System for monitoring the functioning ability of catalytic converters and/or lambda sensors

US6000218A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V. · BE

Inventor

• Edelbert Hafele · Karlsruhe, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: May 19, 1997
• Grant date: Dec 14, 1999
• Expiry date: May 19, 2017

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02T10/40
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A system for monitoring the operatibility of catalytic converters and/or lambda probes in exhaust gas detoxification systems. It is characterised in that a pollutant sensor is placed downstream of (in relation to the exhaust gas stream) or in the catalytic converter, in that the lambda value and/or oxygen content of the exhaust gas are altered by a specific amount either by the engine or by a device, and in that the electrical output signal from the pollutant sensor is compared in a comparator circuit to a value curve stored in a storage unit and corresponding to the defined alteration of the lambda value.