Exhaust safety system for an engine
AssigneeKohler Co.
InventorsMartin Louis Radue, Marshall Hau, David Hasler, Donald Castle, Michael E. Smies
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Engine systems which are safer and have reduced risk of fire are desirable in a wide range of equipment markets. The present engine systems utilize sensors and control systems which reduce the probability of fire or spark exiting the exhaust system. The sensors may monitor a wide range of conditions within the exhaust system to alter the operating parameters of the engine to prevent ignition of objects adjacent the engine system during use. By altering operation of the engine, conditions such as exhaust temperature or unburned fuel can be controlled to minimize risk of undesired ignition.
Claims20
An engine system comprising:
- an internal combustion engine comprising:
- an intake comprising a fuel/air mixer;
- a first combustion chamber fluidly coupled to the intake;
- a first ignition source operably coupled to the first combustion chamber;
- and
- an exhaust system fluidly coupled to the first combustion chamber and extending from the first combustion chamber to an outlet;
- a control unit configured to control at least one of the fuel/air mixer or the first ignition source;
- and
- a first sensor configured to sense a first condition of exhaust within the exhaust system;
- wherein, in response to a first signal from the first sensor, the control unit transitions from 1) a first state where the fuel/air mixer delivers fuel to the first combustion chamber and the fuel is ignited via the first ignition source to 2) a second state where the control unit either controls the fuel/air mixer to cease delivery of fuel to the first combustion chamber or controls the first ignition source to prevent ignition of the fuel.
An engine system comprising:
- an internal combustion engine comprising:
- an intake comprising a fuel/air mixer;
- a first combustion chamber fluidly coupled to the intake;
- a first ignition source operably coupled to the first combustion chamber;
- and
- an exhaust system fluidly coupled to the first combustion chamber and extending from the first combustion chamber to an outlet;
- a control unit configured to control at least one of the fuel/air mixer or the first ignition source;
- and
- a first sensor configured to sense a first condition of exhaust within the exhaust system, the first sensor outputting a first signal which is received by the control unit;
- wherein, in response to the first signal exceeding a first predetermined threshold while the engine is in a running state, the control unit either causes the fuel/air mixer to cease delivery of fuel or the first ignition source to prevent ignition of the fuel.
A method of controlling an internal combustion engine comprising:
- a) providing an engine comprising an intake comprising a fuel/air mixer, a first combustion chamber fluidly coupled to the intake, a first ignition source operably coupled to the first combustion chamber, and an exhaust system fluidly coupled to the first combustion chamber and extending from the first combustion chamber to an outlet, the engine in a running state;
- b) sensing, via a sensor operably coupled to the exhaust system, a first condition of exhaust within the exhaust system exceeding a first predetermined threshold;
- c) interrupting fuel delivery from the fuel/air mixer or preventing ignition of the fuel by the first ignition source;
- d) monitoring, via the sensor, the first condition of the exhaust until the first condition of the exhaust is less than a second predetermined threshold;
- e) resuming fuel delivery from the fuel/air mixer and ignition of the fuel by the first ignition source.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.