Strategy for detecting use of a block heater and for modifying temperature-dependent variables to account for its use
First Claim
1. An internal combustion engine comprising:
- a control system comprising a processor for processing certain data to develop data values for one or more temperature-dependent variables that affect engine starting and ensuing warm-up, including processing data for detecting a temperature differential in the engine indicative of a block heater having been used to heat the engine prior to cranking, and upon detection of such temperature differential, for selecting a temperature data source from multiple available temperature data sources and processing temperature data from the selected source with additional data to develop data values for one or more of the temperature-dependent variables.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A diesel engine (100) has a control system (102) that processes certain data to develop data values for one or more temperature-dependent variables, such as injection control pressure (ICP), that affect engine starting and ensuing warm-up. The control system also processes data for detecting a temperature differential in the engine indicative of a block heater (126) having been used to heat the engine prior to cranking. Upon detection of such temperature differential, the control system selects a temperature data source from multiple available temperature data sources, namely engine coolant temperature ECT, engine oil temperature EOT, and charge air temperature AIT, and processes temperature data from the selected source with additional data to develop data values for one or more of the temperature-dependent variables.
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Citations
30 Claims
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1. An internal combustion engine comprising:
a control system comprising a processor for processing certain data to develop data values for one or more temperature-dependent variables that affect engine starting and ensuing warm-up, including processing data for detecting a temperature differential in the engine indicative of a block heater having been used to heat the engine prior to cranking, and upon detection of such temperature differential, for selecting a temperature data source from multiple available temperature data sources and processing temperature data from the selected source with additional data to develop data values for one or more of the temperature-dependent variables. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method for modifying one or more temperature-dependent variables in a control system of an internal combustion engine during a phase of operation that comprises heating a limited portion of a cold engine block by a heat source prior to engine cranking followed by warm-up running once the cranking has started the engine running under its own power, the method comprising:
processing data for detecting heating of a cold engine block by the heat source that creates a defined temperature differential between engine oil and engine coolant prior to engine cranking, and upon detection of such a temperature differential, selecting a temperature data source from multiple available temperature data sources and processing temperature data from the selected source with additional data to develop data values used for one or more of the temperature-dependent variables when the engine is running under its own power. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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25. A method for modifying one or more temperature-dependent variables in an engine control system during a phase of operation that comprises heating of a portion of a cold engine block by a heat source prior to engine cranking followed by warm-up running once the cranking has started the engine running under its own power, the method comprising:
processing engine temperature data from more than one available temperature data source for detecting a temperature differential in the engine created by such heating prior to engine cranking, and when a defined temperature differential affecting the one or more temperature-dependent variables is detected, modifying the one or more temperature-dependent variables to account for the effect of heating that has created the defined temperature differential. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27, 28)
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29. A method for indicating heating of a portion of a cold engine block by a heat source prior to engine cranking for use in subsequent control of engine operation, the method comprising:
prior to engine cranking, processing temperature data representing temperature at different locations in the engine by calculating the difference between the temperature at one location and the temperature at another location, comparing the calculated difference to a defined threshold that distinguishes heating by the heat source from non-heating by the heat source, and indicating heating by the heat source when the calculated difference exceeds the defined threshold. - View Dependent Claims (30)
Specification