Engine position detection using manifold pressure
AssigneesGeneral Motors Corporation, Delco Electronics Corporation
InventorsDavid G. Mc Kendry, Kenneth D. Leininger, Mark G. Thomas, Matthew T. Hamilton
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The absolute angular position of an internal combustion engine is determined by monitoring engine intake manifold pressure at a strategic position in the manifold affected most significantly by the intake event of a predetermined cylinder. A significant or maximum depression in manifold pressure over each engine cycle then is indicative of the intake stroke of the predetermined cylinder.
Claims9
A method for sensing an intake stroke of a predetermined cylinder in an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders and having an air intake manifold, comprising the steps of:
- sensing air pressure at a predetermined location in the air intake manifold in proximity to an air intake path to the predetermined cylinder;
- generating a signal representative of the sensed air pressure;
- and
- sensing the intake stroke of the predetermined cylinder when the signal is at a minimum value.
A method for determining when an engine having an intake manifold is at a predetermined operating angle within an engine cycle, comprising the steps of:
- sensing air pressure in the intake manifold at a predetermined position in proximity to an air intake of a predetermined cylinder;
- determining when the sensed air pressure is at a minimum pressure over the engine cycle;
- and
- determining the engine to be at the predetermined operating angle when the sensed air pressure is at the minimum pressure.
An apparatus for sensing an intake stroke of a predetermined cylinder in an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders and having an air intake manifold, comprising:
- a pressure sensor for sensing air pressure in the engine intake manifold at a predetermined position in proximity to an intake air path to the predetermined cylinder;
- signal generating means for generating a signal representative of the sensed air pressure;
- and
- means for sensing the intake stroke of the predetermined cylinder when the pressure signal is at a minimum value.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.