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).

  • Systems and methods for a split exhaust engine system
    Patent number: 10107220
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a split exhaust engine system that provides blowthrough air and exhaust gas recirculation to an intake passage via a first exhaust manifold and exhaust gas to an exhaust passage via a second exhaust manifold. In one example, an amount of opening overlap between a plurality of intake valves and a first set of exhaust valves coupled to the first exhaust manifold may be adjusted responsive to a transition from an estimated combustion air-fuel content to a leaner air-fuel content of the blowthrough air on a cylinder to cylinder basis. As one example, the transition may be determined from an output of an oxygen sensor positioned within the first exhaust manifold or an exhaust runner of each of the first set of exhaust valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Gopichandra Surnilla
  • Method and system for engine cold-start
    Patent number: 10107219
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting engine cranking speed, fueling, and spark initiation to increase fuel vaporization during cold-start conditions. In one example, a method may include, during engine cold-start, cranking the engine at a lower speed relative to a nominal cranking speed while injecting fuel and disabling spark for a number of engine cycles, and after the completion of the number of engine cycle increasing the cranking speed and initiating spark.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gary Alan Coulson, Steven Wooldridge, Gopichandra Surnilla
  • Method and system for dual fuel engine system
    Patent number: 10100773
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for accurately estimating an engine volumetric efficiency in a multi-fuel engine system operating with different fuels and different injection systems. The volumetric efficiency is revised based on the fraction of each fuel in the total fuel injection amount as well as based on the injection type for each fuel. The volumetric efficiency estimate compensates for the partial pressure effect and charge cooling effect of each fuel as well as each injection type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Michael Howard Shelby
  • Systems and methods for fuel injection
    Patent number: 10100774
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph F. Basmaji, Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Gopichandra Surnilla, Mark Meinhart, Hao Zhang
  • Engine cold-start control
    Patent number: 10087860
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Jianwen James Yi, Steven Wooldridge, Alexander O'Connor Gibson, Gary Alan Coulson, Foo Chern Ting
  • System and method for lubricating a fuel pump
    Patent number: 10082118
    Abstract: Systems and methods for diagnosing and operating an engine with a fuel pump that supplies fuel to a fuel injector that may be temporarily deactivated are described. In one example, injection of fuel may commence in response to a level of lubrication of a fuel pump. The system and methods may extend fuel pump life in systems where fuel injection may be deactivated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Joseph Basmaji, Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Larry Dean Elie, Richard E. Soltis, David Karl Bidner
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ENGINE COLD-START
    Publication number: 20180266350
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting engine cranking speed, fueling, and spark initiation to increase fuel vaporization during cold-start conditions. In one example, a method may include, during engine cold-start, cranking the engine at a lower speed relative to a nominal cranking speed while injecting fuel and disabling spark for a number of engine cycles, and after the completion of the number of engine cycle increasing the cranking speed and initiating spark.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Publication date: September 20, 2018
    Inventors: Gary Alan Coulson, Steven Wooldridge, Gopichandra Surnilla
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ENGINE COLD-START
    Publication number: 20180266351
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting engine cranking speed, fueling, and spark initiation to increase fuel vaporization during cold-start conditions. In one example, a method may include, during engine cold-start, cranking the engine at a lower speed relative to a nominal cranking speed while injecting fuel and disabling spark for a number of engine cycles, and after the completion of the number of engine cycle increasing the cranking speed and initiating spark.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Publication date: September 20, 2018
    Inventors: Gary Alan Coulson, Steven Wooldridge, Gopichandra Surnilla
  • Oxygen sensor element blackening detection
    Patent number: 10078033
    Abstract: The present description relates generally to methods and systems for detecting thermal aging and blackening in oxygen sensors. Thermal aging and blackening effects may be differentiated based on a monitored change in impedance in each of a pump cell and a Nernst cell of the oxygen sensor following application of an alternating voltage. In response to detection of thermal aging and/or blackening in the oxygen sensor corrective measures may be taken to ensure accurate oxygen estimation using the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael McQuillen, Gopichandra Surnilla, Richard E. Soltis, Daniel A. Makled, John Joseph Virga
  • METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN ENGINE DURING A RESTART
    Publication number: 20180258896
    Abstract: Various systems and methods are described for controlling an engine in a vehicle, the engine being coupled to a transmission. One example method comprises, under selected braking conditions, shutting-off the engine and spinning-down the engine to rest while the vehicle is traveling, and in response to a foot-off-brake event, restarting the engine by at least partially engaging the transmission and adjusting engine torque control actuators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2018
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Inventors: Donald J. Lewis, Gopichandra Surnilla, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Methods and system for central fuel injection
    Patent number: 10066571
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for leveraging the charge cooling effect of a manifold fuel injection. A charge cooling effect of a scheduled manifold fuel injection may be predicted based on feedback received from a manifold charge temperature sensor during a preceding manifold injection event. If sufficient charge cooling is not predicted, the manifold fuel injection is temporarily disabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kutaiba Alrefaai, Adithya Pravarun Re Ranga, Calvin Trescott, Mohannad Hakeem, Stephen B. Smith, Gopichandra Surnilla
  • Method for humidity measurement enablement
    Patent number: 10060369
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel A. Makled, Gopichandra Surnilla, Richard E. Soltis, Michael McQuillen, Mohannad Hakeem, Lyth Alobiedat
  • Method and system for pre-ignition control
    Patent number: 10060382
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chris Paul Glugla, Gopichandra Surnilla
  • METHODS AND SYSTEM FOR INJECTING WATER AT DIFFERENT GROUPS OF CYLINDERS OF AN ENGINE
    Publication number: 20180238255
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting an amount of water injected upstream of a group of cylinders based on a determined maldistribution of water among cylinders during a water injection event. In one example, a method may include injecting a first amount of water upstream of a first group of cylinders and a different, second amount of water upstream of a second group of cylinders based on operating conditions of the respective cylinder groups. Further, the method may include adjusting water injection and engine operating parameters in response the evaporated and/or condensed portion of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2018
    Publication date: August 23, 2018
    Inventors: Mohannad Hakeem, Gopichandra Surnilla, Christopher House, Michael Howard Shelby, Joseph Norman Ulrey
  • Methods and system for water injection control
    Patent number: 10054036
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for selecting a location for water injection during a water injection event based on ambient temperature and humidity, as well as engine operating conditions. In one example, a method may include injecting water upstream of a charge air cooler in response to operating the cooler in heater mode and injecting water downstream of the cooler in response to operating the cooler in cooler mode. Further, the method may include operating the cooler in heater mode based on dry, cold ambient conditions and a dilution demand and operating the cooler in cooler mode based on engine boost conditions and engine knock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mohannad Hakeem, Gopichandra Surnilla, Joseph Norman Ulrey
  • METHODS AND SYSTEM MITIGATING DIRECT INJECTION DEGRADATION
    Publication number: 20180230930
    Abstract: Methods and systems for simultaneously operating port fuel injectors and direct fuel injectors of an internal combustion engine are described. In one example, operation of a port fuel injector is deactivated in response to an indication of reduced performance of a direct fuel injector so that degradation of the direct fuel injector may be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2018
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventors: Ethan D. Sanborn, Joseph Lyle Thomas, Paul Hollar, Xiaoying Zhang, Gopichandra Surnilla, Stephen George Russ
  • Active park assist detection of semi-trailer overhang
    Patent number: 10049573
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for active park assist detection of semi-trailer overhang. An example vehicle includes a first range detection sensor, a second range detection sensor different from the first range detection sensor, and a parking assist unit. The parking assist unit detects, with the first and second range detection sensors, a second vehicle with an overhang adjacent to a parking space. Additionally, the parking assist unit broadcasts, with a DSRC module, a message including properties of the parking space accounting for the overhang.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Daniel A. Makled, Michael McQuillen, Ali Ahmad Ayoub, Jeremy Ferack
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ENGINE FUEL AND TORQUE CONTROL
    Publication number: 20180223760
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for accurately estimating intake aircharge based on the output of an intake oxygen sensor while flowing EGR, purge, or PCV hydrocarbons to the engine. The unadjusted aircharge estimate is used for engine fuel control while the hydrocarbon adjusted aircharge estimate is used for engine torque control. A controller is configured to sample the oxygen sensor at even increments in a time domain, stamp the sampled data in a crank angle domain, store the sampled data in a buffer, and then select one or more data samples corresponding to a last firing period from the buffer for estimating the intake aircharge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, James Alfred Hilditch, Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Michael McQuillen, Martin Brown, Imtiaz Ali, Naginder Gogna
  • Methods and systems for estimating exhaust pressure with a variable voltage oxygen sensor
    Patent number: 10041428
    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: February 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel A. Makled, Gopichandra Surnilla, Richard E. Soltis, Michael McQuillen
  • Method and system for secondary fluid injection control in an engine
    Patent number: 10030592
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting the amount of secondary fluid being injected into an engine. In one example, a method may include adjusting an amount of secondary fluid injected at an engine cylinder based on a secondary fluid injection amount estimated from outputs of an exhaust oxygen sensor. For example, the secondary fluid injection amount may be estimated based on a first change in pumping current of the exhaust oxygen sensor between a first and second reference voltage when only fuel is injected into the engine cylinder and a second change in pumping current of the exhaust oxygen sensor between the first and second reference voltage when fuel and the secondary fluid are injected into the engine cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Richard E. Soltis, Daniel A. Makled