Ford Global Technolgoies, LLC

International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC

Kevin Ronald Carlstrom

Stephen L Hahn

Donald James Lewis

Stanley Larue Bower

Gerald L Larson

David James Scholl

Frank A Bondarowicz

Matthew J Gumbel

Steven P Miller

Francisco A Gutierrez

A system and process for optimizing vehicle service intervals for a plurality of vehicle service items begins with determination of a minimum service interval. The minimum service interval is set by the need to provide critical, though routine services such as engine oil changes and chassis lubrication. Multiple potential service intervals exist for at least one component, typically engine oil changes, based on different vehicle operating variables. Depending upon the character of vehicle use, one variable will control determination of the recommended interval for engine oil, which, after conversion to distance, is compared with the chassis lubrication to find the minimum service interval. Additional components/fluids are included for service based on operational variables selected to determine service intervals for these components.

Automated synchronized service intervals for vehicles

A plurality of automated vehicle inspection routines are provided keyed by user identification. Implementation relies on presence of a programmable computer installed on the vehicle with user input/output interfaces through which a user may enter user identification. Once entered the computer matches the user to an inspection routine, which may be customized to the particular individual, or which may apply to a class of users.

User adaptive automated pre-trip inspection system

The invention relates to a new method and system for optimizing the efficiency of an automotive catalytic converter by adjusting the engine air/fuel ratio based on estimates of the actual amount of oxidants stored in the catalyst. The oxidant storage capacity of the catalyst is adjusted by controlling engine spark in response to an estimate of a current amount of oxidants stored in the catalyst and an estimate of the total available oxidant storage capacity of the catalyst. To maintain engine speed in spite of adjustments to the engine spark, the engine air mass is also adjusted.

System and method for controlling catalyst storage capacity

The invention relates to a new method and system for optimizing the efficiency of an automotive catalytic converter by adjusting the engine air/fuel ratio based on estimates of the actual amount of oxidants stored in the catalyst. An available oxidant storage capacity of the catalyst is determined by establishing an oxidant set point location, i.e., a location in the catalyst about which the system controls the oxidant storage. The oxidant set point is established based on the temperatures of the different potential set point locations and the levels of deterioration of the different potential set point locations, as well as the oxidant storage capacity of the emission control device system.

System and method for determining set point location for oxidant-based engine air/fuel control strategy

The invention relates to a new method and system for optimizing the efficiency of an automotive catalytic converter. The claimed invention comprises adjusting an air/fuel ratio in the cylinders of an internal combustion engine to maintain a desired level of oxidants in the catalytic converter. At various times, the actual amount of oxidants stored in the catalytic converter is determined. The actual oxidant amount is compared to a target amount of oxidants to be stored in the catalytic converter. The air/fuel ratio in the cylinders is adjusted based on magnitude of the difference between the actual oxidant amount and the target oxidant amount to prevent NOx and hydrocarbon breakthrough.

System and method for adjusting air/fuel ratio

A motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine and a lubricating oil circulation system provides estimates of the distance remaining before an oil change becomes imperative. An indirect estimate of the depletion of various additives and the deterioration of oil operating characteristics is based on engine operating variables including oil temperature, ignition timing and engine load. The limit of depletion of total base number is dynamic, since it is set against total acid number and the two figures are independently calculated.

Method of estimating engine lubricant condition

Vehicle on-board measurement of axle load and gross combined vehicle weight is improved for an air bladder suspended vehicle by allowing for suspension hysteresis. Suspension hysteresis results in at least two distinct air pressures being possible in an air bladder for a single load. The system also reduces the disruptive effect of vehicle acceleration and deceleration on load determination. Vehicle drive train management is enhanced using the load information to effect transmission gear selection.

System and method for vehicle axle load measurement with hysteresis compensation and acceleration filter

The invention relates to a new method and system for optimizing the efficiency of an automotive catalytic converter. The invention comprises adjusting an air/fuel ratio in the cylinders of an internal combustion engine to maintain the amount of oxidants stored in the catalyst at or near an oxidant target value. The oxidant target value is either a pre-determined constant value or a dynamically-determined value that is calculated based on engine operating conditions. The air/fuel ratio in the cylinders is adjusted based on the magnitude of the difference between the actual oxidant amount and the target oxidant amount to prevent NOx and hydrocarbon breakthrough.

System and method for determining target oxygen storage in an automotive catalyst

The invention relates to a new method and system for optimizing the efficiency of an automotive catalytic converter by adjusting the engine air/fuel ratio based on estimates of the actual amount of oxidants stored in the catalyst. To do so, the invented system estimates an amount of oxidants stored in the catalyst. The amount of oxidants stored is estimated by determining an amount of oxidants that are available for storage by the catalyst or that are needed to oxidize hydrocarbons being produced by the engine. Based thereon, a change in oxidant storage in the catalyst is calculated. The estimate of the amount of oxidants that are available for storage by the catalyst or that are needed to oxidize hydrocarbons is adjusted based on a feedback parameter.

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Fort Wayne, IN, United States of America

Kevin Ronald Carlstrom