| Patent application number | Description | Published |
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| 20090107461 | Direct Injection Fuel System with Reservoir - A method of operating a fuel delivery system for an internal combustion engine is described. The system may include a plurality of direct cylinder injectors, a fuel rail upstream of the injectors, a first pump, and a second pump coupled downstream of the first pump and to the fuel rail. The method may include, after or during engine shutdown, and during a fuel system cool down, activating the first pump; and varying the activation of the first pump responsive to temperature to maintain a higher pressure for high temperatures. Alternatively, in some examples, the system may include a reservoir in a bypass around the second pump, the bypass having a valve downstream of the fuel reservoir, where the valve is positioned vertically above the second pump and the fuel reservoir is positioned vertically above the valve. The fuel reservoir may be sized to hold a sufficient amount of fuel in the bypass to allow fuel to migrate from the bypass to the fuel rail during engine cool down. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090114191 | LIFT PUMP CONTROL FOR A TWO PUMP DIRECT INJECTION FUEL SYSTEM - An economical method for controlling a lift pump operating as part of a direct injection fuel system is described. According to the method, at least two distinct operating modes are provided. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090188472 | LIFT PUMP SYSTEM FOR A DIRECT INJECTION FUEL SYSTEM - An economical method for controlling a lift pump operating as part of a direct injection fuel system is described. According to the method, the lift pump is operated at efficient operating conditions and then stopped until additional fuel is requested. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090260601 | FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM DIAGNOSTICS AFTER SHUT-DOWN - A method for operation of a fuel delivery system in an internal combustion engine including a lower pressure pump, a higher pressure pump fluidly coupled downstream of the lower pressure pump, and a fuel rail fluidly coupled downstream of the high pressure pump. The method including initiating a mitigating action based on a fuel rail pressure response, the fuel rail pressure response occurring after an engine shut-down, where the mitigating action includes disabling vehicle operation if fuel rail pressure drops below a threshold value after activation of one of the pumps, the activation occurring before a subsequent engine start, the subsequent engine start occurring after the engine shut-down, and where the mitigating action includes adjusting operation of one of the pumps during the subsequent engine start if fuel rail pressure achieves at least the threshold value after or during the activation. | 10-22-2009 |
| 20090271090 | SYSTEM AND CONTROL METHOD FOR SELECTING FUEL TYPE FOR AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE CAPABLE OF COMBUSTING A PLURALITY OF FUEL TYPES - A system and method for improving fuel usage of a dual fuel engine is described. Fuel type is delivered to engine cylinders in response to operating conditions. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20100017097 | FUEL BASED ENGINE OPERATION CONTROL - Methods are provided for operating an engine with a variable fuel blend in a cylinder, where the variable fuel blend varies a peak achievable engine torque for a given operating condition. One example method comprises selectively operating an engine actuator that affects engine torque and engine fuel economy at the given operating condition, and extending operation of the actuator to higher engine torques as a peak engine torque for the given operating condition increases. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100024770 | FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR A MULTI-FUEL ENGINE - A fuel delivery system for a multi-fuel internal combustion engine and an approach for operating the fuel delivery system are provided. The fuel delivery system can be operated in two or more different fuel delivery modes according to operating conditions of the engine or fuel delivery system. A first example mode can be performed to concurrently deliver two or more fuels to the engine. A second example mode can be performed to transfer fuel from a first fuel storage tank to a second fuel storage tank. A third example mode can be performed to supply a fuel from a first fuel storage tank to at least two fuel injectors of each cylinder of the engine. In some embodiments, the various modes of operation may be selected by varying a fuel pressure that is provided by the fuel delivery system. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100108035 | ADDRESSING FUEL PRESSURE UNCERTAINTY DURING STARTUP OF A DIRECT INJECTION ENGINE - An engine system and a method of starting an internal combustion engine of the engine system are described. In one embodiment, the method includes adjusting a fuel pressure within a fuel rail to a first value; after the fuel pressure within the fuel rail attains the first value, initiating delivery of fuel to the internal combustion engine from the fuel rail by successively injecting fuel directly into combustion chambers of the internal combustion engine; and after at least a first fuel injection event, reducing the fuel pressure within the fuel rail from the first value to a second value over subsequent successive fuel injection events by adjusting an operating parameter of the high pressure fuel pump. The method may optionally include increasing an air-fuel ratio over subsequent successive fuel injection events after fuel delivery is initiated by varying an amount of fuel that is directly injected into the combustion chambers. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100114462 | CONTROL OF INTAKE PRESSURE FOR RESTART-ENABLED IDLE STOP - Methods and systems are provided for controlling an engine of a vehicle, the engine including an intake manifold, a cylinder, and an adjustable throttle upstream of the intake manifold. One example method includes operating the engine with combustion, and in response to operating conditions, during a stopped vehicle idle condition, and without a shut-down request by the operator, automatically initiating an engine shut down. Further, the example method may include during the automatically initiated engine shut down, adjusting the throttle to maintain manifold pressure at a first value, where during progression of the shut down, the first value is adjusted based on an operating parameter and restarting the engine before it reaches zero speed in response to a restart request. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100139624 | HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP CONTROL FOR IDLE TICK REDUCTION - A method for controlling a mechanical solenoid valve of a high-pressure fuel pump to supply fuel to an engine is provided. The method includes: during an idle condition, adjusting a pull-in current of the mechanical solenoid valve utilized to control closing of the mechanical solenoid valve based on a fuel pressure downstream of the high-pressure fuel pump, wherein the pull-in current is reduced when possible while enabling the mechanical solenoid valve to close as indicated by an increase in the downstream fuel pressure. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100139628 | FUEL PREHEAT FOR ENGINE START - Systems and methods for providing heated fuel to a fuel injector of an engine are provided. One example method comprises maintaining a volume of fuel above a start-ready temperature during a pre-start interval, the pre-start interval beginning after the engine is turned off, beginning automatically, and ending when the engine is restarted, the start-ready temperature greater than a lowest temperature of the engine during the pre-start interval. The method further comprises delivering some of the volume of fuel to the fuel injector when the engine is about to be restarted. According to the approaches described herein, adequate cold-start fuel atomization may be provided without compromising driver satisfaction due to excessive pre-ignition delay, while at the same time reducing unnecessary heating of fuel during warm engine off conditions. Further, the approaches described herein may be enacted inexpensively in a wide variety of motor-vehicle configurations. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100147270 | CRANKCASE BREECH DETECTION FOR BOOSTED ENGINES - Methods for indicating whether a crankcase of an engine is breeched are provided. One example method comprises restricting a communication of the crankcase with atmosphere, acting to increase or decrease a crankcase pressure, and indicating whether the crankcase is breeched based on the crankcase pressure. Another example method comprises sensing a crankcase pressure component, and indicating whether the crankcase is breeched based on the crankcase pressure component, the crankcase communicating with atmosphere via a conduit, a restrictedness of the conduit responsive to one or more of a crankcase pressure and a signal from an electronic control unit of the motor vehicle. Still other examples provide more particular methods for indicating whether the crankcase is breeched, and example configurations that enable the various methods. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100170470 | FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR MULTI-FUEL ENGINE - A fuel delivery system for an engine and a method of its operation are described. The fuel delivery system includes a first fuel injector for delivering a first fuel to a cylinder of the engine; a second fuel injector for delivering a second fuel to the cylinder; an electrical relay system disposed between a first electrical potential and each of the first and second fuel injectors; an electronic driver disposed between a second electrical potential and each of the first and second fuel injectors; and a control module. The control module is configured to switch the electrical relay system between first and second positions to select one of the first and second fuels, respectively. The electronic driver is closed by the control module to deliver the selected one of the first or second fuel to the first cylinder via a respective one of the first or second fuel injectors. | 07-08-2010 |
| 20100174473 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ASSISTED DIRECT START CONTROL - Method and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle system including an engine that is selectively deactivated during engine idle-stop conditions. One example method comprises, adjusting a brake torque applied to a deactivated rotating engine after an engine restart request, the brake torque applied to slow the engine to at least a predetermined threshold speed without stopping the engine, and engaging a starter to the still rotating engine to increase the engine speed and restart the engine. | 07-08-2010 |
| 20100211288 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ENGINE STARTING - Methods and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle system including an engine that is selectively deactivated during engine idle-stop conditions and selectively reactivated during engine restart conditions. One example method comprises, during an engine restart from an idle stop, performing a first combustion event in a cylinder with a piston at an engine crankshaft position that is after a crankshaft position at which said cylinder's exhaust valve opens, and before a crankshaft position at which the cylinder's intake valve closes, during a cycle of said cylinder. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100223984 | FUEL VAPOR PURGING DIAGNOSTICS - Systems and methods are provided for monitoring reverse flow of fuel vapors and/or air through a vehicle fuel vapor recovery system, said fuel vapor recovery system coupled to an engine intake of a boosted internal combustion engine. One example method comprises, intermittently adjusting a restriction in the fuel vapor recovery system during boosted conditions, and indicating degradation based on one or more of a change in a pressure value, or based on a change in flow in the fuel vapor recovery system. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100244459 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ENGINE START CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided for starting an engine in a vehicle, the engine including a starter, the vehicle including a plurality of energy storage devices electrically coupled to the starter. One example method comprises, during a first charging condition, electrically coupling the plurality of energy storage devices in parallel to each other; and during a second discharging condition, electrically coupling the plurality of energy storage devices in series to each other and to the starter to actuate the starter and rotate the engine. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100275880 | FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM DIAGNOSTICS AFTER SHUT-DOWN - A method for operation of a fuel delivery system in an internal combustion engine including a lower pressure pump, a higher pressure pump fluidly coupled downstream of the lower pressure pump, and a fuel rail fluidly coupled downstream of the high pressure pump. The method including initiating a mitigating action based on a fuel rail pressure response, the fuel rail pressure response occurring after an engine shut-down, where the mitigating action includes disabling vehicle operation if fuel rail pressure drops below a threshold value after activation of one of the pumps, the activation occurring before a subsequent engine start, the subsequent engine start occurring after the engine shut-down, and where the mitigating action includes adjusting operation of one of the pumps during the subsequent engine start if fuel rail pressure achieves at least the threshold value after or during the activation. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100300404 | DIRECT-START ENGINE OPERATION UTILIZING MULTI-STRIKE IGNITION - A method for operation of a vehicle having an internal combustion engine is provided. The internal combustion engine may include one or more combustion chambers, a fuel delivery system including a direct fuel injector coupled to each combustion chamber, an ignition system including one or more spark plugs coupled to each combustion chamber, a piston disposed within each combustion chamber, and an intake and an exhaust valve coupled to each combustion chamber, the internal combustion engine providing motive power to the vehicle. The method may include discontinuing combustion operation within the internal combustion engine responsive to idle-stop operation. The method may further include, during a direct-start, performing multi-strike ignition operation per combustion cycle via one or more selected spark plug(s) for at least a first combustion cycle in a combustion chamber following the discontinuation of combustion operation, the one or more selected spark plug(s) coupled to the combustion chamber. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100300413 | Variable Venturi System and Method for Engine - Systems and methods for an engine are described. In one example, a system may include a variable venturi coupled in an intake of the engine; an exhaust gas recirculation system having an exhaust gas recirculation flow path, the exhaust gas recirculation flow path coupled to the variable venturi; and a vacuum-utilizing device or system coupled to the variable venturi. In another example, a method may include coordinating adjustment of an exhaust gas recirculation valve coupled to the exhaust gas recirculation system, a fuel vapor purging valve coupled to the fuel vapor purging system, and the variable venturi in response to operating conditions. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100307454 | Fuel Distribution in Multi-Fuel Tank Compressed Gas Fuel Systems - A method for distributing fuel in a fuel system of a motor vehicle. The method may be applied in a fuel system having a first fuel tank, where fuel is confined at a first pressure, and a second fuel tank, where fuel is confined at a second pressure greater than the first pressure. The method comprises releasing fuel already resident in the second fuel tank to the first fuel tank, and admitting fuel to the first and second fuel tanks simultaneously. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20110005504 | OXIDANT INJECTION DURING COLD ENGINE START - Various systems and methods are described for controlling an engine with a turbocharger in a vehicle. One example method comprises, under selected operating conditions, generating an oxidant rich component from engine intake air, storing the oxidant rich component of the intake air, and, under subsequent cold start conditions, injecting an amount of the stored oxidant rich component to the engine. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110005505 | OXIDANT INJECTION TO REDUCE TURBO LAG - Various systems and methods are described for controlling an engine with a turbocharger in a vehicle. One example method comprises, under selected operating conditions, generating an oxidant rich component from engine intake air, storing the oxidant rich component, and during subsequent increased torque request, injecting an amount of the stored oxidant rich component to the engine. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110017174 | ENGINE WITH GASEOUS AND/OR LIQUID FUEL INJECTOR - In one example, a system for a vehicle travelling on a surface is described. The system includes an engine with a cylinder. The cylinder includes a fuel injector that is supplied with gaseous fuel and liquid fuel by a fuel delivery system. The fuel injector is mounted in the vehicle such that the fuel injector inlet faces at least partially toward the road surface. The orientation of the fuel injector enables a quick transition from liquid fuel to gaseous fuel because the gaseous fuel can rise to the injectors and be preferentially injected. Further, various approaches are described from transitioning operation between gaseous and liquid fuel injection. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110030658 | POSITIVE-PRESSURE CRANKCASE VENTILATION - A method for combusting a vapor of a fuel accumulated in a crankcase of an engine, the engine disposed in a vehicle having a fuel tank and an adsorbent canister coupled to the fuel tank. The method comprises flowing compressed air from a first air source through the crankcase to yield a crankcase effluent enriched in gasses leaked from the combustion chamber, which include the fuel vapor. The method further comprises combining the crankcase effluent with an effluent from the adsorbent canister, also enriched in the vapor, and, flowing the combined crankcase and adsorbent-canister effluent to an intake of the engine via a conduit. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110030659 | BIDIRECTIONAL ADSORBENT-CANISTER PURGING - A method for combusting a vapor of a fuel accumulated in an adsorbent canister in a vehicle, the vehicle having an engine and a fuel tank coupled to the adsorbent canister. The method comprises, during a first operating condition including a higher availability of compressed air, metering the compressed air from a first air source, and flowing the metered, compressed air through the adsorbent canister along a first flow path. The method further comprises, during a second operating condition including a lower availability of compressed air, flowing air from a second air source through the adsorbent canister, and, during the first and second operating conditions, venting the fuel tank to an intake of the engine and flowing effluent enriched in the vapor from the adsorbent canister to the intake of the engine. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110041801 | DIRECT-START ENGINE OPERATION UTLIZING MULTI-STRIKE IGNITION - A method for engine starting is provided. The method may include performing idle-stop operation, and during a subsequent re-start, applying multi-strike ignition operation for a first combustion cycle. In this way, improved engine starting may be achieved with reduced emissions. | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110120432 | Variable Venturi System and Method for Engine - Systems and methods for an engine are described. In one example, a system may include a variable venturi coupled in an intake of the engine; an exhaust gas recirculation system having an exhaust gas recirculation flow path, the exhaust gas recirculation flow path coupled to the variable venturi; and a vacuum-utilizing device or system coupled to the variable venturi. In another example, a method may include coordinating adjustment of an exhaust gas recirculation valve coupled to the exhaust gas recirculation system, a fuel vapor purging valve coupled to the fuel vapor purging system, and the variable venturi in response to operating conditions. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110132290 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A VEHICLE WITH A FUEL REFORMER - A method for operating an engine with a fuel reformer is presented. In one embodiment a method for operating an engine by injecting a gaseous fuel and a liquid fuel to at least an engine cylinder is presented. The method may prioritize the injection of the gaseous fuel in response to an amount of gaseous fuel stored in a fuel storage tank. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110132291 | AUXILIARY PUMP SCHEME FOR A COOLING SYSTEM IN A HYBRID-ELECTRIC VEHICLE - Various systems and methods are described for a cooling system coupled to an engine in a vehicle. One example method comprises, during engine off, operating an auxiliary pump to flow coolant through a heater core; and, during engine running, operating an engine pump to flow coolant through the heater core and radiator, and selectively operating the auxiliary pump to assist flow through the heater core based on operating conditions. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110132307 | METHOD FOR STARTING AN ENGINE - A method for improving starting of an engine that may be repeatedly stopped and started is presented. In one embodiment, the method disengages a starter in response to a first predicted combustion in a cylinder of the engine. The method may reduce one-way clutch degradation of a starter. Further, the method may reduce current consumption during engine starting. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110132308 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ASSISTED DIRECT START CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle system including an engine that is selectively deactivated during engine idle-stop conditions. One example method includes, during a first condition, engaging an engine starter, without applying a starter current, to the deactivated rotating engine after the engine speed drops below a threshold speed. The method further includes, during a second condition, engaging the starter and adjusting a starter motor switch to apply a starter braking torque to the rotating engine. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110132311 | INTAKE SYSTEM INCLUDING VACUUM ASPIRATOR - In some examples, reduced engine displacement reduces an engine's ability to provide brake booster vacuum. The present application relates to intake systems including a vacuum aspirator to generate vacuum. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110132320 | FLUID INJECTION PRESSURIZATION SYSTEM - A system including, an internal combustion engine including a combustion chamber, a first injector to provide a first injection fluid to the combustion chamber, and a heated pressurization system to heat the first injection fluid in a pressure vessel to achieve a sufficient injection pressure. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110135498 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ASSISTED DIRECT START CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided for pressurizing a transmission hydraulic circuit including a transmission mechanical pump coupled to an engine though a gearbox. One example method comprises, during an engine start, adjusting a speed ratio between the transmission pump and the engine between a first speed ratio and a second speed ratio, the pump rotating faster relative to the engine at the first speed ratio as compared with the second speed ratio. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110136620 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ASSISTED DIRECT START CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle engine coupled to a stepped-gear-ratio transmission. One example method comprises, in response to a first vehicle moving condition, shutting down the engine and at least partially disengaging the transmission while the vehicle is moving; and during a subsequent restart, while the vehicle is moving, starting the engine using starter motor assistance and adjusting a degree of engagement of a transmission clutch to adjust a torque transmitted to a wheel of the vehicle. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110137543 | METHOD FOR STARTING AN ENGINE - A method for improving starting of an engine that may be repeatedly stopped and started is presented. In one embodiment, the method controls a transition from split fuel injection timing during an engine start to single event fuel injection during idle speed or engine torque control modes. The method better manages vehicle launch performance when the engine is restarted while coupled to an automatic transmission that is in gear. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110138807 | EXHAUST HEAT RECOVERY FOR ENGINE HEATING AND EXHAUST COOLING - Various systems and method for heating an engine in a vehicle are described. In one example, intake air flowing in a first direction may be heated via a gas-to-gas heat exchange with exhaust gases. The heated intake air may then be used in a subsequent gas-to-liquid heat exchange to heat a fluid circulating through the engine. In another example, intake air flowing in a second direction may be heated via a heat exchange with exhaust gases in order to cool an exhaust catalyst. | 06-16-2011 |
