US6857262B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Catalytic converter function detection
Assignee: SPX Technologies Inc
•
Filing: 2001-08-16
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Granted: 2005-02-22
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Expires: 2021-08-16
Abstract
Abstract A method and system detects the function of a catalytic converter in a vehicle using data received from an open path emissions sensor. The factors considered include whether the vehicle moving on a road is operating in a closed loop operating condition, whether the vehicle is operating in a cold start mode, and the hydrocarbon and other tailpipe emissions concentrations in an exhaust stream of the vehicle as measured by the open path sensor.
Inventors
- 👤 Craig S. Rendahl
- 👤 Theresa A. Foley
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 11:08
CPC Classifications
F; F02; F02D; F02D41/00; F02D41/02; F02D41/14; F02D41/1438; F02D41/1444; F01; F01N; F01N11/00; F01N2550/00; F01N2550/02; F02D2041/1468; F02D2041/1472; F02D41/1452; F02D41/1459; Y; Y02; Y02T; Y02T10/00; Y02T10/10; Y02T10/40
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 27
Claim 1
Independent Claim
177 words
A method of detecting the function of a catalytic converter in a vehicle, comprising: determining a first indication corresponding to whether a vehicle moving on a road is operating in a closed loop operating condition; determining a second indication corresponding to whether the vehicle is operating at a temperature that is substantially at least equal to its formal operating temperature; receiving data collected by an open path emissions sensor, wherein the data corresponds to a plurality of measured hydrocarbon and other tailpipe emissions concentrations in an exhaust stream of the vehicle; and determining a third indication corresponding to whether the data is indicative of a properly functioning catalytic converter; wherein the step of determining a first indication comprises: measuring a speed of the vehicle; measuring an acceleration of the vehicle; measuring a slope of the road; measuring a mass of the vehicle; measuring at least one ambient condition; calculating, using the speed, the acceleration, the slope, the mass, and the at least one ambient condition, a specific power; and comparing the specific power to a predetermined limit.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
177 words
A method of detecting the function of a catalytic converter in a vehicle, comprising: determining a first indication corresponding to whether a vehicle moving on a road is operating in a closed loop operating condition; determining a second indication corresponding to whether the vehicle is operating at a temperature that is substantially at least equal to its formal operating temperature; receiving data collected by an open path emissions sensor, wherein the data corresponds to a plurality of measured hydrocarbon and other tailpipe emissions concentrations in an exhaust stream of the vehicle; and determining a third indication corresponding to whether the data is indicative of a properly functioning catalytic converter; wherein the step of determining a first indication comprises: measuring a speed of the vehicle; measuring an acceleration of the vehicle; measuring a slope of the road; measuring a mass of the vehicle; measuring at least one ambient condition; calculating, using the speed, the acceleration, the slope, the mass, and the at least one ambient condition, a specific power; and comparing the specific power to a predetermined limit.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of determining a first indication further comprises adjusting the acceleration to correspond to the slope.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
70 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of determining a second indication comprises: measuring, using the emissions sensor, an amount of water vapor in the exhaust stream; measuring, using the emissions sensor, an amount of carbon dioxide in the exhaust stream; determining, using the amount of water and the amount of carbon dioxide, a ratio of water and carbon dioxide; and comparing the ratio to a predetermined fuel factor.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of determining a third indication comprises: measuring, using the emissions sensor, an amount of ammonia in the exhaust stream; and comparing the amount of ammonia to a predetermined threshold.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
61 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of determining a third indication comprises: measuring, using the emissions sensor, an amount of benzene in the exhaust stream; measuring, using the emissions sensor an amount of toluene in the exhaust stream; calculating a ratio of the amount of benzene and the amount of toluene; and comparing the ratio to a predetermined threshold.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
140 words
A method of detecting the function of a catalytic converter in a vehicle, comprising: determining a first indication corresponding to whether a vehicle moving on a road is operating in a closed loop operating condition; determining a second indication corresponding to whether the vehicle is operating at a temperature that is substantially at least equal to its normal operating temperature; receiving data collected by an open path emissions sensor, wherein the data corresponds to a plurality of measured hydrocarbon and other tailpipe emissions concentrations in an exhaust stream of the vehicle; and determining a third indication corresponding to whether the data is indicative of a properly functioning catalytic converter; wherein the step of determining a second indication comprises: measuring, using the emissions sensor, an amount of 1,3-butadiene in the exhaust stream; and determining whether the amount exceeds a predetermined threshold.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
140 words
A method of detecting the function of a catalytic converter in a vehicle, comprising: determining a first indication corresponding to whether a vehicle moving on a road is operating in a closed loop operating condition; determining a second indication corresponding to whether the vehicle is operating at a temperature that is substantially at least equal to its normal operating temperature; receiving data collected by an open path emissions sensor, wherein the data corresponds to a plurality of measured hydrocarbon and other tailpipe emissions concentrations in an exhaust stream of the vehicle; and determining a third indication corresponding to whether the data is indicative of a properly functioning catalytic converter; wherein the step of determining a second indication comprises: measuring, using the emissions sensor, an amount of 1,3-butadiene in the exhaust stream; and determining whether the amount exceeds a predetermined threshold.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
165 words
A method of detecting the function of a catalytic converter in a vehicle, comprising: determining a first indication corresponding to whether a vehicle moving on a road is operating in a closed loop operating condition; determining a second indication corresponding to whether the vehicle is operating at a temperature that is substantially at least equal to its normal operating temperature; receiving data collected by an open path emissions sensor, wherein the data corresponds to a plurality of measured hydrocarbon and other tailpipe emissions concentrations in an exhaust stream of the vehicle; and determining a third indication corresponding to whether the data is indicative of a properly functioning catalytic converter; wherein the step of determining a third indication comprises: measuring, using the emissions sensor, an amount of ethylene in the exhaust stream; measuring, using the emissions sensor, an amount of acetylene in the exhaust stream; calculating a ratio of the amount of ethylene and the amount of acetylene; and comparing the ratio to a predetermined threshold.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
165 words
A method of detecting the function of a catalytic converter in a vehicle, comprising: determining a first indication corresponding to whether a vehicle moving on a road is operating in a closed loop operating condition; determining a second indication corresponding to whether the vehicle is operating at a temperature that is substantially at least equal to its normal operating temperature; receiving data collected by an open path emissions sensor, wherein the data corresponds to a plurality of measured hydrocarbon and other tailpipe emissions concentrations in an exhaust stream of the vehicle; and determining a third indication corresponding to whether the data is indicative of a properly functioning catalytic converter; wherein the step of determining a third indication comprises: measuring, using the emissions sensor, an amount of ethylene in the exhaust stream; measuring, using the emissions sensor, an amount of acetylene in the exhaust stream; calculating a ratio of the amount of ethylene and the amount of acetylene; and comparing the ratio to a predetermined threshold.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
166 words
A method of detecting the function of a catalytic converter in a vehicle, comprising: determining a first indication corresponding to whether a vehicle moving on a road is operating in a closed loop operating condition; determining a second indication corresponding to whether the vehicle is operating at a temperature that is substantially at least equal to its normal operating temperature; receiving data collected by an open path emissions sensor, wherein the data corresponds to a plurality of measured hydrocarbon and other tailpipe emissions concentrations in an exhaust stream of the vehicle; and determining a third indication corresponding to whether the data is indicative of a properly functioning catalytic converter; wherein the step of determining a third indication comprises: measuring, using the emissions sensor, an amount of total hydrocarbons in the exhaust stream; measuring, using the emissions sensor, an amount of methane in the exhaust stream; calculating a ratio of the amount of total hydrocarbons and the total methane; and comparing the ratio to a predetermined threshold.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
166 words
A method of detecting the function of a catalytic converter in a vehicle, comprising: determining a first indication corresponding to whether a vehicle moving on a road is operating in a closed loop operating condition; determining a second indication corresponding to whether the vehicle is operating at a temperature that is substantially at least equal to its normal operating temperature; receiving data collected by an open path emissions sensor, wherein the data corresponds to a plurality of measured hydrocarbon and other tailpipe emissions concentrations in an exhaust stream of the vehicle; and determining a third indication corresponding to whether the data is indicative of a properly functioning catalytic converter; wherein the step of determining a third indication comprises: measuring, using the emissions sensor, an amount of total hydrocarbons in the exhaust stream; measuring, using the emissions sensor, an amount of methane in the exhaust stream; calculating a ratio of the amount of total hydrocarbons and the total methane; and comparing the ratio to a predetermined threshold.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
188 words
A method of detecting the function of a catalytic converter in a vehicle, comprising: determining a first indication corresponding to whether a vehicle moving on a road is operating in a closed loop operating condition; determining a second indication corresponding to whether the vehicle is operating at a temperature that is substantially at least equal to its normal operating temperature; receiving data collected by an open path emissions sensor, wherein the data corresponds to a plurality of measured hydrocarbon and other tailpipe emissions concentrations in an exhaust stream of the vehicle; and determining a third indication corresponding to whether the data is indicative of a properly functioning catalytic converter; wherein the step of determining a third indication comprises: measuring, using the emissions sensor, an amount of benzene in the exhaust stream; measuring, using the emissions sensor an amount of toluene in the exhaust stream; calculating a ratio of the amount of benzene and the amount of toluene; and comparing the ratio to a predetermined threshold; and wherein the steps of calculating and comparing are not required if the first indication is indicative of an open loop operating condition.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
188 words
A method of detecting the function of a catalytic converter in a vehicle, comprising: determining a first indication corresponding to whether a vehicle moving on a road is operating in a closed loop operating condition; determining a second indication corresponding to whether the vehicle is operating at a temperature that is substantially at least equal to its normal operating temperature; receiving data collected by an open path emissions sensor, wherein the data corresponds to a plurality of measured hydrocarbon and other tailpipe emissions concentrations in an exhaust stream of the vehicle; and determining a third indication corresponding to whether the data is indicative of a properly functioning catalytic converter; wherein the step of determining a third indication comprises: measuring, using the emissions sensor, an amount of benzene in the exhaust stream; measuring, using the emissions sensor an amount of toluene in the exhaust stream; calculating a ratio of the amount of benzene and the amount of toluene; and comparing the ratio to a predetermined threshold; and wherein the steps of calculating and comparing are not required if the first indication is indicative of an open loop operating condition.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
226 words
A system for determining whether a moving vehicle has a properly functioning catalytic converter, comprising: an open path emissions sensor capable of measuring a plurality of measured hydrocarbons and other emissions from an exhaust stream of a moving vehicle; a processor in communication with the emissions sensor; and a memory in communication with the processor; wherein the memory contains computer program instructions that instruct the processor to perform the steps of: determining a first indication corresponding to whether the vehicle is operating in a closed loop operating condition; determining whether the vehicle is operating at a temperature that is substantially at least equal to its normal operating temperature; receiving data collected by the emissions sensor, wherein the data corresponds to a plurality of measured hydrocarbon and other tailpipe emissions concentrations in an exhaust stream of the vehicle; and determining whether the data is indicative of a properly functioning catalytic converter; wherein the memory contains computer program instructions that further instruct the processor to perform the steps of: measuring a speed of the vehicle; measuring an acceleration of the vehicle; measuring a slope of a road; measuring a mass of the vehicle; measuring at least one ambient condition; calculating, using the speed, the acceleration, the slope, the mass, and the at least one ambient condition, a specific power; and comparing the specific power to a predetermined limit.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
226 words
A system for determining whether a moving vehicle has a properly functioning catalytic converter, comprising: an open path emissions sensor capable of measuring a plurality of measured hydrocarbons and other emissions from an exhaust stream of a moving vehicle; a processor in communication with the emissions sensor; and a memory in communication with the processor; wherein the memory contains computer program instructions that instruct the processor to perform the steps of: determining a first indication corresponding to whether the vehicle is operating in a closed loop operating condition; determining whether the vehicle is operating at a temperature that is substantially at least equal to its normal operating temperature; receiving data collected by the emissions sensor, wherein the data corresponds to a plurality of measured hydrocarbon and other tailpipe emissions concentrations in an exhaust stream of the vehicle; and determining whether the data is indicative of a properly functioning catalytic converter; wherein the memory contains computer program instructions that further instruct the processor to perform the steps of: measuring a speed of the vehicle; measuring an acceleration of the vehicle; measuring a slope of a road; measuring a mass of the vehicle; measuring at least one ambient condition; calculating, using the speed, the acceleration, the slope, the mass, and the at least one ambient condition, a specific power; and comparing the specific power to a predetermined limit.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
203 words
A catalytic converter function detection system, comprising: a means of determining a first indication corresponding to whether a vehicle moving on a road is operating in a closed loop operation condition; a means for determining a second indication corresponding to whether the vehicle is operating at a temperature that is substantially at least equal to its normal operating temperature; a means for receiving data collected by an open path emissions sensor, wherein the data corresponds to a plurality of measured hydrocarbon and other tailpipe emissions concentrations in an exhaust stream of the vehicle; and a means for determining a third indication corresponding to whether the data is indicative of a properly functioning catalytic converter; wherein the means for determining a first indication comprises: a means for measuring a speed of the vehicle; a means for measuring an acceleration of the vehicle; a means for measuring a slope of the road; a means for measuring a mass of the vehicle; a means for measuring at least one ambient condition; a means for calculating, using the speed, the acceleration, the slope, the mass, and the at least one ambient condition, a specific power; and a means for comparing the specific power to a predetermined limit.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
203 words
A catalytic converter function detection system, comprising: a means of determining a first indication corresponding to whether a vehicle moving on a road is operating in a closed loop operation condition; a means for determining a second indication corresponding to whether the vehicle is operating at a temperature that is substantially at least equal to its normal operating temperature; a means for receiving data collected by an open path emissions sensor, wherein the data corresponds to a plurality of measured hydrocarbon and other tailpipe emissions concentrations in an exhaust stream of the vehicle; and a means for determining a third indication corresponding to whether the data is indicative of a properly functioning catalytic converter; wherein the means for determining a first indication comprises: a means for measuring a speed of the vehicle; a means for measuring an acceleration of the vehicle; a means for measuring a slope of the road; a means for measuring a mass of the vehicle; a means for measuring at least one ambient condition; a means for calculating, using the speed, the acceleration, the slope, the mass, and the at least one ambient condition, a specific power; and a means for comparing the specific power to a predetermined limit.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
74 words
The system of claim 11 wherein the means for determining a second indication comprises: a means for measuring an amount of water vapor in the exhaust stream; a means for measuring an amount of carbon dioxide in the exhaust stream; a means for determining, using the amount of water and the amount of carbon dioxide, a ratio of water and carbon dioxide; and a means for comparing the ratio to a predetermined fuel factor.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
39 words
The system of claim 11 wherein the means for determining a third indication comprises: a means for measuring an amount of ammonia in the exhaust stream; and a means for comparing the amount of ammonia to a predetermined threshold.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
65 words
The system of claim 11 wherein the means for determining a third indication comprises: a means for measuring an amount of benzene in the exhaust stream; a means for measuring an amount of toluene in the exhaust stream; a means for calculating a ratio of the amount of benzene and the amount of toluene and a means for comparing the ratio to a predetermined threshold.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
147 words
A catalytic converter function detection system, comprising: a means of determining a first indication corresponding to whether a vehicle moving on a road is operating in a closed loop operation condition; a means for determining a second indication corresponding to whether the vehicle is operating at a temperature that is substantially at least equal to its normal operating temperature; a means for receiving data collected by an open path emissions sensor, wherein the data corresponds to a plurality of measured hydrocarbon and other tailpipe emissions concentrations in an exhaust stream of the vehicle; and a means for determining a third indication corresponding to whether the data is indicative of a properly functioning catalytic converter; wherein the means for determining a second indication comprises: a means for measuring an amount of 1,3-butadiene in the exhaust stream; and a means for determining whether the amount exceeds a predetermined threshold.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
147 words
A catalytic converter function detection system, comprising: a means of determining a first indication corresponding to whether a vehicle moving on a road is operating in a closed loop operation condition; a means for determining a second indication corresponding to whether the vehicle is operating at a temperature that is substantially at least equal to its normal operating temperature; a means for receiving data collected by an open path emissions sensor, wherein the data corresponds to a plurality of measured hydrocarbon and other tailpipe emissions concentrations in an exhaust stream of the vehicle; and a means for determining a third indication corresponding to whether the data is indicative of a properly functioning catalytic converter; wherein the means for determining a second indication comprises: a means for measuring an amount of 1,3-butadiene in the exhaust stream; and a means for determining whether the amount exceeds a predetermined threshold.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
174 words
A catalytic converter function detection system, comprising: a means of determining a first indication corresponding to whether a vehicle moving on a road is operating in a closed loop operation condition; a means for determining a second indication corresponding to whether the vehicle is operating at a temperature that is substantially at least equal to its normal operating temperature; a means for receiving data collected by an open path emissions sensor, wherein the data corresponds to a plurality of measured hydrocarbon and other tailpipe emissions concentrations in an exhaust stream of the vehicle; and a means for determining a third indication corresponding to whether the data is indicative of a properly functioning catalytic converter; wherein the means for determining a third indication comprises: a means for measuring an amount of ethylene in the exhaust stream; a means for measuring and amount of acetylene in the exhaust stream; a means for calculating a ratio of the amount of ethylene and the amount of acetylene; and a means for comparing the ratio to a predetermined threshold.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
174 words
A catalytic converter function detection system, comprising: a means of determining a first indication corresponding to whether a vehicle moving on a road is operating in a closed loop operation condition; a means for determining a second indication corresponding to whether the vehicle is operating at a temperature that is substantially at least equal to its normal operating temperature; a means for receiving data collected by an open path emissions sensor, wherein the data corresponds to a plurality of measured hydrocarbon and other tailpipe emissions concentrations in an exhaust stream of the vehicle; and a means for determining a third indication corresponding to whether the data is indicative of a properly functioning catalytic converter; wherein the means for determining a third indication comprises: a means for measuring an amount of ethylene in the exhaust stream; a means for measuring and amount of acetylene in the exhaust stream; a means for calculating a ratio of the amount of ethylene and the amount of acetylene; and a means for comparing the ratio to a predetermined threshold.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
175 words
A catalytic converter function detection system, comprising: a means of determining a first indication corresponding to whether a vehicle moving on a road is operating in a closed loop operation condition; a means for determining a second indication corresponding to whether the vehicle is operating at a temperature that is substantially at least equal to its normal operating temperature; a means for receiving data collected by an open path emissions sensor, wherein the data corresponds to a plurality of measured hydrocarbon and other tailpipe emissions concentrations in an exhaust stream of the vehicle; and a means for determining a third indication corresponding to whether the data is indicative of a properly functioning catalytic converter; wherein the means for determining a third indication comprises: a means for measuring an amount of total hydrocarbons in the exhaust stream; a means for measuring an amount of methane in the exhaust stream; a means for calculating a ratio of the amount of total hydrocarbons and the total methane; and a means for comparing the ratio to a predetermined threshold.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
175 words
A catalytic converter function detection system, comprising: a means of determining a first indication corresponding to whether a vehicle moving on a road is operating in a closed loop operation condition; a means for determining a second indication corresponding to whether the vehicle is operating at a temperature that is substantially at least equal to its normal operating temperature; a means for receiving data collected by an open path emissions sensor, wherein the data corresponds to a plurality of measured hydrocarbon and other tailpipe emissions concentrations in an exhaust stream of the vehicle; and a means for determining a third indication corresponding to whether the data is indicative of a properly functioning catalytic converter; wherein the means for determining a third indication comprises: a means for measuring an amount of total hydrocarbons in the exhaust stream; a means for measuring an amount of methane in the exhaust stream; a means for calculating a ratio of the amount of total hydrocarbons and the total methane; and a means for comparing the ratio to a predetermined threshold.
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