Patent · US Expired

Fuel efficient powertrain system

US6588392B2 · kind B2 · utility

18Cited by
2References
30Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateAug 17, 2001
Grant dateJul 8, 2003
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 17, 2021

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S903/907
  • WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A powertrain system includes a cylinder deactivation system mechanically coupled to an internal combustion engine, and electrically coupled to an engine management system. The engine management system signals the cylinder deactivation system to selectively deactivate one or more engine cylinders. The engine continues to operate using the remaining available active engine cylinders, and generates an inconsistent torque output. A torque-smoothing device mechanically coupled to the engine, and electrically or hydraulically coupled to an energy storage device, removes and releases energy periodically to compensate for the inconsistent torque output.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.