Detection of a Humidity Sensor Failure in an Internal Combustion Engine
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system and method for utilizing a humidity sensor with an internal combustion engine of a vehicle is described. Specifically, information from the humidity sensor is used to adjust a desired air-fuel ratio to reduce engine misfire while improving vehicle fuel economy. Further, such information is also used to adjust timing and/or lift of the valve in the engine cylinder. Finally, diagnostic routines are also described.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1-9. -9. (canceled)
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10. A method to determine degradation of a humidity sensor used for controlling an engine of a vehicle, the humidity sensor exterior to a passenger compartment of the vehicle, the method comprising:
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determining whether to enable monitoring of the sensor based on a duration since vehicle operation; and
in response to a determination to enable monitoring, comparing a signal from a second humidity sensor to a signal from the humidity sensor exterior to said passenger compartment of the vehicle to determine whether either of sensors has degraded. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method to determine degradation of a humidity sensor used for controlling an engine of a vehicle, the humidity sensor exterior to a passenger compartment of the vehicle, the method comprising:
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determining whether to enable monitoring of the sensor based on an engine off duration; and
in response to a determination to enable monitoring, comparing a signal from a humidity sensor interior to a passenger compartment of the vehicle to a signal from the humidity sensor exterior to said passenger compartment of the vehicle to determine whether either of said interior or exterior sensor has degraded. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification