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).

  • Methods and systems for estimating an air-fuel ratio with a variable voltage oxygen sensor
    Patent number: 9611799
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for estimating an exhaust air/fuel ratio based on outputs from an exhaust oxygen sensor. In one example, a method may include adjusting engine operation based on an air-fuel ratio estimated based on an output of the exhaust oxygen sensor and a learned correction factor. For example, the oxygen sensor may operate in a variable voltage mode in which a reference voltage of the oxygen sensor may be adjusted between a lower first voltage and a higher second voltage, and the learned correction factor is based on the second voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel A. Makled, Gopichandra Surnilla, Richard E. Soltis, Kenneth John Behr
  • Methods and systems for fixed and variable pressure fuel injection
    Patent number: 9611801
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a high pressure injection pump to provide each of high fixed fuel pressure at a first direct injection fuel rail and high variable fuel pressure at a second direct injection fuel rail. The direct injection fuel rail pressure can be raised above a pressure provided with a lift pump via a fuel system configuration that includes various check valves, pressure relief valves, and a spill valve positioned between an inlet of the high pressure injection pump and the port injection fuel rail. Fixed and variable high pressure direct injection may be advantageously used to provide learn the ballistic region of each direct injector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Joseph F. Basmaji, Mark Meinhart, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Method and system for improved dilution tolerance
    Patent number: 9611792
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Wooldridge, Gopichandra Surnilla, Jianwen James Yi, Brad Alan Boyer, James Alfred Hilditch, Michael Howard Shelby, Benjamin Richard Petersen
  • METHOD FOR HUMIDITY MEASUREMENT ENABLEMENT
    Publication number: 20170082045
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for triggering a humidity measurement based on changes in ambient conditions. In one example, a method may include, in response to a higher than threshold change in ambient air temperature or pressure, operating an oxygen sensor to update an ambient humidity estimate. Engine operation parameters may be adjusted based on the updated ambient humidity estimate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: Daniel A. Makled, Gopichandra Surnilla, Richard E. Soltis, Michael McQuillen, Mohannad Hakeem, Lyth Alobiedat
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DIAGNOSING AN INTAKE OXYGEN SENSOR BASED ON PRESSURE
    Publication number: 20170074215
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for diagnosing an intake oxygen sensor. In one example, a method may include indicating degradation of an intake oxygen sensor based on a first time constant of an output of the intake oxygen sensor and a second time constant of an output of a throttle inlet pressure sensor. The method may further include adjusting EGR flow based on the output of the intake oxygen sensor and the output of the throttle inlet pressure sensor when the intake oxygen sensor is not degraded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Yong-Wha Kim, Michael James Uhrich, Timothy Joseph Clark
  • Method of diagnosing injector variability in a multiple injector system
    Patent number: 9593637
    Abstract: Various systems and methods are described for diagnosing injector variability in a dual fuel, multi-injector system. In one example, a single injector in one cylinder is enabled while remaining cylinders are fueled with a first fuel and subsequently, a second fuel is injected via the enabled injector into the one cylinder in a predetermined sequence and fuel rail pressure drops are measured. Further, measured pressure drop after each injection event is corrected for an increase in injector closing delay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Adithya Pravarun Re Ranga, Mark Meinhart
  • Adaptive learning of duty cycle for a high pressure fuel pump
    Patent number: 9587578
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for closed loop operation of a high pressure fuel pump connected to the direct injectors of an internal combustion engine. During operation of the high pressure pump a dead zone may exist where a substantial change in the pump duty cycle does not correspond to a substantial change in the fuel rail pressure. To operate outside the dead zone, a relationship between the pump duty cycle and fuel rail pressure is learned upon completion of several pump and engine conditions, thereby improving high pressure pump operation and reducing pump degradation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Mark Meinhart, Joseph F. Basmaji, Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Hao Zhang
  • METHOD OF FUEL INJECTION FOR A VARIABLE DISPLACEMENT ENGINE
    Publication number: 20170051690
    Abstract: Various systems and methods are described for controlling fuel injection in a variable displacement engine. One method for a deactivatable cylinder comprises, before deactivating the cylinder responsive to operating conditions, disabling a port injector and fueling the cylinder only via the direct injector. The method further comprises, when reactivating the cylinder from deactivation, enabling both the port injector and the direct injector, and injecting a higher amount of fuel via the direct injector while simultaneously injecting a lower amount of fuel via the port injector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventors: Chris Paul Glugla, Gopichandra Surnilla
  • System and method for exhaust gas recirculation estimation with two intake oxygen sensors
    Patent number: 9574509
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for estimating exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) flow based on outputs of two different intake oxygen sensors arranged in an engine intake system. In one example, a method may include, when the engine is boosted, adjusting exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) based on a first output of a first oxygen sensor positioned in an intake passage and exposed to EGR gases and a second output of a second oxygen sensor not exposed to EGR gases and exposed to positive crankcase ventilation and purge flow gases. For example, EGR flow may be estimated based on a difference between the first output and the second output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael James Uhrich, Imtiaz Ali, Timothy Joseph Clark, Gopichandra Surnilla
  • Methods and systems for estimating exhaust pressure with a variable voltage oxygen sensor
    Patent number: 9574510
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel A. Makled, Gopichandra Surnilla, Richard E. Soltis, Michael McQuillen
  • ENGINE COLD-START CONTROL
    Publication number: 20170037803
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving engine startability during cold-start conditions, when operating with gasoline fuels, alcohol fuels, or blended fuels. In one example, a method of engine cold-start control may include initiating fuel injection for cylinder combustion with manifold pressure lowered via intake throttle adjustments. The manifold pressure is lowered based on an optimization between cylinder charge reduction and improved fuel boiling at the lower pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Publication date: February 9, 2017
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Jianwen James Yi, Steven Wooldridge, Alexander O`Connor Gibson, Gary Alan Coulson, Foo Chern Ting
  • Method and system for catalyst temperature control
    Patent number: 9556771
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, William Charles Ruona, Thomas G. Leone, Gopichandra Surnilla
  • Vehicle Emergency Broadcast
    Publication number: 20170015263
    Abstract: A communication system for a vehicle includes an accelerometer, and a controller electrically coupled to the accelerometer and configured to respond to a signal indicative of an accident of the vehicle. The controller's response to the signal includes activating an emergency mode, requesting biometric data of occupants of the vehicle, and transmitting data identifying the vehicle, a location of the vehicle and a time of activation, and biometric data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventors: Daniel A. Makled, Michael Mcquillen, Gopichandra Surnilla
  • Vehicle Emergency Broadcast and Relay
    Publication number: 20170018182
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a communication system. The communication system includes at least one controller and may include an RF transceiver. The controller is configured to receive a distress signal including emergency information and a relay count. The controller is configured to respond, when the relay count is less than a predetermined number and a location of the vehicle is greater than a predetermined distance away from a transmission location and an origination location of the distress signal, by causing the emergency information to be transmitted with an incremented relay count. The controller may be further configured to respond to the location of the vehicle being between the origination location and at least one transmission location by inhibiting the transmitting of the emergency information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventors: Daniel A. Makled, Gopichandra Surnilla, Michael Mcquillen
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ADJUSTING EGR BASED ON AN IMPACT OF PCV HYDROCARBONS ON AN INTAKE OXYGEN SENSOR
    Publication number: 20170002759
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for estimating an impact of PCV hydrocarbons on an output of an intake oxygen sensor. In one example, a method may include disabling EGR flow when the impact of PCV hydrocarbons on the output of the intake oxygen sensor is above a threshold. The impact of the PCV hydrocarbons on the output of the intake oxygen sensor may be based on a difference between the output of the intake oxygen sensor and a DPOV sensor when EGR is flow and a difference between the output of the intake oxygen sensor and expected blow-by when EGR is not flowing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Publication date: January 5, 2017
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, James Alfred Hilditch, Stephen B. Smith, Michael Howard Shelby, Todd Anthony Rumpsa, Mohannad Hakeem
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FUEL INJECTION
    Publication number: 20160377017
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for pressurizing a step chamber of a direct injection fuel pump. In one example, the step chamber may be pressurized to a pressure higher than an output pressure of a lift pump, the lift pump supplying fuel to the direct injection fuel pump. The pressurization of the step chamber may occur during at least a portion of a pump stroke of the direct injection fuel pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Joseph F. Basmaji, Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Gopichandra Surnilla, Mark Meinhart, Hao Zhang
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FUEL INJECTION
    Publication number: 20160377015
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for delivering fuel to a port injector fuel rail in a port fuel direct injection (PFDI) engine. In one example, the port injector fuel rail may receive fuel from each of a compression chamber and a step chamber of a direct injection fuel pump coupled in the PFDI engine. In this way, pressurized fuel may be supplied to the port injector fuel rail during an entire cycle of the direct injection fuel pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Gopichandra Surnilla, Joseph F. Basmaji, Mark Meinhart, Hao Zhang
  • Methods and system for fuel ethanol content estimation and engine control
    Patent number: 9528448
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for determining an amount of alcohol in fuel injected into an engine based on outputs from an exhaust gas sensor. In one example, a method includes estimating a first fuel alcohol content based on an air-fuel ratio estimated with the exhaust oxygen sensor and estimating a second fuel alcohol content based on a change in sensor output during modulating a reference voltage of the exhaust oxygen sensor between a first and second voltage. The method further includes adjusting engine operation based on a difference between the first and second fuel alcohol contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel A. Makled, Gopichandra Surnilla, Richard E. Soltis, Evangelos P. Skoures, Jacobus Hendrik Visser, Timothy Joseph Clark, David James Scholl
  • Methods and systems for diagnosing an intake oxygen sensor based on pressure
    Patent number: 9528476
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for diagnosing an intake oxygen sensor. In one example, a method may include indicating degradation of an intake oxygen sensor based on a first time constant of an output of the intake oxygen sensor and a second time constant of an output of a throttle inlet pressure sensor. The method may further include adjusting EGR flow based on the output of the intake oxygen sensor and the output of the throttle inlet pressure sensor when the intake oxygen sensor is not degraded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Yong-Wha Kim, Michael James Uhrich, Timothy Joseph Clark
  • METHOD FOR ESTIMATING CHARGE AIR COOLER CONDENSATION STORAGE AND/OR RELEASE WITH AN INTAKE OXYGEN SENSOR
    Publication number: 20160369728
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for estimating water storage in a charge air cooler (CAC). In one example, an amount of water in charge air exiting the CAC may be based on an output of an oxygen sensor positioned downstream of the CAC. Further, engine actuators may be adjusted to increase combustion stability and/or reduce condensate formation based on the amount of water exiting the CAC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Publication date: December 22, 2016
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Dan A. Makled, Richard E. Soltis