Method and system for engine cooling system control

US10365146B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Ford Global Technologies, LLC · US

Inventors

• John Eric Rollinger · Sterling Heights, US
• Robert Roy Jentz · Westland, US
• William Russell Goodwin · Farmington Hills, US
• Chad Everette Griffin · Pinckney, US
• Casey Dietrich · Ypsilanti, US
• Matt Gerow · Alpena, US
• Scott Steadmon Thompson · Belleville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 26, 2014
• Grant date: Jul 30, 2019
• Expiry date: Mar 12, 2036

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F01P11/14
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Methods and systems are providing for improving engine coolant level estimation to reduce engine overheating. The level of fluid in a coolant overflow reservoir is inferred based on the fluid level in a hollow vertical standpipe fluidically coupled to the reservoir at top and bottom locations, while the fluid level in the standpipe is estimated based on output from an ultrasonic signal transmitted by a sensor positioned in a recess at the bottom of the vertical standpipe. The sensor uses a combination of raw echo times and processed fluid level data to estimate the fluid level accurately and reliably.