Cummins Engine Company, Inc.

Roger J Hapka

Matthew J Horgan

Dean S Anderson

A system for controlling internal combustion engine performance in accordance with driver behavior includes a vehicle control computer operable to receive a plurality of vehicle operating parameter signals and control engine fueling based thereon. In accordance with an operational status, or an operational state determined over a predefined time interval, of one or more of the vehicle operating parameter signals, the system is operable to control available engine performance. Both the operational status and operational state of the various vehicle operating parameters are the result of the manner in which the driver operates the vehicle. The control system of the present invention is thus operable to reward/penalize driver performance by correspondingly adding/subtracting available engine performance in the form of available engine output power and/or available vehicle speed. Preferably, subtracting available engine performance occurs automatically, and adding available engine performance may be either done automatically or according to driver demand.

System for controlling combustion engine performance in accordance with driver behavior

System for controlling internal combustion engine performance in

A system for remotely accessing an engine control system and selectively controlling and changing an existing engine algorithm. In a preferred embodiment, the system comprises an on-board vehicle communications system which receives and sends data to a remote central fixed base site. A truck operator contacts the fleet base manager via the on-board communications system and requests, for example, that the engine idle for a specified period of time. The fleet base manager at the remote central fixed based site then transmits data from a computer over a communications channel to the vehicle's on-board communications system. The data is sent through a remote command interface device which translates the data in language recognizable by an engine control device. Based on the data transmitted, the engine control device disables an existing idle shutdown system and permits the engine to remain idle for an amount of time specified by the truck fleet manager.

Remote control of engine idling time

An engine protection system and protocol is implemented within an electronic engine control module. Various engine fluid parameters, such as coolant level and temperature, oil pressure and temperature, and air intake manifold temperature, are monitored and compared to limit values to determine if a fluid fault condition exists as to one or more of the fluid parameters. The engine performance is derated as a function of the severity of the fluid parameter fault. Two levels of faults are sensed to activate one of two derating schedules. In one schedule, the engine power, or torque as a function of engine speed, is gradually reduced or derated as the fluid parameter moves farther out of normal operating range. With this derate schedule, the engine will still run and the driver can still operate the vehicle, albeit at lower power levels than a healthy engine. In a second schedule for more severe fault conditions, the maximum allowable engine speed is gradually reduced over a certain time period and to a certain percentage of the normal maximum engine rpm. Both schedules permit continued operation of the engine in a 'limp home' mode for the less severe faults, and as required after a more severe fault to bring the vehicle safely to a stop. The engine portection system also stores an array of fault information that can be later access to investigate engine fluid parameter failures.

Engine protection system

A cooling system having a circulating coolant provided for an internal combustion engine, wherein the coolant temperature substantially remains at a predetermined elevated temperature while the engine is operating at a load below a predetermined amount and within a predetermined ambient temperature range.

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Columbus, IN, United States of America

Roger J Hapka