Method and system for engine control

• US 8,517,134 B1
• Filed: 10/30/2007
• Issued: 08/27/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 10/30/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Daniel Albanesi
• Original Assignee: Daniel Albanesi
• Inventors: Albanesi, Daniel
• Primary Examiner(s): Walters, John
• Assistant Examiner(s): TRIGGS, JAMES J
• Application Number:
  US11/928,319
• Time in Patent Office: 2,128 Days
• Field of Search: 180/170, 701/32, 701 53- 54, 701903-904, 701/70, 701/79, 701/85
• US Class Current: 180/170
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 10/06 including control of combustion engines
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2050/0083 Setting, resetting, calibration
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2540/043 Identity of occupants
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2710/0661 Speed change rate
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 50/0098 Details of control systems ensuring comfort, safety or stability not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 2200/101 Engine speed
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 2200/1012 Engine speed gradient
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 2200/602 Pedal position
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 2200/604 Engine control mode selected by driver, e.g. to manually start particle filter regeneration or to select driving style
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 31/001 Electric control of rotation speed
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 31/009 for maximum speed control
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/5177 Extending keeper

Abstract

A method for improved engine control is disclosed. The system controls the rate of change of engine RPM, referred to as “ramp rate.” A method provides for controlling the ramp rate of an internal combustion engine including establishing a predetermined rate limit, determining a current engine speed, determining a desired engine speed, and adjusting the speed at or below the predetermined rate limit. In one embodiment, the ramp rate is controlled by an engine control module. The system does not require consideration of vehicle weight. Hence, there is no need for extensive sensors or other means to approximate a vehicle weight. This saves cost and complexity as compared with prior art systems. In another embodiment, the ramp rate control is based on a driver profile or user tier. This allows different ramp rates for different drivers, providing flexibility to have a lower ramp rate for less experienced drivers.

Claims

1. A method for controlling the ramp rate of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle, comprising the steps of:

identifying an operator of the vehicle;

establishing a predetermined rate limit associated with the operator;

determining a current engine speed;

determining a desired engine speed; and

increasing the current engine speed toward the desired engine speed at a rate at or below the predetermined rate limit, wherein the rate of increase of the speed of the vehicle is controlled without consideration of the gross weight of the vehicle.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of establishing a predetermined rate limit comprises establishing a rate limit in the range of from about 60 rpm per second to about 300 rpm per second.

3. A method for controlling the ramp rate of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle, comprising the steps of:

identifying one of an operator or an operator'"'"'s user category;

establishing a predetermined rate limit associated with the operator or the operator'"'"'s user category;

determining a current engine speed;

determining a desired engine speed;

wherein, when the current engine speed is below the desired engine speed, the engine speed is increased toward the desired engine speed at a rate at or below the predetermined rate limit, and wherein the rate of increase of the speed of the vehicle is controlled without consideration of the gross weight of the vehicle.

4. A method for controlling the ramp rate of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle, comprising the steps of:

identifying an operator of the vehicle;

establishing a predetermined RPM limit associated with the operator;

monitoring input from an engine speed sensor to determine the measured RPM associated with the engine speed;

monitoring a throttle position sensor to determine whether there is a demand for increased engine speed;

increasing the engine speed at a rate at or below the predetermined rate limit if it is determined that there is a demand for increased engine speed; and

wherein the adjustment of the speed is controlled without consideration of the gross weight of the vehicle.

5. A method for controlling the ramp rate of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle, comprising the steps of:

identifying an operator of the vehicle;

identifying a user category of which said operator is a member;

establishing a predetermined rate limit associated with the user category;

determining a current engine speed;

determining a desired engine speed; and

,

increasing the current engine speed toward the desired engine speed at a rate at or below the predetermined rate limit, wherein the rate of increase of the speed of the vehicle is controlled without consideration of the gross weight of the vehicle.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the step of establishing a predetermined rate limit comprises establishing a rate limit in the range of from about 60 rpm per second to about 300 rpm per second.

7. A method for controlling the ramp rate of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle, comprising the steps of:

identifying an operator of the vehicle;

identifying a user category of which said operator is a member;

establishing a predetermined rate limit associated with the user category;

determining a current engine speed;

determining a desired engine speed;

wherein, when the current engine speed is below the desired engine speed, the engine speed is increased toward the desired engine speed at a rate at or below the predetermined rate limit, and wherein the rate of increase of the speed of the vehicle is controlled without consideration of the gross weight of the vehicle.

8. A method for controlling the ramp rate of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle, comprising the steps of:

identifying an operator of the vehicle;

identifying a user category of which said operator is a member;

establishing a predetermined RPM limit associated with the user category;

monitoring input from an engine speed sensor to determine the measured RPM associated with the engine speed;

monitoring a throttle position sensor to determine whether there is a demand for increased engine speed;

increasing the engine speed at a rate at or below the predetermined rate limit if it is determined that there is a demand for increased engine speed; and

wherein the adjustment of the speed is controlled without consideration of the gross weight of the vehicle.