Toyota jidosha kabushiki kaisha (20240183323). AIR-FUEL RATIO CONTROL APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE AND AIR-FUEL RATIO CONTROL METHOD THEREFOR simplified abstract

AIR-FUEL RATIO CONTROL APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE AND AIR-FUEL RATIO CONTROL METHOD THEREFOR

Organization Name

toyota jidosha kabushiki kaisha

Inventor(s)

Shinichi Takeshima of Susono-shi (JP)

AIR-FUEL RATIO CONTROL APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE AND AIR-FUEL RATIO CONTROL METHOD THEREFOR - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240183323 titled 'AIR-FUEL RATIO CONTROL APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE AND AIR-FUEL RATIO CONTROL METHOD THEREFOR

Simplified Explanation

The air-fuel ratio control apparatus described in the patent application controls the air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas flowing into an exhaust gas control catalyst of an internal combustion engine. The control unit alternates between rich and lean processes to maintain the optimal air-fuel ratio for efficient combustion.

• The air-fuel ratio control unit executes a rich process to maintain a ratio richer than stoichiometric, followed by a lean process to maintain a ratio leaner than stoichiometric.
• During the rich process, a lean pulse process is executed to briefly adjust the air-fuel ratio to a higher lean level than during the lean process.

Potential Applications

This technology can be applied in automotive engines to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions by optimizing the air-fuel ratio for combustion.

Problems Solved

1. Inefficient combustion due to incorrect air-fuel ratio. 2. High emissions of harmful pollutants from the engine.

Benefits

1. Improved fuel efficiency. 2. Reduced emissions. 3. Enhanced engine performance.

Potential Commercial Applications

Optimizing the air-fuel ratio in internal combustion engines for automotive manufacturers and aftermarket tuning companies.

Possible Prior Art

There may be prior art related to air-fuel ratio control systems in internal combustion engines, but specific examples are not provided in this patent application.

Unanswered Questions

How does the lean pulse process impact overall engine performance?

The lean pulse process briefly adjusts the air-fuel ratio to a higher lean level during the rich process. This may affect combustion efficiency and emissions, but the specific impact on engine performance is not detailed in the patent application.

What are the potential long-term effects of alternating between rich and lean processes on the engine components?

The continuous switching between rich and lean processes may have implications for the durability and longevity of engine components. However, the patent application does not address the potential long-term effects of this control strategy.

Original Abstract Submitted

an air-fuel ratio control apparatus includes an air-fuel ratio control unit controlling an air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas flowing into an exhaust gas control catalyst of the internal combustion engine includes an air-fuel ratio control unit controlling the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the exhaust gas control catalyst. the air-fuel ratio control unit alternately repeats a rich process for controlling the air-fuel ratio that is richer than a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio and a lean process for controlling the air-fuel ratio hat is leaner than the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio. the air-fuel ratio control unit, during the rich process, executes a lean pulse process for controlling, over a period shorter than a period of one execution of the lean process, the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas to reach a lean air-fuel ratio having a higher lean level than the air-fuel ratio during the lean process.