초록 ▼

A calorimetric sensor system requires a vehicle's internal combustion engine to cyclically operate between first and second conditions to repeatedly produce a varying exhaust gas composition which is consistent from cycle to cycle. The rate of change of the calorimetric sensor's signal as the engine

A calorimetric sensor system requires a vehicle's internal combustion engine to cyclically operate between first and second conditions to repeatedly produce a varying exhaust gas composition which is consistent from cycle to cycle. The rate of change of the calorimetric sensor's signal as the engine cycles from one to the other condition is mathematically factored, after signal filtering at frequencies of the induced perturbation, to provide signals indicative of the emissions concentration in the exhaust gases, the air/fuel ratio of the engine and whether the engine is operating lean or rich. The signals can be used as fuel control engine signals as well as OBD signals. Additionally, the system can control industrial processes through small process perturbations affecting the compositions of process gases.

대표청구항 ▼

[ Having thus described the invention, it is claimed:] [1.] An on-board monitoring and/or control system for use and in combination with a vehicle having an internal combustion engine emitting, during operation, exhaust gases, said system comprising:a) control means causing said engine to cycle betw

[ Having thus described the invention, it is claimed:] [1.] An on-board monitoring and/or control system for use and in combination with a vehicle having an internal combustion engine emitting, during operation, exhaust gases, said system comprising:a) control means causing said engine to cycle between first and second extreme operating conditions to produce an exhaust gas having generally, consistently varying concentrations of specific emissions during each cycle which are repeatedly reproduced from cycle to cycle;b) sensor means for producing a continuous calorimetric signal indicative of the changes in the exhaust gas composition during each cycle;c) means to generate a function signal by analyzing the changes in said calorimetric signal; andd) means to apply said function signal to a control on said vehicle for monitoring and/or controlling a function of said vehicle.