System for changing a selected engine function based on sensed weather conditions

• US 7,000,587 B1
• Filed: 11/24/2004
• Issued: 02/21/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 11/24/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation (Mercedes-Benz Group AG)
• Original Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation (Mercedes-Benz Group AG)
• Inventors: Hawkins, Jeffery S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Gimie, Mahmoud
• Application Number:
  US10/996,920
• Time in Patent Office: 454 Days
• Field of Search: 123/320, 123/322, 123/323
• US Class Current: 123/320
• CPC Class Codes: F01L 13/06 for braking
• CPC Class Codes: F01L 13/065 Compression release engine retarders of the "Jacobs Manufacturing" type
• CPC Class Codes: F01L 2800/00 Methods of operation using a variable valve timing mechanism
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 2200/0414 Air temperature
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 2200/0418 Air humidity
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 31/009 for maximum speed control
• 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 41/12 for deceleration F02D41/0005, F02D41/107 take precedence

Abstract

A system for modifying or disabling a selected engine function in response to a determination based upon a precipitation sensor input that precipitation is present. The system also may include an ambient temperature sensor that determines whether the ambient temperature is below a predetermined level. Signals from the precipitation sensor and temperature sensor are provided to an engine controller. The engine controller functions to modify or disable a selected engine function such as a compression brake, engine exhaust brake, maximum speed calibration or passing speed variance calibration.

Claims

1. A system for controlling an engine for a vehicle, comprising:

an engine controller responsive to a plurality of sensors that controls engine operation;

wherein at least one of the sensors is a precipitation sensor that determines whether precipitation is present and generates a signal that is received by the controller;

wherein the controller disables an engine brake in response to receiving the signal from the precipitation sensor.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the engine brake is disabled by the controller preventing the opening of at least one exhaust valve during a power stroke of the engine cycle releasing compressed air from the engine during the power stroke.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the engine operation is modified by disabling an engine brake by preventing the restriction of a flow of exhaust gases from the engine during an exhaust stroke.

4. A system for controlling an engine for a vehicle, comprising:

an engine controller responsive to a plurality of sensors that controls engine operation;

wherein at least one of the sensors is a precipitation sensor that determines whether precipitation is present and generates a signal that is received by the controller;

wherein the controller reduces a maximum allowable speed limit calibration of the engine in response to receiving the signal from the precipitation sensor.

5. The system of claim 4 wherein the engine has a passing speed variance calibration that permits temporarily exceeding the maximum allowable speed limit calibration, wherein the engine operation is modified by disabling the passing speed variance calibration.

6. A system for controlling an engine brake for a vehicle, comprising:

an engine controller;

a precipitation sensor that determines whether precipitation is present and generates a first signal that is received by the controller;

a temperature sensor that determines whether the ambient temperature is below a predetermined level and generates a second signal that is received by the controller; and

wherein the controller prevents operation of the engine brake in response to receiving both the first signal from the precipitation sensor and the second signal from the temperature sensor.

7. The system of claim 6 wherein the engine brake operates by opening at least one exhaust valve during a power stroke of the engine cycle releasing compressed air from the engine during the power stroke.

8. The system of claim 6 wherein the engine brake operates by restricting a flow of exhaust gases from the engine during an exhaust stroke.

9. The system of claim 6 further comprising an operator perceptible warning indicator that is actuated when the controller prevents operation of the engine brake.

10. A system for controlling an engine calibration corresponding to a speed rating for a vehicle, comprising:

an engine controller;

a precipitation sensor that determines whether precipitation is present and generates a precipitation signal that is received by the controller;

the controller modifying the speed rating in response to receiving the precipitation signal from the precipitation sensor.

11. The system of claim 10 further comprising an operator perceptible indicator that is actuated when the precipitation signal is received by the controller.

12. The system of claim 10 further comprising a temperature sensor that determines whether the temperature is below a first predetermined level and generating a low temperature signal, wherein the controller modifies the speed rating only if the low temperature signal and precipitation signal are both received by the controller.

13. The system of claim 10 wherein the speed rating is a maximum allowable speed limit calibration and wherein the controller has a passing speed variance calibration that permits temporarily exceeding the maximum allowable speed limit calibration, wherein the controller disables the passing speed variance calibration.

14. The system of claim 13 further comprising a temperature sensor that determines whether the temperature is below a first predetermined level and generating a low temperature signal, wherein the controller disables the passing speed variance calibration only if the low temperature signal and precipitation signal are both received by the controller.