Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of method for detecting degradation of a connecting rod big end bearing within an internal combustion engine including a crankshaft and an exhaust manifold included on a vehicle. A method includes providing an electronic control unit connected with the engine, a first set of sensors for detecting crankshaft acceleration connected located adjacent the crankshaft, a second set of sensors for detecting engine exhaust manifold pressure located adjacent the engine exhaust manifold, and a display component and an auditory component connected with the electronic control unit. The display component and/or the auditory component is activated when the first set of sensors detects diminished crankshaft acceleration during a power stroke compared to prior acceleration of the crankshaft during a power stroke and the second set of sensors detects exhaust manifold pressure that does not vary statistically significantly from expected exhaust manifold pressure.

Abstract: A heat exchanger cleaning system (HECS) includes an engine having an intake conduit and an exhaust port, and an EGR cooler having a cooler inlet in fluid communication with the engine exhaust port, a cooler outlet in fluid communication with the engine intake conduit, and an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve disposed between the engine exhaust port and the EGR cooler. A first pressure sensor is disposed between the engine exhaust port and the EGR valve, and a second pressure sensor disposed in the engine intake conduit. A controller is in electrical communication with the EGR valve, the first pressure sensor, and the second pressure sensor. The controller is configured to implement a predetermined set of operating parameters for the engine and/or the EGR valve, wherein implementation of the predetermined set of operating parameters causes an increased flow velocity of exhaust gas through the EGR cooler.

Abstract: A system and a method for reducing band clamp failure on a multi-piece canister having an at least one first section coupled to an at least one second section by a band clamp, the system and method comprising a band clamp cover, wherein the band clamp cover comprises a cover first section and a cover second section, the cover first section is coupled to the cover second section at a first end by a hinge, the cover first section is coupled to the cover second section at a second end by removable fastener, the band clamp cover having a shape of the multi-piece cannister, wherein the band clamp cover has a channel that encompasses the band clamp.

Abstract: A method of monitoring an exhaust system of an engine having an engine control unit including a diagnostic module operatively associated with the engine comprises providing an exhaust gas recirculation valve connected with the engine control unit within the exhaust system. Position of the exhaust gas recirculation valve is automatically monitored during operation of the engine. Position of the exhaust gas recirculation valve is determined. Determined position of the exhaust gas recirculation valve is transmitted to the diagnostic module.

Abstract: A method for reducing obstruction compromising operation of at least one sensor having a portion disposed through skin of a vehicle, the portion having a surface offset from the skin, using an apparatus including a member disposed offset from the surface including a first side having an inner surface and an outer surface that opposes the surface of the portion, and a second side having a second side inner surface and a second side outer surface facing exterior of the vehicle, a space disposed between the second side inner surface and the inner surface, a first port and a second port pneumatically connected with the space, at least one of the first port and the second port pneumatically connected with a source of compressed air on the vehicle, and a vent pneumatically connected with at least one of the first port and the second port, the method comprises activating at least one of the first port and the second port allowing compressed air to flow from the source into the space.

Abstract: An intelligent charge limit for high voltage battery charging provides increased e-motor regeneration and reduced application of the foundation brake system of an electric vehicle. A plurality of data factors are used to calculate a maximum charge percentage. The maximum charge percentage is used to ensure there is enough charging capacity in a battery to store electrical current generated by an e-motor during downhill travel. The intelligent charge limit also provides an operator of the electric vehicle, the option of changing the charge limit to ensure that the battery receives the maximum electrical current generated by an e-motor, during downhill travel. The operator may also double plug a charging gun to eliminate a state of charge routine from considering offsetting the operator charging percentage by the plurality of data factors.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing obstruction compromising operation of at least one sensor having a portion disposed through skin of a vehicle, the portion having a surface offset from the skin comprises a member disposed offset from the surface. The member includes a first side having an inner surface and an outer surface that opposes the surface of the portion, and a second side having a second side inner surface and a second side outer surface. The second side outer surface faces exterior of the vehicle. A space is disposed between the second side inner surface and the inner surface. Ports are pneumatically connected with the space, a source of compressed air and a vent.

Abstract: Vehicle exhaust system uses delta pressure based estimation of accumulated soot within a diesel particulate filter. The exhaust system has a diesel oxidation catalyst and a diesel particulate filter. A fuel injector is connected upstream from the diesel oxidation catalyst and the diesel particulate filter. A delta pressure sensor measures difference in pressure at inlet and outlet of the diesel particulate filter. A controller determines when to regenerate the diesel particulate filter based on an estimated amount of soot. The controller, in a first regeneration mode, causes the fuel injector to inject fuel at a first rate into the exhaust stream, and to re-evaluate amount of soot accumulated within the diesel particulate filter under increased volumetric flow. The controller, in a second regeneration mode, causes the fuel injector to inject fuel at a second rate into the exhaust stream in order to combust soot trapped in the diesel particulate filter.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring air restriction in a vehicle are provided. In some aspects, a method includes providing an electrically operable, air restriction device configured to measure an air restriction in at least a portion of a vehicle's air system, and operating the electrically operable, air restriction device using power provided by a power system on the vehicle. The method also includes controlling power to the electrically operable, air restriction device using a hood switch that is connected to the power system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods, implementable in a vehicle equipped with adaptive cruise control, for maintaining in a subject vehicle substantially constant following distance relative to a preceding target vehicle where there has been a change in slope of a surface on which the subject vehicle is travelling and/or where pitch of the subject vehicle has changed. Systems and methods disclosed herein may maintain such substantially constant following distance by managing engine torque. Such engine torque management effective for maintaining substantially constant following distance relative to a preceding target vehicle, notwithstanding change in driving surface slope and/or change in pitch of the subject vehicle, may be realized, according to the subject vehicle's torque map, based on data received into the subject vehicle's electronic control unit through sensors for detecting surface slope and sensors for detecting vehicle pitch, which may be located on the subject vehicle.

Abstract: A system and a method for reducing band clamp failure on a multi-piece canister having an at least one first section coupled to an at least one second section by a band clamp, the system and method comprising a band clamp cover, wherein the band clamp cover comprises a cover first section and a cover second section, the cover first section is coupled to the cover second section at a first end by a hinge, the cover first section is coupled to the cover second section at a second end by removable fastener, the band clamp cover having a shape of the multi-piece canister, wherein the band clamp cover has a channel that encompasses the band clamp.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring air restriction in a vehicle are provided. In some aspects, a method includes providing an electrically operable, air restriction device configured to measure an air restriction in at least a portion of a vehicle's air system, and operating the electrically operable, air restriction device using power provided by a power system on the vehicle. The method also includes controlling power to the electrically operable, air restriction device using a hood switch that is connected to the power system.

Abstract: The Method and Apparatus of Predicting MAF Sensor Information includes training multiple candidate Artificial Neural Network (ANN) architectures using training data, and then selecting an ANN architecture from the candidates using an automated ANN architecture selection algorithm and testing data. An intelligent engine intake MAF prediction or estimation system using the selected ANN architecture then provides an engine intake Mass Air Flow (MAF) output variable, which is used along with the output of a hot-wire type engine intake MAF sensor. The system is deployed into the engine controller. The training and testing sets of data include input variables from engine sensors and/or actuators that relate to engine intake MAF, and may be acquired by testing a target engine. Selecting the optimal ANN architecture may be based on Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) analysis using the automated ANN architecture algorithm and the training set of data.

Abstract: A method of selective hydrocarbon injection in in-cylinder late post injection in an exhaust manifold of a diesel engine comprises providing the exhaust manifold of the diesel engine comprising a plurality of cylinders, an exhaust gas recirculation valve disposed adjacent the exhaust manifold, a diesel particulate filter disposed adjacent the exhaust manifold, an exhaust gas recirculation cooler disposed adjacent the exhaust manifold offset from the exhaust gas recirculation valve, and an engine control unit operatively connected with the diesel engine for controlling at least the plurality of cylinders. At least a first cylinder is disabled via the engine control unit to reduce post injection of hydrocarbons during regeneration of the diesel particulate filter. The diesel particulate filter is regenerated. In-cylinder late post injection of hydrocarbons is conducted during regeneration of the diesel particulate filter via cylinders other than the first cylinder.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to improved systems and methods for use in connection with maintaining the coolant system of a vehicle. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to improved systems and methods for monitoring the integrity of the coolant system in an engine, including capabilities for diagnosing leaks, degradation of coolant, open and/or loose radiator caps, and other sources of potential malfunctions. Early diagnosis and continuous monitoring of an engine coolant system results in earlier repairs and less vehicle downtime.

Abstract: A Diesel Emissions Fluid (DEF) Thawing arrangement and method is provided for use with a vehicle having an engine, an Engine Control Module (ECM), an exhaust system, and a Selective Catalyst Reduction (SCR) catalytic device. A DEF injection system is connected to the exhaust system and to the ECM. A DEF tank is connected to the DEF injection system, and is provided with a Urea Quality Sensor (UQS). A coolant loop is connected to the engine and has a Coolant Control Valve (CCV) connected to a control module, and a coolant to DEF heat exchanger. A DEF temperature sensor and an ambient temperature sensor are connected to the control module. The control module is configured to trigger a CCV stuck open fault when the DEF tank temperature exceeds the ambient temperature by a threshold amount for a period of time.

Abstract: A Coordinating Apparatus and Method is provided between Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Predictive Cruise Control (PCC). The ACC system is configured to provide a target acceleration or deceleration based on maintaining a target distance from vehicles ahead. The PCC system is configured to provide a target acceleration or deceleration based on upcoming changes in elevation and maximizing fuel economy. The coordinating apparatus communicates with the ACC system and with the PCC system, and applies the lesser acceleration or greater deceleration between the ACC target acceleration or deceleration and the PCC target acceleration or deceleration. The apparatus and method may apply the target acceleration or deceleration by way of a vehicle speed control apparatus, such as a vehicle engine controller.

Abstract: A high torque mechanism connected to a piston arranged within a cylinder and connected to a connecting rod for an engine may include features of a triangular link and a guide arm. The high torque mechanism may provide an upgrade to the conventional hardware with new elements that provide higher torque and thus allowing a reduction of fuel consumption versus a conventional engine of the same power. The high torque mechanism may include a triangular link, a crankshaft, and a guide arm. The connecting rod may be connected to the piston and a first joint on the triangular link. The guide arm may be connected to a second joint on the triangular link and a guide pivot point. The crankshaft may be connected to a third joint on the triangular link and a crank pivot point. The triangular link and the guide arm make the engine torque considerably higher in various crank ranges where the in-cylinder combustion pressure is high.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to improved diagnostic devices, systems and methods for improving the accuracy and speed of diagnosing datalink/CAN errors on public and private networks within the electronic control systems of machines. The present disclosure includes incorporating one or more diagnostic modules to one or more datalinks within an existing electronic control system. These diagnostic modules can monitor datalink voltages and identify and transmit error messages and datalink voltage anomalies without the need for manual diagnosis by a repair technician. Alternatively, another diagnostic system and method includes installing microchips having datalink voltage measurements to existing modules, such as a telematics module, thereby enabling that the module to identify and report datalink voltage anomalies.

Abstract: A cooling system comprises a liquid hydrogen storage tank, a liquid hydrogen metering pump having a pump inlet in fluid communication with the liquid hydrogen storage tank, and a pump outlet, a hydrogen evaporator heat exchanger having an evaporator inlet in fluid communication with the pump outlet, and an evaporator outlet, a hydrogen gas accumulator having an accumulator inlet in fluid communication with the evaporator outlet, and an accumulator outlet, a hydrogen fuel cell system comprising at least one hydrogen fuel cell having a fuel cell inlet in fluid communication with the accumulator outlet, and a coolant circuit comprising a first coolant path disposed in thermal contact with the hydrogen evaporator heat exchanger.