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.

Claims

24 · 5 independent · depth 3

24 granted claims

›1.independentA 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, t…+4

›6.independentA 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, t…+11

›7.↳ 6The method recited in claim 6 wherein the outlet control device comprises a variable cam timing system.d2+1

›8.↳ 6The method recited in claim 6 wherein the outlet control device comprises a swirl control valve.d2

›10.↳ 6The method recited in claim 6 further comprising the steps of: determining a desired cylinder fresh charge based on said first and second cylinder air…d2

›11.↳ 6The method recited in claim 6 wherein said inlet control device is an electronic throttle, said outlet control device is a variable cam timing system,…d2

›12.↳ 6The method recited in claim 6 wherein said outlet control device and said inlet control device are accordingly changed so that a manifold pressure is …d2

›13.↳ 6The method recited in claim 6 wherein said outlet control device and said inlet control device are accordingly changed so that flow entering the manif…d2+1

›14.↳ 6The method recited in claim 6 further comprising the steps of: determining a cylinder fresh charge to be inducted by the engine commencing with said c…d2

›15.↳ 6The method recited in claim 6 further comprising the steps of: determining a desired cylinder fresh charge to be inducted by the engine commencing wit…d2

›16.↳ 6The method recited in claim 6 further comprising the steps of: determining a desired cylinder fresh charge to be inducted by the engine commencing wit…d2

›18.independentAn article of manufacture comprising: a computer storage medium having a computer program encoded therein for controlling an engine during a cylinder …+4

›23.independentA 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, t…

›24.independentA 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, t…

Classifications

2 codes

USPC · US Patent Classification

123/681123/90.15

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1.9 y

680 days filing → grant

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Henry C. Yuen

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