Vibration, Roughness, Knock Patents (Class 701/111)
  • Patent number: 8949005
    Abstract: A peak signal extracting device extracts a first peak value, being the maximum value of vibration level of a specified frequency in a predetermined crank angle range, and a crank angle; noise level storage device stores a noise vibration level; noise occurrence timing estimation device estimates a crank angle at which noise vibration peak takes place; and noise removing device calculates a second peak value based on the first peak value when a crank angle at which first peak value takes place and a crank angle at which noise peak value estimated to take place are not in coincidence, and calculates a second peak value based on the first peak value and noise peak value when the crank angles are identical. Even if the knocking vibration peak and noise vibration peak are overlapped, presence or absence of occurrence of knocking is determined precisely and a knocking strength is calculated properly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Takahiko Ono
  • Patent number: 8942907
    Abstract: A method for avoiding reducing scoring of the brake disc or the brake drum of a vehicle driven under rainy conditions calculates a product of three parameters, and activates an automatic braking operation for the vehicle, regularly, whenever the product exceeds the pre-determined threshold level. The first parameter is a rain intensity based parameter, a measure of the current raining intensity. The second parameter is a brake-activation-free driving time parameter, representing the time elapsed since the braking system of the vehicle was activated last. The third parameter is a speed parameter, which represents a current speed of the vehicle. As the automatic braking operation is carried out, the particles of dust, water, snow and de-icing substances, adhered to the brake disc of the vehicle, and causing scoring of the brake disc, are quickly removed, thus, reducing disc scoring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ian Moore, Thomas Svensson
  • Publication number: 20150019111
    Abstract: An engine system with advance detection of detonation and/or pre ignition, the system comprising an engine, operative for propulsion of a vehicle by generating rotational motion, whose rotational velocity over time is monitored; and a detonation and/or pre ignition detector operative to provide an alert for impending detonation and/or pre ignition of the engine, if the rotational velocity fluctuates over time to an extent which is predetermined to be unsafe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Bernard Grumer, Nathan Levy
  • Publication number: 20150019112
    Abstract: Knocking and misfire are judged by detecting combustion ions generated in a combustion chamber with an ion sensor, obtaining an integral signal by integrating the ion signal, and comparing the integral signal with a misfire judgment value and a knocking judgment value based on a signal obtained by averaging integral signals of prescribed past cycles. It is possible to: reduce a computation load by detecting misfire and knocking with an identical ion sensor and carrying out a judgment treatment with identical judgment function logic; and detect trace knocking by setting a knocking judgment threshold value and hence increase the accuracy of ignition timing control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuya Shiraishi, Kengo Kumano, Kenichiroh Ogata, Yoshihiko Akagi, Shinya Matohara
  • Patent number: 8930120
    Abstract: A system for detecting and diagnosing a faultive state of an airplane engine, including: at least one vibration sensor attached to an airplane; a reference model database construction unit; and a fault detection and diagnosis unit which estimates a parameter of a model, obtains a test variable and a numerator coefficient value difference of a transfer function between the models, and the covariance of parameter estimation error, and diagnoses the faultive state and the faultive cause of the airplane engine. Accordingly, the present invention can determine the faultive state and the detective cause of the airplane engine using the vibration data of the airplane engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Inha-Industry Partnership Institute
    Inventors: Oh-Kyu Kwon, Ji-Hyuk Yang, Sang Yong Lee
  • Patent number: 8924135
    Abstract: There are provided a combustion start determination unit that determines whether or not the inner-cylinder state of an internal combustion engine has changed from a non-combustion state to a combustion state; and a filter coefficient changing demand unit that outputs a filter coefficient changing demand until a predetermined filter coefficient changing period elapses from the time instant when the combustion start determination unit determines that the inner-cylinder state of the internal combustion engine has changed from the non-combustion state to the combustion state to the time instant. Based on the filter coefficient changing demand, at least one of a background level calculation unit and a standard deviation calculation unit changes the value of a filter coefficient utilized in a filtering operation to the one with which a filtering effect is weakened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Takahiko Ono, Yuhei Matsushima, Keitaro Ezumi, Tomokuni Kusunoki, Atsushi Inoue, Hiroki Morimoto
  • Patent number: 8924134
    Abstract: In a knock control device of an internal combustion engine equipped with a control unit which updates a background level based on an output signal from a knock sensor and detects the generation of a knock by comparing a variation of the background level with a knock determination value, a determination as to whether the knock is generated is performed by ((variation of first filter value of peak hold value)>((1?filter coefficient)/(1+filter coefficient)×(predetermined value larger than maximum value of variation of peak hold value in case where knock is not generated))).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Toru Tanaka, Yuhei Matsushima, Keitaro Ezumi, Tomokuni Kusunoki, Atsushi Inoue, Hiroki Morimoto
  • Patent number: 8914222
    Abstract: An electronic control unit (ECU), for use with an internal combustion engine, determines whether an abnormal combustion has occurred in the engine. The ECU uses a sensor signal amplifier to amplify a sensor signal from a sensor by changing an amplification power of the sensor signal and an A/D converter to convert the sensor signal amplified to a digital signal (i.e., a digitized sensor signal). The ECU uses an abnormal combustion detector to determine whether an abnormal combustion has occurred based on a characteristic of a waveform of the digitized sensor signal, and performs an abnormal combustion prevention control to prevent the abnormal combustion when an abnormal combustion is detected. An amplification controller is used to set the amplification power of the sensor signal amplifier based on the amplitude of the digitized sensor signal and a determination result of the abnormal combustion by the abnormal combustion detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takahito Kusumoto, Toru Itabashi, Kenji Mochizuki, Yuki Mikami, Yoshiharu Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 8910615
    Abstract: An object of this invention is to provide a control apparatus for an internal combustion engine which makes it possible to reliably avoid an abnormal increase in in-cylinder pressure due to pre-ignition. The control apparatus of this invention controls an internal combustion engine including an injector that directly injects fuel into a cylinder. The control apparatus includes pre-ignition detection means that executes an operation to detect pre-ignition until a time of a crank angle ?A, and injection instruction means that, at a time of a crank angle ?B that is before the crank angle ?A, sends to the injector an injection instruction to perform fuel injection that suppresses pre-ignition combustion. Preferably, the control apparatus includes energization stopping means that, when the pre-ignition detection means does not detect pre-ignition until the time of the crank angle ?A, stops energization of the injector that is started by the injection instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yusuke Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8909459
    Abstract: A knock control apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes a knock signal normalization portion that normalizes a knock signal using base statistics calculated on the basis of the knock signal. The knock signal normalization portion calculates base statistics on the basis of a last value and a current value of the knock signal and normalizes the knock signal using a base statistic interpolated according to an operating state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Yuhei Matsushima, Keitaro Ezumi, Tomokuni Kusunoki, Atsushi Inoue, Hiroki Morimoto
  • Patent number: 8903619
    Abstract: In a vehicle control system that obtains an index based on a running condition of a vehicle and changes a running characteristic of the vehicle according to the index, includes index setting means for making a change in the index in response to a change in the running condition in a direction toward crisp running of the vehicle, faster than a change in the index in response to a change in the running condition in such a direction as to reduce crispness with which the vehicle is running.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shin Noumura, Ken Koibuchi, Kaiji Itabashi, Toshio Tanahashi, Keisuke Takeuchi, Hiroyuki Hanamura, Yoji Takanami, Norimi Asahara
  • Patent number: 8892338
    Abstract: A damping apparatus for an automobile is provided, capable of ensuring a high level of reliability while obtaining excellent damping effect with simple configuration. The damping apparatus for an automobile that reduces vibrations of an automobile body may include an actuator that is attached to the automobile body and drives an auxiliary mass; a current detector that detects a current flowing through an armature of the actuator; a section that detects a terminal voltage applied to the actuator; a calculation circuit that calculates an induced voltage of the actuator, and further calculates at least one of the relative velocity, relative displacement, and relative acceleration of the actuator, based on a current detected by the current detector and the terminal voltage; and a control circuit that drive-controls the actuator based on at least one of the relative velocity, relative displacement, and relative acceleration of the actuator calculated by the calculation circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Shinko Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasushi Muragishi, Hideaki Moriya, Yushi Sato, Takashi Fukunaga, Katsuyoshi Nakano, Hiroshi Nakagawa, Takayoshi Fujii, Takashi Onoue, Masaaki Narihisa
  • Patent number: 8851050
    Abstract: When preignition is detected, and an engine speed is less than a predetermined value (Nex), an air/fuel ratio is enriched (S22), and then, when the preignition is detected even after enriching the air/fuel ratio, an effective compression ratio of an engine is reduced (S23), whereafter, when the preignition is detected even after reducing the effective compression ratio, a part of injection fuel is injected in a compression stroke (S24). On the other hand, when preignition is detected, and an engine speed is equal to or greater than the predetermined value (Nex), the air/fuel ratio is enriched (S31), and then, when the preignition is detected even after enriching the air/fuel ratio, a part of the fuel is injected in the compression stroke (S32). This makes it possible to effectively suppress the occurrence of preignition while maximally avoiding deterioration in emission performance and lowering in engine power output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Kouji Shishime, Naoya Matsuo, Mikinori Ohashi
  • Publication number: 20140297164
    Abstract: A system includes a control module and a stochastic pre-ignition (SPI) module. The control module controls at least one performance parameter of an engine of a vehicle. The SPI module detects SPI events, determines a scaling factor based on the detected SPI events, and adjusts a limit associated with the at least one performance parameter based on the scaling factor. The control module controls the at least one performance parameter based on the limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: GM Global Technologies Operations LLC
    Inventors: Craig M. Sawdon, Kevin M. Luchansky, Kathryn Wolfe, Frank Garthoff
  • Patent number: 8849549
    Abstract: A method of controlling combustion of a diesel engine may include a vibration measuring step of measuring engine vibrations, a measurement region setting step of setting a range where an LPP (location of peak pressure) is predicted from measured vibration data, a frequency transforming step of transforming a vibration signal to a frequency response function, a frequency integrating step of integrating the transformed frequency response function, an LPP detecting step of selecting a location of peak pressure from integrated frequency response function, an estimated value determining step of selecting LPP offset and SOC (start of combustion) offset by using the detected LPP, an error determining step of determining LPP value error and SOC value error by comparing the estimated LPP value and the estimated SOC value with a target LPP value and a target SOC value, and a combustion correcting step of correcting and controlling combustion by the determined errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Ajou University Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation
    Inventors: Jaemin Jin, Kootae Kang, Insoo Jung, Seungeun Yu, Young Gwan Kim, Jin Woo Lee
  • Patent number: 8843348
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for determining the health of an engine. The method includes a plurality of standard noise spectra collected from engines with known defects. A noise spectrum of the engine being monitored is sensed and compared to the plurality of standard noise spectra from the engines with known defects. From the comparison, a type and a degree of defect is identified based upon the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Victor Pascu, Jay M. Francisco
  • Publication number: 20140278010
    Abstract: A method includes: generating an indicator of present operating conditions of an engine; determining a first amount of noise based on vibration measured during a first plurality of combustion events of a cylinder; storing the first amount of noise and a first value of the indicator in a mapping based on a first engine speed and a first engine load; determining the first value of the indicator from the mapping based on a second engine speed and a second engine load; generating a trigger signal when the first value is different than a second value of the indicator; and, when the trigger signal is generated: determining a second amount of noise based on vibration measured during a second plurality of combustion events of the cylinder; and replacing the first amount of noise and the first value in the mapping with the second amount of noise and the second value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Wajdi B. Hamama, Craig M. Sawdon, Kevin M. Luchansky, James R. Reeder, JR., Frank Garthoff, Christian Mueller, Jessica A. Carroll
  • Publication number: 20140278017
    Abstract: A system and method for reducing engine knock associated with an internal combustion engine. An exhaust gas recirculation sub-system is fluidly connected to the internal combustion engine and includes a compressor and an exhaust gas storage tank fluidly connected to the compressor. In response to measuring that engine knock is occurring, compressed exhaust gas is injected from the exhaust gas storage tank into a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Cummins IP, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Steven Kolhouse, Vivek Sujan, Thomas Yonushonis
  • Patent number: 8826886
    Abstract: An ignition timing setting apparatus includes a pulse generator for generating crank pulses corresponding to crank angles, a crank angular speed variation calculating section for calculating a crank angular speed variation based on an interval of the crank pulses, an engine load estimating section for estimating an indicated mean effective pressure from the crank angular speed variation, and an ignition timing determining section having an ignition timing control map for determining an ignition timing advance quantity in accordance with the estimated indicated mean effective pressure and an engine temperature or an engine speed. Such ignition timing setting apparatus sets appropriate ignition timings for avoiding a knocking occurrence load range based on an accurate estimated engine load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Nishida, Tetsuya Kaneko, Tomiyuki Sasaki, Shinichi Wagatsuma, Naoki Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 8831860
    Abstract: A method of monitoring vibratory phenomena that occur in an aviation gas turbine engine in operation includes establishing a frequency spectrum of a vibratory signal representative of the operating state of the engine and of its components; using a plurality of vibratory signatures, each corresponding to a vibratory phenomenon that occurs during operation of aeroengines of the same type as the engine being monitored and originating from a defect in or an abnormal operation of a component of the engines; identifying, in the spectrum, the points of curves that match mathematical functions, each defining a vibratory signature; and for each identified curve corresponding to a defect of engine components, analyzing the amplitude associated with the points of the curve relative to predefined amplitude values corresponding to a degree of severity of the defect; and as a result of an amplitude value being exceeded or an abnormal operation being detected, issuing a message associated with the vibratory signature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Bruno Carratt, David Flores, Edouard Jadczak
  • Patent number: 8831859
    Abstract: The functionality of a “Launch Control” is implemented in a hybrid vehicle, i.e. the hybrid vehicle can be accelerated to a maximum degree by starting the internal combustion engine immediately from the stationary state (S20), and acceleration takes place with the aid of the electric motor with full torque (S22) before a changeover to accelerating the internal combustion engine takes place (S24). The “Launch Control” differs from a further mode in which firstly acceleration takes place from the stationary state using a partial torque of the electric motor (S14), with the result that the internal combustion engine can be tow-started by means of the electric motor (S16) before a changeover to acceleration using the internal combustion engine (S18) occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Audi Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Meitinger, Stefan Ullmann
  • Publication number: 20140249733
    Abstract: An active vibration isolating support apparatus reduces vibration transmitted from a reciprocating engine. The apparatus supports the engine via vibration isolating support units each of which includes an actuator. The vibration isolating units are disposed on opposite sides of a crankshaft of the engine. The apparatus includes a control unit to make the actuator extend and contract periodically depending on a vibrational state of the engine so as to reduce the transmission of engine vibrations to a vehicle body. The control unit drives the actuator of one of the vibration isolating support units to contract, the one of the vibration isolating support units being compressed by roll vibration associated with an initial explosion after a time when the engine starts, so as to reduce transmission of roll vibration in a direction which is reverse to the rotation direction of the crankshaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tetsuya ISHIGURO, Hirotomi NEMOTO, Shungo FUEKI
  • Patent number: 8818625
    Abstract: A damping apparatus for an automobile is provided, capable of ensuring a high level of reliability while obtaining excellent damping effect with simple configuration. The damping apparatus for an automobile that reduces vibrations of an automobile body may include an actuator that is attached to the automobile body and drives an auxiliary mass; a current detector that detects a current flowing through an armature of the actuator; a section that detects a terminal voltage applied to the actuator; a calculation circuit that calculates an induced voltage of the actuator, and further calculates at least one of the relative velocity, relative displacement, and relative acceleration of the actuator, based on a current detected by the current detector and the terminal voltage; and a control circuit that drive-controls the actuator based on at least one of the relative velocity, relative displacement, and relative acceleration of the actuator calculated by the calculation circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Shinko Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasushi Muragishi, Hideaki Moriya, Yushi Sato, Takashi Fukunaga, Katsuyoshi Nakano, Hiroshi Nakagawa, Takayoshi Fujii, Takashi Onoue, Masaaki Narihisa
  • Patent number: 8813707
    Abstract: A method for meshing a starting pinion of a starter device with a toothed ring of an internal combustion engine includes aligning rotational speed of the starting pinion with the rotational speed of the toothed ring before meshing takes place. As meshing occurs, a vibration characteristic is measured. If a vibration characteristic variable is not within an admissible value range, activation of the starting pinion is varied during a subsequent meshing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Karl-Otto Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8800532
    Abstract: A method of controlling knocking in an internal combustion engine equipped with a device for controlling the opening of inlet valves; the control method includes the phases of: determining the occurrence of an excessive knocking in the cylinder of the internal combustion engine; and decreasing the mass of air sucked into the cylinder in which an excessive knocking has occurred by acting on the control device controlling the inlet valves of the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Magneti Marelli S.p.A.
    Inventors: Nicola Garagnani, Fabio Sensi, Filippo Cavanna, Stefano Sgatti
  • Publication number: 20140222319
    Abstract: A number of systems and methods are disclosed which increase the replenishment interval for anti-knock fluid. This is especially important during activities which require a large amount of anti-knock fluid, such as towing. In some embodiments, the systems and methods are used to reduce anti-knock fluid consumption. For example, changes to engine operation, such as rich operation, spark retarding, upspeeding, and variable valve timing, all serve to reduce the amount of anti-knock fluid required to eliminate knocking. In other embodiments, the composition of the anti-knock fluid is modified, such as by using a higher octane fluid, or through the addition of water to the anti-knock fluid. In other embodiments, the replenishment interval is increased through a larger anti-knock fluid storage capacity. In one embodiment, a three tank system is used where the third tank can be used to store gasoline or anti-knock fluid, depending on the driving conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Ethanol Boosting Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Leslie Bromberg, Daniel R. Cohn
  • Publication number: 20140200796
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for use of a windshield wiper fluid having a reformulated composition including one or more non-ionic surfactants. The fluid is delivered to the windshield in response to an operator demand for wiping the windshield. The same fluid is also delivered to a cylinder in response to an indication of abnormal cylinder combustion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: David Karl Bidner, Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Gopichandra Surnilla, Mark Allen Dearth
  • Patent number: 8775019
    Abstract: In an active anti-vibration supporting device (301), an ACM_ECU (200) for estimating an engine vibration state by using output data from a crank pulse sensor (Sa) and a TDC sensor (Sb) drives a driving unit (41) so as to extend and contract and thereby suppresses the transmission of vibration. The ACM_ECU (200) calculates the number of STGs (S1F) that is a quotient obtained when dividing the phase delay (P1F) of a target current value waveform by an average STG time ((T1)/4) in a first cycle (C1) of engine vibration and the remaining time (P?1F) of the phase delay (P1F), wherein the target current value waveform is used for suppressing the transmission of the engine vibration calculated using the output data from the crank pulse sensor (Sa) and the TDC sensor (Sb). The timing at which the elapse of the STG time equivalent to the number of STGs (S1F) in a third cycle (C3) of the engine vibration in the driving timing of the driving unit has been detected is set as a phase delay reference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideyuki Okamoto, Tetsuya Ishiguro
  • Publication number: 20140188374
    Abstract: Methods are provided for controlling an engine in response to a pre-ignition event. A pre-ignition threshold and a pre-ignition mitigating action are adjusted based on a rate of change of cylinder aircharge. As a result, pre-ignition events occurring during transient engine operating conditions are detected and addressed different from pre-ignition events occurring during steady-state engine operating conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chris Paul Glugla, Michael Mancini
  • Patent number: 8768602
    Abstract: A straddle-type vehicle 30 includes a vehicle body frame 31, an engine 1 mounted on the vehicle body frame 31, combustion adjusting devices (fuel injection valves) 14 and 15 for adjusting the combustion condition of the engine 1, and a combustion controller (ECU) 22 for controlling the fuel injection valves 14 and 15. The ECU 22 controls the fuel injection valves 14 and 15 such that the maximum point of a sound pressure level waveform of an audible sound wave generated from the engine 1 or the vehicle body frame 31 is shifted by a predetermined amount or larger within a predetermined period at least in some of the operation conditions of the engine 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hironobu Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20140180562
    Abstract: A method for recognising the type of fuel actually used in an internal combustion engine; the recognition method includes the steps of: sensing the intensity of the vibrations generated by the internal combustion engine within a measurement time window; determining the value of at least one synthetic index by processing the intensity of the vibrations generated by the internal combustion engine within the measurement time window; comparing the synthetic index with at least one predetermined comparison quantity; and recognising the type of fuel actually used as a function of the comparison of the synthetic index to the comparison quantity; and forcedly altering, when detecting the intensity of the vibrations, the engine control with respect to the normal standard engine control, so as to enhance the behavioural differences of the different types of fuel that can be used by the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventors: Nicola Garagnani, Riccardo Lanzoni, Marco Pastorelli, Filippo Cavanna
  • Publication number: 20140172280
    Abstract: Although a method for changing a combustion method taking place in an internal combustion engine depending on running condition is proposed, it can be considered that conditions under which a combustion noise occurs naturally differ with different methods. A detection method of prior art is not compatible with different combustion methods and the accuracy of combustion noise detection was low. Accurate combustion noise detection is enabled by identifying a combustion mode taking place in the internal combustion engine, selecting a sensed frequency or frequency band of a combustion noise sensor that detects a combustion noise in a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine according to the combustion mode, and detecting a combustion noise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichiroh Ogata, Daisuke Watanabe, Takashi Okamoto
  • Publication number: 20140172279
    Abstract: A method and system for determining combustion and harmonic noise correction factors for current operating conditions corresponding to the actual vehicle and applying the combustion and harmonic noise correction factors to a sensor signal, thereby removing engine combustion and harmonic noise from the sensor signal and leaving a misfire data signal in the sensor signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Ninsheng Qiao, Marvin L. Lynch, Richard John Gilbert, Keith Gerlach
  • Patent number: 8755989
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving fuel usage while addressing knock by adjusting the use of spark retard and direct injection of a fluid based on engine operating conditions and the composition of the injected fluid. One or more engine parameters, such as EGR, VCT, boost, throttle position, are coordinated with the direct injection to reduce torque and EGR transients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Joseph Norman Ulrey, Thomas G. Leone
  • Publication number: 20140163844
    Abstract: An engine control system for a vehicle includes a timer module, a stochastic pre-ignition (SPI) mitigation module, and a boost control module. The timer module tracks a period of operation of an engine where vacuum within an intake manifold is less than a first predetermined vacuum. The SPI mitigation module generates an SPI signal when the period is greater than a predetermined period and the vacuum is less than a second predetermined vacuum. The second predetermined vacuum is less than the first predetermined vacuum. The boost control module reduces output of a turbocharger in response to the generation of the SPI signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: J. Michael Gwidt, Bjorn E. Soderstrom, Kevin M. Luchansky, Craig M. Sawdon, Wajdi B. Hamama
  • Publication number: 20140149021
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine control device includes: detection means (216, 110) for detecting crank angle speed of the internal combustion engine (200); calculation means (120) for calculating a combustion state index value (MI) for indicating a combustion state of the internal combustion engine based on the crank angle speed detected by the detection means; and first determination means (130) for determining whether or not white smoke is generated from the internal combustion engine and whether or not misfire of the internal combustion engine occurs by comparing the combustion state index value calculated by the calculation means with a specified first threshold (A) and a specified second threshold (B) larger than the first threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Inventors: Yuichi Shimasaki, Yukitoshi Aoyama
  • Patent number: 8733330
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle propulsion system and method of operation have been provided. As one example, the system comprises an internal combustion engine including at least a combustion chamber configured to propel the vehicle via at least a drive wheel, a motor configured to propel the vehicle via at least a drive wheel, an energy storage device configured to store energy that is usable by the motor to propel the vehicle, a fuel system configured to deliver gasoline and alcohol to the combustion chamber in varying relative amounts, a control system configured to operate the motor to propel the vehicle and to vary the relative amounts of the gasoline and alcohol provided to the combustion chamber in response to an output of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Andri
  • Patent number: 8731868
    Abstract: A method (200) for the characterization of vibrational and/or acoustic transfer path related data of a physical system (100) where vibration or acoustics may play a role. The method (200) has a step of receiving (210) input data for at least one input point of the physical system and/or response data for at least one response point of the physical system (100). The method (200) further has a step of receiving (220) at least one system response function between the at least one input point and the at least one response point indicative of the transfer of vibration and/or acoustic signals. The method (200) also has a step of applying (230) at least one parametric model characterising at least one load on the physical system as a function of the input data, where the parametric models are identified from the input data and/or response data and the physical system response functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: LMS International NV
    Inventors: Karl Hans Bert Janssens, Peter Paul Germain Mas, Peter Akos Gajdatsy, Herman Van Der Auweraer, Ludo Jean Pierre Gielen
  • Patent number: 8731805
    Abstract: In an apparatus for controlling ignition of a general-purpose internal combustion engine in which an ignition signal is produced both in a compression stroke and in an exhaust stroke of a four stroke cycle, one of the ignitions to be conducted based on the produced two ignition signals is cut and an after-ignition-cut engine speed is detected. Then it is discriminated whether each of the two ignition signals was produced in the compression stroke or in the exhaust stroke based on a difference between an average engine speed and the after-ignition-cut engine speed, and the ignition is controlled based on the ignition signal discriminated to be produced in the compression stroke in the two ignition signals, thereby enabling to improve the duration life of an ignition plug, with simple and compact structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Keiichiro Bungo
  • Publication number: 20140136085
    Abstract: Systems and methods for increasing an accuracy of misfire detection are described. An infra-red sensor coupled to a cylinder is used to sense an in-cylinder temperature profile following a laser ignition event. A misfire event is identified based on a deviation of the sensed profile from an expected profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas Raymond Martin, Kenneth James Miller
  • Patent number: 8725385
    Abstract: A method for computing indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP) in an internal combustion engine using sparse input data. The method uses an indirect integration approach, and requires significantly lower resolution crankshaft position and cylinder pressure input data than existing IMEP computation methods, while providing calculated IMEP output results which are very accurate in comparison to values computed by existing methods. By using sparse input data, the indirect integration method offers cost reduction opportunities for a manufacturer of vehicles, engines, and/or electronic control units, through the use of lower cost sensors and the consumption of less computing resources for data processing and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Hossein Javaherian, Ibrahim Haskara, Oguz H. Dagci
  • Patent number: 8720417
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine can use ammonia and a non-ammonia fuel which is easier to burn than ammonia as fuel. The non-ammonia fuel is directly injected into a combustion chamber by a non-ammonia fuel injector, and the injected non-ammonia fuel is ignited, whereby combustion of the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber is commenced. In the control system of the internal combustion engine, the injection timing of the non-ammonia fuel is advanced at a time when a ratio of ammonia in all fuel fed to the internal combustion engine is high in comparison with the time when the ratio is low. Therefore, a control system of an internal combustion engine capable of using ammonia and a non-ammonia fuel (gasoline, light oil, hydrogen, etc.) which is easier to burn than ammonia, which suitably feeds fuel and controls combustion in order to suitably burn an air-fuel mixture in a combustion chamber is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuki Iwatani, Yasushi Ito, Shiro Tanno
  • Patent number: 8695568
    Abstract: An inter-cylinder air-fuel ratio imbalance abnormality determination device includes a catalyst provided in an exhaust passage of a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine; a pre-catalyst sensor; a post-catalyst sensor; an air-fuel ratio control unit that performs main air-fuel ratio control based on an output of the pre-catalyst sensor and auxiliary air-fuel ratio control based on an output of the post-catalyst sensor; a control amount calculation unit that calculates a control amount in the auxiliary air-fuel ratio control based on the output of the post-catalyst sensor; a revolution speed variation detection unit that detects a revolution speed variation of the engine; an abnormality determination unit that performs imbalance abnormality determination for determining whether an inter-cylinder air-fuel ratio imbalance abnormality has occurred based on a detected value of the revolution speed variation; and a guard range reduction unit that reduces a guard range of the control amount during the imbalance a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yuya Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 8695567
    Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine includes monitoring signal output from a high-resolution torque sensor configured to monitor engine torque during ongoing operation, monitoring states of engine operating and control parameters associated with engine input parameters, and estimating a mass air charge for each cylinder event corresponding to the signal output from the high-resolution torque sensor and the states of engine operating and control parameters associated with the engine input parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Hossein Javaherian, Alan W. Brown, Michael P. Nolan
  • Patent number: 8700287
    Abstract: A method for computing indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP) in an internal combustion engine using sparse input data. The method uses a cubic spline integration approach, and requires significantly lower resolution crankshaft position and cylinder pressure input data than existing IMEP computation methods, while providing calculated IMEP output results which are very accurate in comparison to values computed by existing methods. By using sparse input data, the cubic spline integration method offers cost reduction opportunities for a manufacturer of vehicles, engines, and/or electronic control units, through the use of lower cost sensors and the consumption of less computing resources for data processing and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Hossein Javaherian, Ibrahim Haskara, Oguz H. Dagci
  • Publication number: 20140100762
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving engine knock control by accounting for a drop in charge cooling efficiency of a knock control fluid at higher temperatures. In response to the prediction of an elevated temperature of a knock control fluid at a time of release from a direct injector, a pulse width of the injection is adjusted. Any knock relief deficits are compensated for using alternate engine adjustments, such as boost or spark timing adjustments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Brad Alan VanDerWege, Michael Howard Shelby
  • Patent number: 8694229
    Abstract: A knock correction amount computation portion computes, on the basis of intensity of a knock in a case where the presence of an occurrence of the knock is determined, a knock correction amount by which to move a spark timing of the internal combustion engine to be on a retard side and returns the knock correction amount to be back on an advance side in a case where the absence of an occurrence of a knock is determined. In a case where a value of the knock correction amount to be on the retard side becomes equal to or exceeds a predetermined value, the knock correction amount computation portion limits and holds the knock correction amount at the predetermined value and returns the limited knock correction amount to be back on the advance side in a case where the absence of an occurrence of a knock is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Hideki Hagari, Yuhei Matsushima, Keitaro Ezumi, Tomokuni Kusunoki
  • Patent number: 8688356
    Abstract: When the variation of the knock control system learning value is large, an idle speed learning control is performed in a learning acceleration mode. In this mode, the idle speed learning update increases and idle speed learning is performed at a high speed. By performing the idle speed learning in the learning acceleration mode, the idle speed learning can immediately follow large variations of the knock control system learning value. Accordingly, the idle speed learning control performed during idling of a hybrid car can be completed in a short time, and fuel consumption during idling can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideto Watanabe, Taku Harada, Yasuo Shimizu
  • Patent number: 8688350
    Abstract: A hybrid powertrain includes a combustion engine, an electric machine arrangement, a gearbox operable to receive motive power from at least one of the combustion engine and the electric machine arrangement for providing motive power to a load of the powertrain. The powertrain is configurable in operation so that its combustion engine is switchable between an inactive state and an active state. The combustion engine is cranked to switch it from its inactive state to its active state. Application of cranking torque to the combustion engine is controlled in operation to substantially temporally coincide with a gear change in the gearbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Volvo Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Lars Carlhammar, Svante Karlsson, Helene Panagopoulos
  • Patent number: 8688358
    Abstract: A torque estimating system for an internal combustion engine includes a plurality of cylinders and estimates torque for each cylinder. A cylinder pressure of a cylinder pressure sensor (CPS) mounted cylinder #1 is acquired. Measured indicated torque Te1 resulting from an explosion in the CPS-mounted cylinder #1 is calculated based on the cylinder pressure. A first angular acceleration d?1/dt and a second angular acceleration d?2/dt are calculated. Estimated indicated torque Te2 resulting from an explosion in a CPS-less cylinder #2 is calculated using the measured indicated torque Te1 of the CPS-mounted cylinder #1 and a difference value between the second angular acceleration d?2/dt and the first angular acceleration d?1/dt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takeshi Sano, Yusuke Suzuki, Shinji Ikeda