Control system and method for a valve actuator

• US 20060065221A1
• Filed: 11/15/2005
• Published: 03/30/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 07/15/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Caterpillar Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Caterpillar Incorporated
• Inventors: Bloms, Jason K., Funke, Steven J., Kagy, Robert A.
• Granted Patent: US 7,228,828 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 123/90.160
• CPC Class Codes: F01L 1/267 with means for varying the timing or the lift of the valves
• CPC Class Codes: F01L 13/0015 for optimising engine performances by modifying valve lift according to various working parameters, e.g. rotational speed, load, torque
• CPC Class Codes: F01L 2013/0089 with means for delaying valve closing
• CPC Class Codes: F01L 2800/00 Methods of operation using a variable valve timing mechanism
• CPC Class Codes: F01L 9/10 by fluid means, e.g. hydraulic
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 13/0203 Variable control of intake and exhaust valves
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 13/0223 Variable control of the intake valves only
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/12 Improving ICE efficiencies

Abstract

A method of controlling an engine having a valve actuation system is provided. The engine is started. A first parameter indicative of a first temperature of the engine is sensed. A second parameter indicative of a second temperature of the engine is sensed. The valve actuation system is disabled to prevent the implementation of a variation on conventional engine valve actuation timing in response to each of the first and second temperatures being below a predetermined value.

Claims

1. A method of controlling an engine having a valve actuator, comprising:

sensing a first parameter indicative of a first temperature of the engine;

sensing a second parameter indicative of a second temperature of the engine; and

disabling the valve actuator to prevent the implementation of a variation on conventional engine valve actuation timing in response to each of the first and second temperatures being below a predetermined value.

2-30. -30. (canceled)