target values further comprises calculating said desired values and said target values based on an operating mode of said lean NO x trap purge cycle.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
51 words
The method as claimed in claim 11 wherein said operating mode of said lean NO x trap is emptied of stored NO x and said desired values for engine speed, turbine speed, engine torque and gear ratio are calculated such that purge efficiency is maximized within a predetermined period of time.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
54 words
The method as claimed in claim 11 wherein said operating mode of said lean NO x trap is during a period when said engine is returning to normal operation and said desired values for engine speed, turbine speed, engine torque and gear ratio are calculated such that fuel consumption with emission constraints is minimized.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
71 words
A torque control system for a vehicle comprising: a direct injection stratified charge engine comprising; an exhaust gas purification system having a NO x trap for absorbing a NO x component in the exhaust gas of said engine, said NO x trap being purged at predetermined intervals; and a continuously variable transmission for adjusting a gear ratio thereby controlling a torque of said engine during periods of NO x trap purge.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
71 words
A torque control system for a vehicle comprising: a direct injection stratified charge engine comprising; an exhaust gas purification system having a NO x trap for absorbing a NO x component in the exhaust gas of said engine, said NO x trap being purged at predetermined intervals; and a continuously variable transmission for adjusting a gear ratio thereby controlling a torque of said engine during periods of NO x trap purge.