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US 12,044,159 B2Granted
Coolant stop logic
AssigneeToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
InventorMark A. Bachicha
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Method and systems for determining when to cancel coolant stop. An initial coolant temperature value is measured. The initial coolant temperature value is used to create Multiple Control Valve (MCV) opening thresholds. A first threshold is generated for MCV opening threshold for engine speed. A second threshold is generated for MCV opening for intake air mass flow. A comparison is made between the first threshold and the currently measured engine speed and/or a comparison is made between the second threshold and the currently measured intake air mass flow. The comparison(s) are then used to determine when to cancel coolant stop and open the MCV.
Claims17
A method comprising:
- measuring, using a coolant temperature sensor, an initial coolant temperature of a coolant in a vehicle cooling system;
- sending, using the coolant temperature sensor, the initial coolant temperature to an engine control unit;
- determining, during operation of a vehicle and using the initial coolant temperature and the engine control unit:
- a first threshold, wherein the first threshold corresponds to a valve opening threshold for intake air mass flow;
- and
- a second threshold, wherein the second threshold corresponds to a valve opening threshold for engine speed;
- measuring, using an air flow sensor, a first intake air mass flow value;
- sending, using the air flow sensor, the first intake air mass flow value to the engine control unit;
- measuring, using a speed sensor, a first engine speed;
- sending, using the speed sensor, the first engine speed to the engine control unit;
- comparing, using the engine control unit:
- the first threshold to the first intake air mass flow value;
- and
- the second threshold to the first engine speed;
- and
- sending, using the engine control unit and in response to the comparison, a first command to open a valve coupled to the vehicle cooling system if the first intake air mass flow value exceeds the first threshold and/or if the first engine speed exceeds the second threshold, wherein the valve opens to release the coolant.
13 more elements
A system comprising:
- a vehicle cooling system, wherein the vehicle cooling system comprises a coolant;
- an engine control unit;
- a sensor system, wherein the sensor system comprises:
- an air flow sensor;
- a speed sensor;
- and
- a coolant temperature sensor;
- wherein each of the air flow sensor, the speed sensor, and the coolant temperature sensor is in communication with the engine control unit;
- and
- a valve;
- wherein the coolant temperature sensor measures an initial coolant temperature and sends the initial coolant temperature to the engine control unit;
- wherein the speed sensor measures an engine speed and sends the measured engine speed to the engine control unit;
- wherein the air flow sensor measures an intake air mass flow value and sends the intake air mass flow value to the engine control unit;
- and
- wherein the engine control unit is configured to:
- determine, during operation of a vehicle and using the initial coolant temperature, a first threshold, wherein the first threshold corresponds to a valve opening threshold for intake air mass flow;
- determine, during operation of the vehicle and using the initial coolant temperature, a second threshold, wherein the second threshold corresponds to a valve opening threshold for engine speed;
- compare the first threshold to a measured intake air mass flow value and the second threshold to the measured engine speed;
- and
- in response to the comparison, sending a command to open the valve if the measured intake air mass flow value exceeds the first threshold and/or if the measured engine speed exceeds the second threshold, wherein the valve opens to release the coolant of the vehicle cooling system.
17 more elements
A system comprising:
- a vehicle cooling system, wherein the vehicle cooling system comprises a coolant;
- a controller;
- a sensor system, wherein the sensor system comprises:
- an air flow sensor,
- a speed sensor, and
- a coolant temperature sensor,
- wherein the sensor system is in communication with the controller;
- and
- a valve coupled to the vehicle cooling system;
- wherein the coolant temperature sensor measures an initial coolant temperature of the coolant of the vehicle cooling system and sends the initial coolant temperature to the controller;
- wherein the speed sensor measures an engine speed and sends the measured engine speed to the controller;
- wherein the air flow sensor measures an intake air mass flow value and sends the measured intake air mass flow value to the controller;
- and
- wherein the controller is configured to:
- determine, using the initial coolant temperature, a first threshold, wherein the first threshold corresponds to a valve opening threshold for intake air mass flow;
- and
- determine, using the initial coolant temperature, a second threshold, wherein the second threshold corresponds to a valve opening threshold for engine speed;
- compare the first threshold to the measured intake air mass flow value and the second threshold to the measured engine speed;
- and
- in response to comparing, sending a command to open the valve if the measured intake air mass flow value exceeds the first threshold and/or if the measured engine speed exceeds the second threshold.
17 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.