Direct injection variable valve timing engine control system and method
AssigneeFord Global Technologies, LLC
InventorsJohn David Russell, Gopichandra Surnilla, Stephen Lee Cooper
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method for controlling mode transitions, such as from stratified to homogeneous mode, in a direct injection engine adjusts an intake manifold outlet control device, such as a cam timing, to rapidly control cylinder fresh charge despite manifold dynamics. In addition, a coordinated change between an intake manifold inlet control device, for example a throttle, and the outlet control device is used to achieve the rapid cylinder fresh charge control. In this way, engine torque disturbances during the mode transition are eliminated, even when cylinder air/fuel ratio is changed from one cylinder event to the next.
Claims24
A method for controlling an engine during a cylinder air/fuel ratio change from a first cylinder air/fuel ratio to a second cylinder air/fuel ratio, the engine having an intake manifold and an outlet control device for controlling flow from the intake manifold into the cylinder, the method comprising the steps of:
- indicating the cylinder air/fuel ratio change;
- and
- in response to said indication, changing the outlet control device to maintain an engine torque during said cylinder air/fuel ratio change.
A method for controlling an engine during a cylinder air/fuel ratio change from a first cylinder air/fuel ratio to a second cylinder air/fuel ratio, the engine having an intake manifold, an inlet control device for controlling flow entering the manifold, and an outlet control device for controlling flow exiting the intake manifold, the method comprising the steps of:
- indicating the cylinder air/fuel ratio change;
- and
- in response to said indication, changing the outlet control device and the inlet control device to maintain an engine torque during said cylinder air/fuel ratio change.
An article of manufacture comprising:
- a computer storage medium having a computer program encoded therein for controlling an engine during a cylinder air/fuel ratio change from a first cylinder air/fuel ratio to a second cylinder air/fuel ratio, the engine having an intake manifold, an inlet control device for controlling flow entering the manifold, and an outlet control device for controlling flow exiting the intake manifold, said computer storage medium comprising:
- code for changing said cylinder air/fuel ratio;
- and
- code for changing said outlet control device and said inlet control device to maintain an engine torque during said cylinder air/fuel ratio change.
A method for controlling an engine during a cylinder air/fuel ratio change from a first cylinder air/fuel ratio to a second cylinder air/fuel ratio, the engine having an intake manifold, an inlet control device for controlling flow entering the manifold, and an outlet control device for controlling flow from the intake manifold into the cylinder, the method comprising the steps of:
- indicating the cylinder air/fuel ratio change;
- and
- in response to said indication, simultaneously changing the outlet control device and the inlet control device.
A method for controlling an engine during a cylinder air/fuel ratio change from a first cylinder air/fuel ratio to a second cylinder air/fuel ratio, the engine having an intake manifold and an outlet control device for controlling flow from the intake manifold into the cylinder, the method comprising the steps of:
- indicating the cylinder air/fuel ratio change;
- in response to said indication, changing the outlet control device;
- determining a desired cylinder fresh charge to be inducted by the engine after said cylinder air/fuel ratio change;
- and
- adjusting an engine parameter so that an actual fresh charge approaches said desired cylinder fresh charge, commencing said adjustment with said outlet control device change.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.