Method for controlling the level of oxygen stored by a catalyst within a catalytic converter
US5842340A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 26, 1997 |
| Grant date | Dec 1, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 26, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T10/40
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The catalyst control method of the invention continuously estimates a level of oxygen stored by a catalyst within a catalytic converter. The estimated oxygen stored by the catalyst is compared to a predetermined threshold and positive or negative deviations in the oxygen amount from the threshold is determined. When a positive deviation from the threshold amount is detected, the air/fuel ratio flowing into an engine (16) is decreased. Correspondingly, when a negative deviation is detected, the air/fuel ratio flowing into the engine (16) is increased. The amount of oxygen stored by the catalyst is determined by analyzing signals from a first gas sensor (28) positioned upstream from a catalytic converter (34) and a second gas sensor (30) positioned downstream from the catalytic converter (34). An engine control unit (10) integrates an expression for the mass flow rate of excess oxygen into the catalytic converter (34). Engine control unit (10) applies a change in air/fuel ratio to maintain the oxygen level on the catalyst within the catalytic converter (34) at a desired level.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.