Computer readable storage medium for use with engine having variable valve actuator
AssigneeFord Global Technologies, LLC
InventorsSteve W. Magner, Mrdjan J. Jankovic
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Piston to valve interference in an internal combustion engine is detected and alleviated by adjusting valve timing, valve lift, and/or compression ratio. Specifically, based on actuator motion, an actuator is selected to reduce potential interference. Further, potential sensor and hardware degradation are considered in controlling actuators to reduce potential interference.
Claims22
A method for controlling valve operation of valves coupled to a cylinder of an internal combustion engine with a piston, the method comprising:
- varying compression ratio, valve timing, and valve lift, of the engine;
- indicating potential interference between the piston and the valve;
- during a first set of directions of valve timing change valve lift change, and compression ratio, adjusting valve timing to reduce said potential for interference;
- and
- during a second set of directions of valve timing change and valve lift change, and compression ratio, adjusting valve lift to reduce said potential for interference.
A method for controlling valve operation of valves coupled to a cylinder of an internal combustion engine with a piston, the method comprising:
- indicating potential interference between the piston and the valve based on engine valve timing, valve lift, and compression ratio;
- during a first set of directions of valve timing change and valve lift change, adjusting valve timing to reduce said potential for interference;
- during a second set of directions of valve timing change and valve lift change adjusting valve lift to reduce said potential for interference;
- and
- adjusting engine torque to compensate for a torque effect of said adjusting.
A computer storage medium having instructions encoded therein for controlling valve operation of valves coupled to a cylinder of an internal combustion engine with a piston, the engine in a powertrain in a vehicle on the road, said medium comprising:
- code for identifying potential interference between the piston and the valve based on engine valve timing valve lift, and compression ratio;
- code for, during a first set of directions of valve timing change and valve lift change, adjusting valve timing to reduce said potential for interference;
- code for, during a second set of directions of valve timing change and valve lift change, adjusting valve lift to reduce said potential for interference;
- and
- code for adjusting engine torque to compensate for a torque effect of said adjusting.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.