The present invention relates to vehicles, and more particularly to a method and system involving fan curve information of a vehicle.
Many transmissions require the engine system of a vehicle to accurately broadcast via a datalink the amount of torque that the engine is creating as well as the amount of torque being consumed by internal and external parasitic losses. The engine system typically estimates the amount of torque being consumed by internal parasitic losses. However, the engine system cannot accurately determine the torque consumed by the largest external parasitic loss, the engine's cooling fan.
Accordingly, what is needed is an improved method and system for processing fan curve information. The present invention addresses such a need.
A method and system for use in a vehicle is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a plurality of fan curves in a vehicle, requesting vehicle information, and selecting a fan curve from the plurality of fan curves based on the vehicle information. According to the method and system disclosed herein, embodiments of the present invention provide accurate fan torque selection and compensation.
The present invention relates to vehicles, and more particularly to a method and system involving fan curve information of a vehicle. The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention, and is provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements. Various modifications to the preferred embodiment and the generic principles and features described herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.
A method and system in accordance with the present invention involving fan curve information are disclosed. The method includes causing the engine electronic control module (ECM) to send a request message to a vehicle cab controller for vehicle information. In one embodiment, the vehicle information includes the vehicle make and model. If a response message is received, the ECM identifies the vehicle information from the response message, and selects a fan curve based on the vehicle information. As a result, embodiments of the present invention provide accurate fan torque selection and compensation. To more particularly describe the features of the present invention, refer now to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying figures.
Next, in step 304, the ECM 204 determines if it has received a response message from the cab controller 202. If the ECM 204 receives a response message, in step 306, the ECM 204 identifies the vehicle information (e.g., vehicle make and model) from the response message. Next, in step 308, the ECM 204 selects an appropriate fan curve based on the vehicle information. In one embodiment, the ECM 204 initially stores fan curves for various makes and models. In one embodiment, a fan curve may indicate a fan make, fan model, drive ratio, number of blades, and fan diameter that is connected to the engine.
Referring again to
Referring again to step 304, if the ECM 204 does not receive a response message from the vehicle cab controller 202, in step 314, the ECM 204 attempts to retrieve the vehicle information (e.g., make and model) from a data plate. In one embodiment, a data plate is a portion of the EMC 204 that stores vehicle information such as vehicle make and model. When a given vehicle is built, the ECM includes a data plate, regardless of the manufacturer.
Referring again to
Next, in step 320, the ECM 204 determines the fan torque from the selected fan curve and determines the friction torque. In one embodiment, the friction torque is a parameter that indicates the amount of torque being consumed by parasitic losses or accessory loads. Next, in step 322, the ECM 204 sums the fan torque and friction torque. In conventional systems, the friction torque is not available for use by the transmission. For example, under a quasi steady-state no-load condition, the broadcasted value of actual engine torque will increase by some amount when the fan comes on. The amount of increase is directly proportional to the amount of fan load. If the engine does not increase the value of friction torque by the correct corresponding amount, the transmission will interpret the increase as a change in grade which may result in poor shift decisions. Embodiments of the present invention eliminate this problem by summing the fan torque with the friction torque to eliminate the torque error. The ECM 204 may then broadcast an accurate torque for the vehicle, as the proper torque curve is used to compensate for the fan.
In one embodiment, if the ECM 204 had previously selected a non-generic fan curve, and if there is no response to the ECM's current request for vehicle information, the ECM 204 may use the current value of fan curve parameter and set a fault indicating a loss of communication with the cab controller 202. In one embodiment, a provision may be provided to clear the fault in order to accommodate the case where an ECM is removed from the engine installed in one vehicle make and then installed on an engine in another vehicle of a different make and model. In one embodiment, a single fan curve may be scalable. In one embodiment, an in-service fan power estimation algorithm may be used.
According to the method and system disclosed herein, the present invention provides numerous benefits. For example, embodiments of the present invention provide accurate fan torque selection and compensation and provide an accurate broadcast of engine torque when the fan is on. Embodiments also allow the ECM to determine and apply the proper fan curve without human intervention, thereby eliminating the possibility of a fan curve being erroneously selected. Embodiments also improve engine and transmission performance. Embodiments also eliminate shift inhibits due to inaccurate broadcast torque. Embodiments also require no additional electronic tool support. Embodiments also reduce the amount of time, resources, and expense required to obtain transmission certification. Embodiments also eliminate or minimize the amount of fan torque compensation validation testing.
A method and system in accordance with the present invention involving fan curve information has been disclosed. The method includes engine electronic control module (ECM) sending a request message to a vehicle cab controller for vehicle information. If a response message is received, the ECM identifies the vehicle information from the response message and selects a fan curve based on the vehicle information. As a result, embodiments of the present invention provide accurate fan torque selection and compensation.
The present invention has been described in accordance with the embodiments shown. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that there could be variations to the embodiments, and that any variations would be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, embodiments of the present invention may be implemented using hardware, software, a computer-readable medium containing program instructions, or a combination thereof. Software written according to the present invention or results of the present invention may be stored in some form of computer-readable medium such as memory, hard drive, CD-ROM, DVD, or other media for subsequent purposes such as being executed or processed by a processor, being displayed to a user, etc. Also, software written according to the present invention or results of the present invention may be transmitted in a signal over a network. In some embodiments, a computer-readable medium may include a computer-readable signal that may be transmitted over a network. Accordingly, many modifications may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
This Application is the U.S. Non-Provisional patent application which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/953,464, filed Aug. 1, 2007, entitled “AUTOMATIC FAN CURVE SELECTION” a portion of which is incorporated herein by this reference. The present invention is related to a provisional U.S. application, Application No. 60,953,464, filed on Aug. 1, 2007, and entitled “Automatic Fan Curve Selection,” which is herein incorporated by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
60953464 | Aug 2007 | US |