Patents by Inventor Gopichandra Surnilla

Gopichandra Surnilla has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Pressure device to reduce ticking noise during engine idling
    Patent number: 9683512
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a high-pressure fuel pump to mitigate audible ticking noise associated with opening and closing of a digital inlet valve of the high-pressure pump. To reduce the ticking noise associated with the high-pressure pump when the engine is idling, a solution is needed that is simple and does not involve retrofitting the fuel system with noise, vibration, and harshness countermeasures to mask the noise. Pressure devices and associated operation methods are provided that involve adding a combination of several check valves, an accumulator, and a flow control valve with weep channels to allow the digital inlet valve to be deactivated during engine idling as defined by a threshold engine speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark L. Stickler, Vince Paul Solferino, Paul Zeng, Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Robin Ivo Lawther, Patrick Brostrom, Jacob Jensen, Christopher Woodring, Joseph F. Basmaji, Mark Meinhart, Gopichandra Surnilla
  • Methods and systems for adjusting engine airflow based on output from an oxygen sensor
    Patent number: 9683497
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting a throttle based on an intake oxygen sensor output. In one example, a method may include adjusting a position of a throttle based on a dilution threshold and a total aircharge dilution level, the total dilution aircharge level based on an output of an intake oxygen sensor. Additionally, spark timing may be adjusted based on the total aircharge dilution level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Michael Howard Shelby, James Alfred Hilditch, Jason Williams
  • Method and system for control of an EGR valve during lean operation in a boosted engine system
    Patent number: 9683500
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing EGR estimation errors during lean engine operating conditions. During lean engine operation, EGR is disabled if the estimated exhaust air-fuel ratio becomes leaner than a lean threshold. The lean threshold is adjusted based on an upper limit of EGR errors that may be tolerated by the engine at a given engine speed and load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Todd Anthony Rumpsa, James Alfred Hilditch, Timothy Joseph Clark, Ralph Wayne Cunningham, Julia Helen Buckland, Daniel Joseph Styles
  • Methods and systems for learning variability of a direct fuel injector
    Patent number: 9683513
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving fuel injection of an engine that includes a cylinder receiving fuel from a direct fuel injector are disclosed. In one example, a transfer function or gain of a direct fuel injector is adjusted in response to an exhaust lambda value and a pulse width of a plurality of split fuel injections provided to an injector of the cylinder during a cylinder cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Adithya Pravarun Re Ranga, Gopichandra Surnilla, Joseph Norman Ulrey, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ESTIMATING EXHAUST PRESSURE WITH A VARIABLE VOLTAGE OXYGEN SENSOR
    Publication number: 20170167420
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for estimating an engine exhaust pressure based on outputs from an exhaust oxygen sensor. In one example, a method may include estimating an exhaust pressure of exhaust gas flowing through an engine exhaust passage based on a difference between a first output of an oxygen sensor disposed in the exhaust passage and a second output of the oxygen sensor and then adjusting engine operation based on the estimated exhaust pressure. As one example, both the first and second outputs may be taken while operating the sensor in a variable voltage mode, after increasing a reference voltage of the oxygen sensor from a lower, first voltage to a higher, second voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventors: Daniel A. Makled, Gopichandra Surnilla, Richard E. Soltis, Michael McQuillen
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PRE-IGNITION CONTROL
    Publication number: 20170167424
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting spark and/or fuel injection to a cylinder based on late combustion, partial burn, or misfire in a neighboring cylinder. A pressure sensor coupled to a cylinder exhaust port is used to sample exhaust pressure pulsations over a cylinder exhaust valve event, and accurately estimate an amount of residuals generated in and released from the cylinder as well as residuals received from the neighboring cylinder. Mitigating actions are performed in the cylinder in accordance before the occurrence of a pre-ignition event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventors: Chris Paul Glugla, Gopichandra Surnilla
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING KNOCK CONTROL FLUID COMPOSITION
    Publication number: 20170159614
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for accurately determining the composition of a knock control fluid using sensors already present in the engine system. An intake oxygen sensor is used to estimate the water and the alcohol content of a knock control fluid that is direct injected into an engine cylinder responsive to an indication of abnormal combustion. A change in the pumping current of the oxygen sensor due to the water content of the knock control fluid is distinguished from a change in the pumping current of the oxygen sensor due to the alcohol content of the knock control fluid, while compensating for interfering effects of intake air diluents on the change in pumping current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Publication date: June 8, 2017
    Inventors: Dane Miller, Michael McQuillen, Gopichandra Surnilla, Richard E. Soltis, Mohannad Hakeem
  • Condensation control in a charge air cooler by controlling charge air cooler temperature
    Patent number: 9664104
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing corrosion of a charge air cooler and reducing engine misfire due to condensate formation. In response to charge air cooler outlet temperature, electric fan operation and grille shutter opening is adjusted. Electric fan operation and grille shutter opening may also be controlled in response to vehicle operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chris Paul Glugla, Garlan J. Huberts, Gopichandra Surnilla, Daniel Joseph Styles, David Karl Bidner
  • Methods and systems for an intake oxygen sensor
    Patent number: 9664133
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting a reference voltage for an intake manifold oxygen sensor based on ingestion of hydrocarbons from a fuel system canister and/or an engine crankcase. During conditions when purge or crankcase ventilation hydrocarbons are ingested in the intake aircharge, the intake oxygen sensor is transitioned from operating at a lower reference voltage to a higher reference voltage where the effects of the ingested hydrocarbons on the sensor output are nullified. An EGR dilution of the intake aircharge is estimated based on the output of the sensor at the higher reference voltage while an amount of hydrocarbons ingested is estimated based on a difference between sensor outputs at the higher and lower reference voltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Daniel A. Makled, Richard E. Soltis, Stephen B. Smith
  • Ambient humidity detection transmission shifts
    Patent number: 9664594
    Abstract: Various method for operating an engine responsive to transmission shifts under non-fueling conditions are provided. In one example, a method of operating an internal combustion engine comprises deactivating at least one engine cylinder, performing a diagnostic while the at least one engine cylinder is deactivated and while the engine is operating under high load, predicting a transmission shift, and responsive to the predicted transmission shift, reducing engine load below the high load and terminating the diagnostic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel A. Makled, Gopichandra Surnilla, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Brian Shu, Stephen B. Smith
  • Oxygen sensor control responsive to resistance and impedance
    Patent number: 9664132
    Abstract: Various methods are provided for operating an oxygen sensor. In one example, a method of operating an oxygen sensor including a heater comprises sampling a first heater resistance at a first temperature, and determining a resistance-temperature transfer function relating heater resistance to heater temperature based on the first heater resistance and a second heater resistance at a second temperature, the second temperature different from the first temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael McQuillen, Gopichandra Surnilla, Richard E. Soltis, Daniel A. Makled, Stephen B. Smith
  • Method and system for knock control
    Patent number: 9664128
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving engine knock tolerance, in particular when rapidly ramping in LP-EGR from low levels of EGR. Until a desired LP-EGR rate is achieved, fuel may be delivered as a split injection with at least an intake stroke injection and a compression stroke injection to compensate for the transport delay in EGR filling the intake system. Subsequently, single fuel injection may be resumed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Wooldridge, Gopichandra Surnilla, Brad Alan Boyer, James Alfred Hilditch, Michael Howard Shelby, Chris Paul Glugla, Benjamin Richard Petersen
  • System and methods for operating an exhaust gas recirculation valve based on a temperature difference of the valve
    Patent number: 9664129
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for determining changes in a flow area of an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve for EGR flow estimates due to a change in temperature difference between a stem and body of the EGR valve. In one example, a method includes adjusting an EGR valve based on an estimate of EGR flow, the EGR flow estimated based on a pressure difference across the EGR valve and an adjusted valve flow area. The adjusted valve flow area may be based on the temperature difference between the stem and body of the EGR valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Daniel Joseph Styles, James Alfred Hilditch, Imtiaz Ali, Yan Wang, Todd Anthony Rumpsa
  • Zero flow lubrication for a high pressure fuel pump
    Patent number: 9657680
    Abstract: Methods and systems are providing for improving zero flow lubrication (ZFL) of a high pressure fuel pump coupled to direct fuel injectors via a direct injection fuel rail. A ZFL transfer function for the fuel pump is learned while fuel is at non-nominal fuel bulk modulus conditions and corrected for variations from a nominal fuel bulk modulus estimate. When zero flow lubrication of the pump is requested, the pump is operated with a duty cycle based on the learned transfer function and an instantaneous estimate of the fuel bulk modulus to compensate for differences in fuel condition from the nominal fuel bulk modulus estimate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Hao Zhang, Mark Meinhart
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPROVED DILUTION TOLERANCE
    Publication number: 20170138282
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving combustion stability, in particular during transient operations such as tip-out to lower load conditions, when EGR is being purged. Until a desired LP-EGR rate is achieved, fuel may be delivered as a split injection with at least an intake stroke injection and a compression stroke injection. Subsequently, single fuel injection may be resumed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Steven Wooldridge, Gopichandra Surnilla, Jianwen James Yi, Brad Alan Boyer, James Alfred Hilditch, Michael Howard Shelby, Benjamin Richard Petersen
  • Engine control coordination with grille shutter adjustment and ambient conditions
    Patent number: 9650942
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing corrosion of a charge air cooler and preventing engine misfire due to condensate formation. In response to an engine controller determining a condensate forming location within a charge air cooler, a grille shutter system is adjusted, moving the condensate region to a different location in the charge air cooler. Grille shutter orientation may also be controlled in response to vehicle operating conditions and condensate-forming weather conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Daniel Joseph Styles, Kristofor Robert Norman, Chris Paul Glugla, Craig Alan Smith, Joseph Patrick Whitehead
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CATALYST TEMPERATURE CONTROL
    Publication number: 20170122164
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling and coordinating control of a post-catalyst exhaust throttle and an EGR valve to expedite catalyst heating. By closing both valves during an engine cold start, an elevated exhaust backpressure and increased heat rejection at an EGR cooler can be synergistically used to warm each of an engine and an exhaust catalyst. The valves may also be controlled to vary an amount of exhaust flowing through an exhaust venturi so as to meet engine vacuum needs while providing a desired amount of engine EGR.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, William Charles Ruona, Thomas G. Leone, Gopichandra Surnilla
  • Methods and systems for adjusting fueling of engine cylinders
    Patent number: 9631573
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving fuel injection of an engine that includes a cylinder receiving fuel from two different fuel injectors is disclosed. In one example, fueling errors for each of the two fuel injectors are determined based on fractions of fuel supplied by the two fuel injectors during different engine operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Adithya Pravarun Re Ranga, Joseph Lyle Thomas, Ethan D. Sanborn, Xiaoying Zhang
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING KNOCK CONTROL FLUID COMPOSITION
    Publication number: 20170107949
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for accurately determining the composition of a knock control fluid using sensors already present in the engine system. An intake or an exhaust oxygen sensor is used to estimate the water and the alcohol content of a knock control fluid that is direct injected into an engine cylinder responsive to an indication of abnormal combustion. A change in the pumping current of the oxygen sensor due to the water content of the knock control fluid is distinguished from a change in the pumping current of the oxygen sensor due to the alcohol content of the knock control fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Mohannad Hakeem, Gopichandra Surnilla
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING KNOCK CONTROL FLUID COMPOSITION
    Publication number: 20170107918
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for accurately determining the composition of a knock control fluid using sensors already present in the engine system. An intake or an exhaust oxygen sensor is used to estimate the water and the alcohol content of a knock control fluid that is direct injected into an engine cylinder responsive to an indication of abnormal combustion. A change in the pumping current of the oxygen sensor due to the water content of the knock control fluid is distinguished from a change in the pumping current of the oxygen sensor due to the alcohol content of the knock control fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Mohannad Hakeem, Gopichandra Surnilla