Eaton Corporation

Jason J McConnell

Keith Hampton

Kynan L Church

David W Deppe

Brian K Van Deusen

A method of controlling exhaust gas recirculation by means of an EGR valve ( ). An electromagnetic actuator ( ) is associated with a housing ( ) to transmit movement of an actuator output ( ) into reciprocating movement of the EGR valve in response to changes in an electrical input signal ( ), and the method comprises generating ( ) a compensator gain value to modify the electrical input signal ( ). The improved method provides a valve position sensor ( ) and generates a position signal ( ) representing instantaneous valve position. The next step is storing ( ) a first relationship (DC ) of the electrical input signal ( ) required to change the instantaneous valve position, then, during ongoing operation, generating ( ) a then-current, second relationship (DC) of the electrical input signal ( ) required to change the instantaneous valve position. Next is comparing ( ) the second relationship (DC) to the first (DC ) and generating ( ) a corresponding difference factor, then using ( ) that difference factor to modify ( ) the compensator gain value correspondingly. This method enables the system to adapt to changes in system friction.

Position control strategy EGR valve actuator

An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) assembly (,) for an internal combustion engine, including an EGR valve (,) having a valve stem (,) reciprocating within a housing (,), between open (FIG.,) and closed positions. Preferably, the EGR assembly is mounted on the exhaust manifold (,), and the EGR valve can communicate exhaust gas back to the intake manifold (,) in a known manner. The EGR assembly includes an electric motor (,), and a gear train (,) to move the EGR valve (,) in response to changes in an electrical input signal. A plurality of power electronic components (,) are disposed within a controls housing (,), which defines a slot (,) in face-to-face relation to a cooling chamber (,) defined by the housing (,) surrounding the valve stem (,). The cooling chamber (,) and the slot (,) cooperate to define a coolant passage, and the valve stem (,) and the power components (,) are in close proximity to the coolant passage, thus permitting the use of less expensive electrical components, rated for relatively lower temperatures.

EGR assembly mounted on exhaust system of a heavy duty diesel engine

A valve control system for an internal combustion engine including a poppet valve (21) and high lift (15) and low lilt (31) cam lobes. A latchable rocker arm includes an outer rocker arm (33) and an inner rocker arm (35), and a slider mechanism (37) which is biased by a spring (67) to the high lilt mode (FIG. 1). An actuator assembly (27) includes and arm (103) biased by a spring (101) into engagement with the slider (37), biasing the slider toward the unlatched (low lift) mode (FIG. 2 ). The actuator (27) includes an electromagnetic coil (83) which moves an armature (87) into engagement with the arm (103), biasing the arm in opposition to the force of the actuator spring (101), but aided initially by the force of the slider spring (67).

Growing community of inventors

Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America

Jason J McConnell