Intelligent sleep mode for machines with internal combustion engines
First Claim
1. An apparatus for monitoring and controlling engine operation to enhance engine efficiency comprising:
- (a) an internal combustion engine;
(b) at least one sensor for monitoring one or more engine parameters; and
(c) an engine control unit configured to;
(i) receive information from the at least one sensor about the engine parameters,(ii) perform at least a first computerized algorithm to determine whether, based at least in part on the information received from the at least one sensor, the engine should be placed in sleep mode,(iii) continue to receive information from the at least one sensor about engine parameters after placing the engine in sleep mode,(iv) perform at least a second computerized algorithm to determine whether, based at least in part on the information received from the at least one sensor, the engine should remain in sleep mode.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention provides one or more methods of placing a machine with an internal combustion engine in an intelligent sleep mode. The system minimizes fuel costs and reduces wear for a machine using an internal combustion engine by monitoring various engine parameters to determine if during waiting or idle periods, it would be best to place the engine in a sleep mode. The system continues to monitor the machine while it is in sleep mode to determine if it is most advantageous, taking into consideration one or more factors, such as engine wear, fuel costs, duration of idle time, and the like, for the engine to remain in the current sleep mode, be shut down, be restarted, or in some instances, be placed in a different level of intelligent sleep mode.
-
Citations
24 Claims
-
1. An apparatus for monitoring and controlling engine operation to enhance engine efficiency comprising:
-
(a) an internal combustion engine; (b) at least one sensor for monitoring one or more engine parameters; and (c) an engine control unit configured to; (i) receive information from the at least one sensor about the engine parameters, (ii) perform at least a first computerized algorithm to determine whether, based at least in part on the information received from the at least one sensor, the engine should be placed in sleep mode, (iii) continue to receive information from the at least one sensor about engine parameters after placing the engine in sleep mode, (iv) perform at least a second computerized algorithm to determine whether, based at least in part on the information received from the at least one sensor, the engine should remain in sleep mode. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
-
-
15. A method of enhancing operating efficiency in an internal combustion engine comprising the steps of:
-
a) using at least one sensor to monitor at least one engine parameter; b) using an engine control unit to collect data from the at least one sensor; c) inputting the data collected from the at least one sensor into at least a first computerized algorithm to determine whether to place the engine in sleep mode; d) having the engine control unit place the engine in sleep mode; e) using the at least one sensor to monitor engine parameters after the engine has been placed in sleep mode; and f) using at least a second computerized algorithm to analyze the data collected in step e to determine if the engine should remain in sleep mode. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
-
Specification