Engine protection system

• US 7,184,878 B2
• Filed: 09/02/2004
• Issued: 02/27/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 09/03/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Malone Specialty Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Malone Specialty Incorporated
• Inventors: Baron, Renald, Malone, Don, Daniels, George M.
• Primary Examiner(s): KWON, JOHN
• Application Number:
  US10/932,532
• Publication Number:
  US 20050119821A1
• Time in Patent Office: 908 Days
• Field of Search: 701/101, 701/107, 701/112, 701/113, 701/114, 123/479
• US Class Current: 701/112
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 2041/0095 Synchronisation of the cylinders during engine shutdown
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 2041/227 Limping Home, i.e. taking specific engine control measures at abnormal conditions
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 2041/228 Warning displays
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 2200/023 Temperature of lubricating oil or working fluid
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 2200/503 Battery correction, i.e. corrections as a function of the state of the battery, its output or its type
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 2400/08 Redundant elements, e.g. two sensors for measuring the same parameter
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 31/003 for idle speed control
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 31/008 for idle speed control
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 41/042 for stopping the engine
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 41/22 Safety or indicating devices for abnormal conditions in air/fuel ratio feedback systems F02D41/1495, in electric control linkage F02D11/107, in purge control systems F02M25/0809
• CPC Class Codes: F02P 11/06 Indicating unsafe conditions
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/40 Engine management systems

Abstract

An engine protection system and protocol is implemented within an electronic control module. Various engine parameters, such as engine coolant level, coolant temperature, transmission fluid temperature, and engine oil pressure are monitored and compared to limit values to determine if a fault condition exists as to one or more of the parameters. The engine protection system includes visual and audible signals responsive to the parameters. An engine disabling mechanism is operative when any of the aforementioned parameters exceed predetermined limits for a predeterminable period. The electronic control module contains a memory function for recording the fault parameters as well as other identifying information. The electronic control module also includes an engine idle limiter feature. The engine disabling means is operative when the vehicle idling duration exceeds a second predeterminable period. The electronic control module further includes a battery voltage monitor with latching relay including a circuit interrupter operative when the battery voltage falls below a predetermined limit.

Claims

1. An engine protection system for an internal combustion engine associated with a vehicle, the system comprising:

an electronic engine control module;

means for monitoring duration of engine idling of a stationary vehicle;

means for determining whether a fault condition exists as to said engine idling by comparing said duration of said engine idling to a predeterminable number limit value; and

,

said electronic control module including an engine shutdown connection, said shutdown connection disables the engine when said duration of said engine idling exceeds said predeterminable number limit.

2. The engine protection system of claim 1, wherein said electronic engine control module further includes an initial start-up override that suspends said means for monitoring duration of engine idling at initial start-up.

3. The engine protection system of claim 1, wherein said engine control module further includes a low ambient temperature override that suspends said means for monitoring duration of engine idling during periods of low ambient temperature.

4. The engine protection system of claim 1, wherein said engine control module further includes a high ambient temperature override that suspends said means for monitoring duration of engine idling during periods of high ambient temperature.

5. The engine protection system of claim 1, further comprising visual and audible signals on a panel monitor and said engine shutdown connection including a shutdown circuit connector that breaks current flow to a fuel valve.

6. The engine protection system of claim 1, wherein said electronic control module includes a microprocessor that records and retrieves said fault condition data.

7. The engine protection system of claim 1, further comprising means for monitoring the magnitude of a number of engine fluid parameters;

and,

means for determining whether a fault condition exists as to one or more of said fluid parameters by comparing said magnitude of one each of said number of fluid parameters to a number of limit values corresponding to said one each of said fluid parameters.

8. The engine protection system of claim 7, further comprising visual and audible signals on a panel monitor and said engine shutdown connection including a shutdown circuit connector that breaks current flow to a fuel valve.

9. The engine protection system of claim 8, wherein said electronic control module includes a microprocessor for recording and storing said fault condition data.

10. The engine protection system of claim 9, including means for monitoring the magnitude of battery voltage;

and,

means for determining whether a fault condition exists as to said battery voltage by comparing magnitude of said battery voltage to a number limit value.

11. The engine protection system of claim 10, including battery voltage protection means including a latching relay with circuit interrupter operative when said battery voltage is in said fault condition and said engine is shut down.