Patents by Inventor Shikui Kevin Chen
Shikui Kevin Chen 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).
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Publication number: 20170370804Abstract: A variety of methods and arrangements for detecting misfire and other engine-related errors are described. In one aspect, a window is assigned to a target firing opportunity for a target working chamber. There is an attempt to fire a target working chamber during the target firing opportunity. A change in an engine parameter (e.g., crankshaft angular acceleration) is measured during the window. A model (e.g., a pressure model) is used to help determine an expected change in the engine parameter during the target firing opportunity. Based on a comparison of the expected change and the measured change in the engine parameter, a determination is made as to whether an engine error (e.g., misfire) has occurred.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2017Publication date: December 28, 2017Inventors: Shikui Kevin CHEN, Masaki NAGASHIMA, Li-Chun CHIEN
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Patent number: 9835522Abstract: A variety of methods and arrangements for detecting failure of the commanded air induction in an internal combustion engine are described. In some embodiments, the intake manifold pressure is monitored. An air induction event generates a fluctuation in the intake manifold pressure, which is recorded. The signal is processed through a diagnostic filter to help determine whether the actual induction matched the commanded induction. In other embodiments, measured crankshaft acceleration is compared with estimated crankshaft acceleration. If the two quantities differ by a threshold amount an induction fault is detected. The two detection methods may also be combined. The describe approaches are particularly well suited for use in engines operating in a skip fire mode with cylinder deactivation and/or a dynamic firing level modulation mode.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2015Date of Patent: December 5, 2017Assignee: Tula Technology, Inc.Inventors: Shikui Kevin Chen, Allan J. Kotwicki, Joel D. Van Ess, Robert S. Bailey, Mohammad R. Pirjaberi
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Publication number: 20170299466Abstract: A variety of methods and arrangements for detecting failure of the commanded air induction in an internal combustion engine are described. In some embodiments, the intake manifold pressure is monitored. An air induction event generates a fluctuation in the intake manifold pressure, which is recorded. The signal is processed through a diagnostic filter to help determine whether the actual induction matched the commanded induction. In other embodiments, measured crankshaft acceleration is compared with estimated crankshaft acceleration. If the two quantities differ by a threshold amount an induction fault is detected. The two detection methods may also be combined. The describe approaches are particularly well suited for use in engines operating in a skip fire mode with cylinder deactivation and/or a dynamic firing level modulation mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2017Publication date: October 19, 2017Inventors: Shikui Kevin CHEN, Allan J. KOTWICKI, Joel D. VAN ESS, Robert S. BAILEY, Mohammad R. PIRJABERI
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Patent number: 9790867Abstract: Methods and arrangements for transitioning an engine between a deceleration cylinder cutoff (DCCO) state and an operational state are described. In one aspect, transitions from DCCO begin with reactivating cylinders to pump air to reduce the pressure in the intake manifold prior to firing any cylinders. In another aspect, transitions from DCCO, involve the use of an air pumping skip fire operational mode. After the manifold pressure has been reduced, the engine may transition to either a cylinder deactivation skip fire operational mode or other appropriate operational mode. In yet another aspect a method of transitioning into DCCO using a skip fire approach is described. In this aspect, the fraction of the working cycles that are fired is gradually reduced to a threshold firing fraction. All of the working chambers are then deactivated after reaching the threshold firing fraction.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2016Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: Tula Technology, Inc.Inventors: Steven E. Carlson, Xin Yuan, Siamak Hashemi, Vijay Srinivasan, Srihari Kalluri, Andrew W. Phillips, Mark A. Wilcutts, Louis J. Serrano, Shikui Kevin Chen
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Patent number: 9784644Abstract: A variety of methods and arrangements for detecting misfire and other engine-related errors are described. In one aspect, a window is assigned to a target firing opportunity for a target working chamber. There is an attempt to fire a target working chamber during the target firing opportunity. A change in an engine parameter (e.g., crankshaft angular acceleration) is measured during the window. A model (e.g., a pressure model) is used to help determine an expected change in the engine parameter during the target firing opportunity. Based on a comparison of the expected change and the measured change in the engine parameter, a determination is made as to whether an engine error (e.g., misfire) has occurred.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2015Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: Tula Technology, Inc.Inventors: Shikui Kevin Chen, Masaki Nagashima, Li-Chun Chien
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Patent number: 9650923Abstract: A variety of methods and devices for controlling the operation of the intake and exhaust valves in an internal combustion engine during skip fire operation are described. In various embodiments, an exhaust valve monitor or other suitable mechanism is used to detect exhaust valve actuation faults. When an exhaust valve actuation fault is detected for a particular cylinder, the corresponding intake valve is deactivated (or not activated) in circumstances when it would otherwise be activated in order to prevent the intake valve from opening into a cylinder that contains high pressure combustion gases. The described approach is particularly beneficial when skip fire operation is combined with cylinder deactivation so that air is not pumped through the cylinders during the skipped working cycles.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2015Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: Tula Technology, Inc.Inventors: John W. Parsels, Matthew A. Younkins, Shikui Kevin Chen
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Publication number: 20170130630Abstract: A variety of methods and arrangements for controlling the exhaust gas temperature of a lean burn, skip fire controlled internal combustion engine are described. In one aspect, an engine controller includes an aftertreatment system monitor and a firing timing determination unit. The aftertreatment monitor obtains data relating to a temperature of one or more aftertreatment elements, such as a catalytic converter. Based at least partly on this data, the firing timing determination unit generates a firing sequence for operating the engine in a skip fire manner such that the temperature of the aftertreatment element is controlled within its effective operating range.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2016Publication date: May 11, 2017Inventors: Matthew A. YOUNKINS, Shikui Kevin CHEN, Mark A. WILCUTTS
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Publication number: 20170101956Abstract: Methods and systems are described for detecting valve actuation faults in internal combustion engines operating in a skip fire operational mode. In one aspect, for each skip fire working cycle, an expected exhaust pressure is determined for a time period corresponding to a potential exhaust event. One or more exhaust gas pressure sensors are then used to measure an actual exhaust pressure during the potential exhaust period. The actual exhaust pressure is compared to the expected exhaust pressure to determine whether a valve actuation fault has occurred. A variety of valve actuation faults can be identified using the described approach. In some embodiments pressure sensors are deployed in the runners of the exhaust manifold.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventors: Matthew A. YOUNKINS, Shikui Kevin CHEN
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Patent number: 9581098Abstract: Methods and devices are described for performing engine diagnostics during skip fire operation of an engine while a vehicle is being driven. Knowledge of the firing sequence is used to determine appropriate times to conduct selected diagnostics and/or to help better interpret sensor inputs or diagnostic results. In one aspect, selected diagnostics are executed when a single cylinder is fired a plurality of times in isolation relative to a sensor used in the diagnosis. In another aspect, selected diagnostics are conducted while the engine is operated using a firing sequence that insures that no cylinders in a first cylinder bank are fired for a plurality of engine cycles while cylinders in a second bank are at least sometimes fired. The described tests can be conducted opportunistically, when conditions are appropriate, or specific firing sequences can be commanded to achieve the desired isolation or skipping of one or more selected cylinders.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2015Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: Tula Technology, Inc.Inventors: Shikui Kevin Chen, Xin Yuan, Joshua P. Switkes, Steven E. Carlson, Mark A. Shost
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Patent number: 9562470Abstract: Methods and systems are described for detecting valve actuation faults in internal combustion engines operating in a skip fire operational mode. In one aspect, a torque model is used to estimate an expected net torque during a selected operating window. The torque model considers an expected torque contribution from each of the cylinders and accounts for the effects of specific skip fire firing decisions that affect the expected torque contribution from each cylinder. A parameter indicative of the actual engine torque is also measured. Valve actuation faults can then be identified based at least in part on a comparison of the measured parameter to an expected parameter value that is based at least in part on the expected net torque. With the described approaches, the occurrence of the valve actuation fault can be made within one engine cycle of the initial occurrence of the fault.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2015Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: Tula Technology, Inc.Inventors: Matthew A. Younkins, Shikui Kevin Chen, Li-Chun Chien, Masaki Nagashima, John W. Parsels, Geoff Routledge
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Patent number: 9441524Abstract: Various systems and methods are described for an engine system with an exhaust gas treatment system including a particulate filter. In one example method, accumulated hydrocarbons are removed from the exhaust gas treatment system by increasing an exhaust gas temperature to a first temperature responsive to a particulate filter regeneration request during extended cold idle operation. After a predetermined duration, the exhaust gas temperature is increased to a second, higher temperature to regenerate the particulate filter.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2015Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Shikui Kevin Chen, Kirk Andrew Parrish, Joseph Goode, Jeffrey Malcolm Travis, Norman Hiam Opolsky
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Patent number: 9399963Abstract: A variety of methods and arrangements for detecting misfire in a skip fire engine control system are described. In one aspect, a window is assigned to a target firing opportunity for a target working chamber. A change in an engine parameter is measured during the window. A determination is made as to whether a firing opportunity before the target firing opportunity is a skip or a fire and/or whether a firing opportunity after the target firing opportunity is a skip or a fire. Based at least in part on this skip/fire determination, a determination is made as to whether the target working chamber has misfired. In various embodiments, if the target working chamber is identified as persistently misfiring, the firing sequence is modified so that the target working chamber is deactivated and excluded from the firing sequence. In still other embodiments, a torque model is used to detect engine-related problems.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2014Date of Patent: July 26, 2016Assignee: Tula Technology, Inc.Inventors: Charles H. Loucks, Joel D. Van Ess, Siamak Hashemi, Louis J. Serrano, Mohammad R. Pirjaberi, Shikui Kevin Chen, Matthew A. Younkins, Mark A. Shost, Mark A. Wilcutts
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Publication number: 20160146121Abstract: Methods and arrangements for transitioning an engine between a deceleration cylinder cutoff (DCCO) state and an operational state are described. In one aspect, transitions from DCCO begin with reactivating cylinders to pump air to reduce the pressure in the intake manifold prior to firing any cylinders. In another aspect, transitions from DCCO, involve the use of an air pumping skip fire operational mode. After the manifold pressure has been reduced, the engine may transition to either a cylinder deactivation skip fire operational mode or other appropriate operational mode. In yet another aspect a method of transitioning into DCCO using a skip fire approach is described. In this aspect, the fraction of the working cycles that are fired is gradually reduced to a threshold firing fraction. All of the working chambers are then deactivated after reaching the threshold firing fraction.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2016Publication date: May 26, 2016Inventors: Steven E. CARLSON, Xin YUAN, Siamak HASHEMI, Vijay SRINIVASAN, Srihari KALLURI, Andrew W. PHILLIPS, Mark A. WILCUTTS, Louis J. SERRANO, Shikui Kevin CHEN
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Publication number: 20160116371Abstract: A variety of methods and arrangements for detecting failure of the commanded air induction in an internal combustion engine are described. In some embodiments, the intake manifold pressure is monitored. An air induction event generates a fluctuation in the intake manifold pressure, which is recorded. The signal is processed through a diagnostic filter to help determine whether the actual induction matched the commanded induction. In other embodiments, measured crankshaft acceleration is compared with estimated crankshaft acceleration. If the two quantities differ by a threshold amount an induction fault is detected. The two detection methods may also be combined. The describe approaches are particularly well suited for use in engines operating in a skip fire mode with cylinder deactivation and/or a dynamic firing level modulation mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2015Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventors: Shikui Kevin CHEN, Allan J. KOTWICKI, Joel D. VAN ESS, Robert S. BAILEY, Mohammad R. PIRJABERI
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Publication number: 20160109330Abstract: A variety of methods and arrangements for detecting misfire and other engine-related errors are described. In one aspect, a window is assigned to a target firing opportunity for a target working chamber. There is an attempt to fire a target working chamber during the target firing opportunity. A change in an engine parameter (e.g., crankshaft angular acceleration) is measured during the window. A model (e.g., a pressure model) is used to help determine an expected change in the engine parameter during the target firing opportunity. Based on a comparison of the expected change and the measured change in the engine parameter, a determination is made as to whether an engine error (e.g., misfire) has occurred.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2015Publication date: April 21, 2016Inventors: Shikui Kevin CHEN, Masaki NAGASHIMA, Li-Chun CHIEN
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Publication number: 20160061127Abstract: Methods and devices are described for performing engine diagnostics during skip fire operation of an engine while a vehicle is being driven. Knowledge of the firing sequence is used to determine appropriate times to conduct selected diagnostics and/or to help better interpret sensor inputs or diagnostic results. In one aspect, selected diagnostics are executed when a single cylinder is fired a plurality of times in isolation relative to a sensor used in the diagnosis. In another aspect, selected diagnostics are conducted while the engine is operated using a firing sequence that insures that no cylinders in a first cylinder bank are fired for a plurality of engine cycles while cylinders in a second bank are at least sometimes fired. The described tests can be conducted opportunistically, when conditions are appropriate, or specific firing sequences can be commanded to achieve the desired isolation or skipping of one or more selected cylinders.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2015Publication date: March 3, 2016Inventors: Shikui Kevin CHEN, Xin YUAN, Joshua P. SWITKES, Steven E. CARLSON, Mark A. SHOST
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Publication number: 20160024981Abstract: A variety of methods and devices for controlling the operation of the intake and exhaust valves in an internal combustion engine during skip fire operation are described. In various embodiments, an exhaust valve monitor or other suitable mechanism is used to detect exhaust valve actuation faults. When an exhaust valve actuation fault is detected for a particular cylinder, the corresponding intake valve is deactivated (or not activated) in circumstances when it would otherwise be activated in order to prevent the intake valve from opening into a cylinder that contains high pressure combustion gases. The described approach is particularly beneficial when skip fire operation is combined with cylinder deactivation so that air is not pumped through the cylinders during the skipped working cycles.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2015Publication date: January 28, 2016Inventors: John W. PARSELS, Matthew A. YOUNKINS, Shikui Kevin CHEN
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Patent number: 9212610Abstract: Methods and devices are described for performing engine diagnostics during skip fire operation of an engine while a vehicle is being driven. Knowledge of the firing sequence is used to determine appropriate times to conduct selected diagnostics and/or to help better interpret sensor inputs or diagnostic results. In one aspect, selected diagnostics are executed when a single cylinder is fired a plurality of times in isolation relative to a sensor used in the diagnosis. In another aspect, selected diagnostics are conducted while the engine is operated using a firing sequence that insures that no cylinders in a first cylinder bank are fired for a plurality of engine cycles while cylinders in a second bank are at least sometimes fired. The described tests can be conducted opportunistically, when conditions are appropriate, or specific firing sequences can be commanded to achieve the desired isolation or skipping of one or more selected cylinders.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2014Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Tula Technology, Inc.Inventors: Shikui Kevin Chen, Xin Yuan, Joshua P. Switkes, Steven E. Carlson, Mark A. Shost
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Patent number: 9175613Abstract: A variety of methods and devices for controlling the operation of the intake and exhaust valves in an internal combustion engine during skip fire operation are described. In various embodiments, an exhaust valve monitor or other suitable mechanism is used to detect exhaust valve actuation faults. When an exhaust valve actuation fault is detected for a particular cylinder, the corresponding intake valve is deactivated (or not activated) in circumstances when it would otherwise be activated in order to prevent the intake valve from opening into a cylinder that contains high pressure combustion gases. The described approach is particularly beneficial when skip fire operation is combined with cylinder deactivation so that air is not pumped through the cylinders during the skipped working cycles.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2014Date of Patent: November 3, 2015Assignee: Tula Technology, Inc.Inventors: John W. Parsels, Matthew A. Younkins, Shikui Kevin Chen
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Publication number: 20150233289Abstract: Methods and systems are described for detecting valve actuation faults in internal combustion engines operating in a skip fire operational mode. In one aspect, a torque model is used to estimate an expected net torque during a selected operating window. The torque model considers an expected torque contribution from each of the cylinders and accounts for the effects of specific skip fire firing decisions that affect the expected torque contribution from each cylinder. A parameter indicative of the actual engine torque is also measured. Valve actuation faults can then be identified based at least in part on a comparison of the measured parameter to an expected parameter value that is based at least in part on the expected net torque. With the described approaches, the occurrence of the valve actuation fault can be made within one engine cycle of the initial occurrence of the fault.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2015Publication date: August 20, 2015Inventors: Matthew A. YOUNKINS, Shikui Kevin CHEN, Li-Chun CHIEN, Masaki NAGASHIMA, John W. PARSELS, Geoff ROUTLEDGE