Method and system for engine cooling system control

US11041430B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Ford Global Technologies, LLC · US

Inventors

• John Eric Rollinger · Sterling Heights, US
• Karen Willard · Grosse Pointe Farms, US
• Michael Joseph Giunta · Livonia, US
• Robert Andrew Wade · Hamilton, NZ
• Samer Ibrahim · Dearborn, US
• Casey Dietrich · Ypsilanti, US
• Matt Gerow · Alpena, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 20, 2020
• Grant date: Jun 22, 2021
• Expiry date: Mar 20, 2040

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01S15/88
• 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 echo times of an ultrasonic signal transmitted by a sensor positioned in a recess at the bottom of the vertical standpipe. Engine power is limited differently based on distinct coolant level states determined based on a change in level of coolant in the reservoir over a duration.