Integral engine control sensor
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An intake manifold assembly comprising:
- a substantially non-metallic runner passage for directing a gas, said runner passage comprising an intake manifold outer surface;
an engine control unit having a controller in communication with a sensor; and
a case hermetically sealing said engine control unit, said case mounted to said outer surface and adjacent said runner passage and a second vehicle component, said sensor extending at least partially through said case and at least partially into said runner passage to receive a first input.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A vehicle fluid directing includes an engine control unit (ECU) mounted directly to the intake manifold to provide engine management and diagnostic functions. A case encloses the ECU to hermetically seal and protect the circuit board and attached components. Sensors preferably extend through the case and into the intake manifold to receives a direct input to the medium passing through the intake manifold. In another embodiment, a sensor such as an accelerometer which does not extend from the case receives vibration input. As the entire circuit board is directly mounted to the intake manifold, the vibrations are received as input to the sensor.
54 Citations
11 Claims
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1. An intake manifold assembly comprising:
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a substantially non-metallic runner passage for directing a gas, said runner passage comprising an intake manifold outer surface;
an engine control unit having a controller in communication with a sensor; and
a case hermetically sealing said engine control unit, said case mounted to said outer surface and adjacent said runner passage and a second vehicle component, said sensor extending at least partially through said case and at least partially into said runner passage to receive a first input. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method of identifying a malfunctioning fuel injector with an engine control unit having a controller and a sensor, said engine control unit mounted to a substantially non-metallic intake manifold, said method comprising the steps of:
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(1) sending an injector operating command;
(2) determining an optimal expected opening and closing time period for the injector based upon said injector operating command of said step (1);
(3) determining a first measurement window corresponding with said optimal expected opening time period for the injector and a second measurement window corresponding with said optimal expected closing time period for the injector;
(4) identifying whether a vibration signal exists during each of said first and said second measurement windows. - View Dependent Claims (11)
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Specification