Patent · US Expired

Engine control method and apparatus using ion sense combustion monitoring

US6848421B1 · kind B1 · utility

11Cited by
16References
16Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 12, 2003
Grant dateFeb 1, 2005
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 12, 2023

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02T10/40
  • WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A method and control system that directly determines combustion quality by measuring an ionization signal of each combustion event during initial engine operation is shown. The determined combustion quality is used to optimize engine performance for emissions and driveability by compensating various engine control parameters during initial engine operation, including starting. Compensation of engine control parameters may include changes to fuel delivery, spark ignition timing, and engine load. Any compensation of the engine control acts to ensure that a sufficient quantity of vaporized fuel is delivered to the engine to effectively start and operate the engine at the load level demanded by the engine, engine loads, and the operator.

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