Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring crankcase ventilation system integrity are disclosed. In one example approach, a method comprises indicating a crankcase ventilation system degradation based on a lower vacuum than expected downstream of a PCV breather tube. For example, indicating a crankcase ventilation system degradation based on a lower vacuum than expected downstream of a PCV breather tube may include indicating a crankcase ventilation system degradation based on an absolute pressure sensor measurement relative to a gauge pressure sensor measurement.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for depressurizing a fuel pressure regulator during engine cold start and varying fuel injection pressure after cold start in a gaseous-fueled vehicle. A mechanical pressure regulator may be modified to include valves which may be controlled to depressurize a reference chamber of the regulator when gaseous fuel injection is inactive (e.g., before and during cold start), and to regulate the pressure of gaseous fuel to varying pressures based on electronic pressure feedback and engine operating conditions when gaseous fuel injection is active. In one example, the pressure in the reference chamber of a pressure regulator may be varied by controlling valves to flow gaseous fuel into the reference chamber, and then controlling the valves to exhaust the gaseous fuel from the reference chamber, for example to a fuel vapor storage canister.

Abstract: Systems and methods for ventilating crankcase gases in a crankcase ventilation system via crankcase pressure pulsations are disclosed. In one example approach, a method comprises driving flow of crankcase ventilation gases through a crankcase of the engine from a fresh air inlet of the crankcase to an outlet of the crankcase via crankcase pressure pulsations while restricting backflow of crankcase ventilation gases from the outlet to the inlet, where the inlet and outlet are coupled upstream of an intake throttle of the engine.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an auxiliary battery and one or more accessory loads. An accessory load command is modulated such that the auxiliary battery outputs a discharge current to an accessory load. The discharge current has, in addition to a current component for driving the accessory load, an alternating current (AC) component to cause a temperature of the auxiliary battery to increase.

Abstract: A vehicle having a traction battery and at least one electric machine for propelling the vehicle is provided. A high voltage DC bus electrically connects the traction battery to the electric machine. A controller monitors and commands power flow through the DC bus, the electric machine, and the battery. In response to a key-off event, the controller immediately discharges the DC bus by providing a current to the electric machines. This discharge continues until the voltage on the DC bus reaches a threshold. As the speed of the electric machine decreases towards a speed threshold, the voltage in the DC bus is maintained. Once the electric machine speed reduces past the threshold, the DC bus discharges the remaining voltage in the DC bus at a rate slower than the first immediate discharge.

Abstract: A vapor purge valve in an engine is provided. The vapor purge valve includes a purge valve inlet, a purge valve outlet, and a muffler including a housing at least partially enclosing a diffuser in fluidic communication with the purge valve inlet and the purge valve outlet.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for using a crankcase vent tube pressure or flow sensor for diagnosing a location and nature of crankcase system integrity breach. The same sensor can also be used for diagnosing air filter plugging and PCV valve degradation. Use of an existing sensor to diagnose multiple engine components provides cost reduction and sensor compaction benefits.

Abstract: A vacuum pump connected to a unit where a low pressure is desired to be maintained, is adapted to reduce a rise in its temperature, during extended operations of the pump. A suction channel has a first end connected to a suction port of the pump and a second end connected to the unit. An aperture provided on the suction channel extends to a pre-determined depth with the channel. The aperture is plugged by a fusible material, or a material capable of subliming. As the temperature of the pump rises, the suction channel transfers heat to the plugging layer of the aperture, and the layer melts or sublimes gradually, with the temperature rise. Once the layer has completely melted or sublimed, the apertures aspirate ambient air from the surroundings into the pump, which cools the interior components of the pump, and quickly reduces the pump's temperature.

Abstract: A method for operation of a vehicle by a control system is provided. The method comprises indicating to a vehicle operator a delay in implementation of an energy-expending action in a powered vehicle system in response to receiving an implementation request from an input device based on vehicle energy usage via a delay indicator.

Abstract: A grab handle assembly for a vehicle has an asymmetrical handle that spans between a first end and a second end. The first end is operably coupled with an A-pillar of a frame of the vehicle. The second end is operably coupled with the A-pillar below the first end. The asymmetrical handle has a slanted portion and a curved portion, configured to provide a smooth downward transition between the A-pillar and the handle and to slidably deflect a forward moving object. The slanted portion extends down from the first end at a first angle. The curved portion protrudes outward and upward from the second end at a second angle to join the slanted portion. The first angle is less than the second angle and the first angle is less than thirty-five degrees, such that the first angle provides a smooth transition to the handle.

Abstract: Embodiments for controlling condensate in a charge air cooler are provided. One example method for an engine comprises cooling intake air through a charge air cooler and adjusting a vibration device of the charge air cooler based on charge air cooler condensation conditions.

Abstract: A method of controlling a line pressure in a transmission is provided. Line pressure in a transmission is set to a pressure value including a first term that is proportional to an input torque value. The first term has a coefficient of proportionality that is increased in response to a signal indicating clutch slippage. The input torque value is a measured input torque value in a steady-state condition. The input torque value may be a maximum of the measured input torque value and a driver demand torque value in a transient condition.

Abstract: A method for enacting DFSO in a motor vehicle having an engine and a transmission. The method includes, during a condition of normal engine-braking efficiency, disabling the DFSO below a higher gear of the transmission. During a condition of reduced engine-braking efficiency, by contrast, the DFSO is disabled below a lower gear of the transmission.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for draining water separated from diesel fuel into an EGR system. In response to the water volume in the fuel system and EGR flow at pre-determined levels, water may be introduced into the EGR system. EGR flow may also be controlled in response to introducing water into the EGR system and engine operating conditions.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for restarting an engine in response to a driver's change-of-mind. In one embodiment, the engine is shutdown during an idle stop with the transmission in a higher gear or with the transmission tied-up to a transmission case. In response to a driver change-of-mind restart request, the transmission is downshifted, or released from the tie-up, to return driveline torque.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for using a crankcase vent tube pressure or flow sensor for diagnosing a location and nature of crankcase system integrity breach. The same sensor can also be used for diagnosing air filter plugging and PCV valve degradation. Use of an existing sensor to diagnose multiple engine components provides cost reduction and sensor compaction benefits.

Abstract: A method to control a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) having a compression ignition engine includes operating the engine based on an engine-on request and performing an exhaust aftertreatment procedure based on a completion time for the aftertreatment procedure compared to a predicted engine-on time determined using a driving pattern. An HEV is provided with a compression ignition engine with an aftertreatment system, and a controller. The controller is configured to: (i) operate the engine based on an engine-on request, and (ii) perform an exhaust aftertreatment procedure for the vehicle based on a completion time for the aftertreatment procedure compared to a predicted engine-on time determined using a driving pattern. A computer readable medium having stored data representing instructions executable by a controller to control a vehicle is provided with instructions for operating the engine based on an engine-on request, and instructions for performing an exhaust aftertreatment procedure.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for varying fuel injection pressure in a gaseous-fueled vehicle. A mechanical pressure regulator may be modified to regulate the pressure of gaseous fuel to varying pressures based on electronic pressure feedback and engine operating conditions. In one example, a regulating pressure in a low pressure chamber of a pressure regulator may be varied by controllably flowing gaseous fuel into or out of a reference chamber of the pressure regulator, and the gaseous fuel exhausted from the reference chamber may be directed to the engine for combustion.

Abstract: A curable epoxy resin formulation composition useful as insulation for an electrical apparatus including (a) at least one divinylarene dioxide; (b) at least one epoxy resin different from the divinylarene dioxide of component (a); (c) at least one anhydride hardener; (d) at least one filler; and (e) at least one cure catalyst; wherein the epoxy resin formulation composition upon curing provides a cured product with a requisite balance of electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties such as Tg, tensile strength, dielectric strength, and volume resistivity such that the cured product can be used in applications operated at a temperature of greater than or equal to 100° C.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a detection module including a directional antenna and signal processing logic. The detection module is located within the vehicle, arranged with respect to a driver region, and configured to detect a condition wherein a wireless phone is operated within the driver region. The detection module generates an output indicative of the detected condition. The vehicle further includes a controller configured to receive the output, and control the vehicle in response to the detected condition.