Location-sensitive engine emission control system and method

• US 20050149248A1
• Filed: 01/07/2004
• Published: 07/07/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 01/07/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Electro-Motive Diesel Incorporated (Caterpillar Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Electro-Motive Diesel Incorporated (Caterpillar Incorporated)
• Inventors: Polen, Jerry Van, Gottemoller, Paul
• Application Number:
  US10/752,734
• Publication Number:
  US 20050149248A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/105
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 2041/001 for engines with variable valve actuation
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 2200/701 Information about vehicle position, e.g. from navigation system or GPS signal
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 37/02 one of the functions being ignition
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 41/021 Introducing corrections for particular conditions exterior to the engine conjoint control of vehicle sub-units for propelling the vehicle B60W30/18
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 41/2422 Selective use of one or more tables

Abstract

A location-sensitive engine control system includes position locating system (PLS) interfacing with control logic which in turn interfaces with an engine control. Location coordinates from the PLS are relayed to the control logic and compared to an emissions map to determine the emission requirements and corresponding engine control settings. The engine control receives the engine control settings from the control logic and adjusts engine parameters to allow the engine to comply with the emission requirements. If desired, emissions information may be stored in the control logic. An antenna or other suitable device for receiving and transmitting information may interface with the control logic to provide emissions map updates and to allow transmission of the emissions information.

Claims

1. A location-sensitive engine control system for use with an internal combustion engine, the system comprising:

a position locating system interfacing with control logic that further interfaces with an engine control;

the position locating system determining location coordinates for the engine and relaying the coordinates to the control logic;

the control logic having an emissions map and comparing the coordinates to the map to determine corresponding emissions regulations which are converted to corresponding engine control settings that are relayed to the engine control; and

the engine control adjusts the engine control settings to alter the engine operating parameters to comply with the emissions regulations.

2. A system as in claim 1 wherein the control logic stores emissions data as an emissions log.

3. A system as in claim 2 including an antenna connected to the control logic for transmitting emissions log information.

4. A system as in claim 1 including an antenna connected to the control logic for receiving emissions map updates.

5. A method of controlling engine emissions comprising the steps of:

providing an engine emission control system including position locating system interfacing with control logic and the control logic that further interfaces with an engine control;

determining location coordinates with the position locating system and relaying the location coordinates to the control logic;

comparing the location coordinates to an emissions regulation map in the control logic to determine emission requirements, converting the requirements to engine control settings;

relaying the control settings to the engine control; and

varying the control settings with the engine control to comply with the emissions requirements.

6. A method as in claim 5 including recording emissions output over time and location to create an emissions log.

7. A method as in claim 6 including transmitting the emissions log information.

8. A method as in claim 7 wherein the emissions log information is transmitted to determine tax liability.

9. A method as in claim 5 including receiving control logic emissions map information to update the emissions map.

10. A method as in claim 5 including uploading control logic emissions map information to update the emissions map.

11. A method as in claim 5 wherein engine emissions are varied by altering engine fuel injection timing.

12. A method as in claim 5 wherein engine emissions are varied by altering spark ignition timing.

13. A method as in claim 5 wherein engine emissions are varied by altering valve timing.