Methods and apparatus for controlling engine operation
US6314939A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 11, 1999 |
| Grant date | Nov 13, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 11, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T10/12
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Engine control apparatus and methods for avoiding heavy soot production yet providing smooth engine acceleration and deceleration without significant engine RPM increases and decreases with small throttle movements are described. In one embodiment, once the fuel injection angle reaches the angle at which soot formation begins, one or more cylinders are controlled to operate with later injection angles and lower fueling, which results in lower torque production and lower soot formation, while at the same time the remaining cylinders are set to operate with advanced injection angles and higher fueling, which results in a homogenous mixture of air and fuel, higher torque, and also lower soot formation. Therefore, for a first range of throttle positions, all cylinders operate in the stratified combustion mode. When the soot zone is reached, as determined based on throttle position, then some or at least one of the cylinders operate in the homogenous combustion mode and some or at least one of the cylinders operate in the stratified combustion mode. Once all the cylinders have skipped over the soot zone injection angle, then all the cylinders operate in the homogenous combustion mode.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.