(12) United States Patent
`Pursifull
`
`USOO658826OB1
`(10) Patent No.:
`US 6,588,260 B1
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Jul. 8, 2003
`
`(54) ELECTRONIC THROTTLE DISABLE
`CONTROL TEST SYSTEM
`
`(75) Inventor: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Dearborn, MI
`(US)
`
`(73) Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.,
`Dearborn, MI (US)
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 70 days.
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 09/695,165
`(22) Filed:
`Oct. 24, 2000
`e 19
`7
`51) Int. Cl. ............................................... G01M 15/00
`(52)
`f
`52) U.S. Cl. ...................................................... 731118.1
`(58) Field of Search ................................ 73/116, 117.2,
`73/117.3, 118.1, 118.2
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`4,515,009 A * 5/1985 Hasegawa et al. .......... 123/478
`5,088,461. A
`2/1992 Ohashi et al. .............. 123/353
`5,473.936 A * 12/1995 Sasakura et al. ........... 73/117.3
`5,950,597 A * 9/1999 Kamio et al. ............... 123/397
`6,318,337 B1 * 11/2001 Pursifull ..................... 123/396
`* cited bw examiner
`y
`Primary Examiner Eric S. McCall
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm John Kajander
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`A method for testing the integrity of an electronic throttle
`disable function begins by disabling the drive electronics
`responsible for controlling the throttle motor. The micro
`controller doing the plate position control commands full
`closing voltage from throttle motor drive electronics (while
`h
`1
`disabled). Then the throttl
`those electronics are disabled). Then the throttle position
`ltage i
`ded. If the disable sy
`king, th
`Voltage is recorded. If the disable System IS Working, the
`H-dri
`ill outp
`1
`hough a full
`-driver Will Output Zero VOItS even though a
`motor
`closing Voltage is requested. The throttle position Voltage is
`then compared to a predetermined default throttle position
`Voltage. If there is a significant difference between the two
`Voltages, then failure mode management is engaged.
`
`4,359,894. A 11/1982 Ikeura et al. .............. 73/118.2
`
`17 Claims, 2 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`Learn Throttle Plate
`Throttle Position Sensor
`Voltage for Default Position
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Command Full
`Closing Voltage
`
`Engage Failure
`Mode Management
`
`Y
`
`Are Sensor
`Voltages piece)
`16 - 64
`
`
`
`IPR2023-01234
`Petitioner - Exhibit 1001 - Page 1
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 8, 2003
`
`Sheet 1 of 2
`
`US 6,588,260 B1
`
`
`
`ACTUATOR &
`INTERFACE
`
`IPR2023-01234
`Petitioner - Exhibit 1001 - Page 2
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 8, 2003
`
`Sheet 2 of 2
`
`US 6,588,260 B1
`
`4.2
`
`44
`
`46
`
`43
`
`62
`Engage Failure
`Mode Management
`
`Beqin l-4
`eg
`2
`Learn Throttle Plate
`Throttle Position Sensor
`Voltage for Default Position
`
`Disable Motor
`Drive Electronics
`
`Cornmand Full
`Closing Woltage
`
`Wait 30 msec
`
`
`
`
`
`Record TPS Voltage
`60
`
`
`
`
`
`N
`Command Zero Wolts to
`Motor Drive Electronics
`
`
`
`Enable Motor
`Drive Electronics
`Apply Closing
`Motor Voltage
`
`Wait 30 Tsec
`
`Record TPS Voltage
`
`
`
`60
`
`Y
`
`Are Sensor
`Voltages piece)
`
`62
`Engage Failure
`Mode Management
`
`
`
`
`
`IPR2023-01234
`Petitioner - Exhibit 1001 - Page 3
`
`

`

`1
`ELECTRONIC THROTTLE DISABLE
`CONTROL TEST SYSTEM
`
`US 6,588.260 B1
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`The present invention relates generally to control Systems
`for internal combustion engines, and more particularly, to an
`electronic throttle disable control test System.
`
`BACKGROUND ART
`Many previously known motor vehicle throttle controls
`have a direct physical linkage between an accelerator pedal
`and the throttle body so that the throttle plate is pulled open
`by the accelerator cable as the driver presses the pedal. The
`direct mechanical linkage includes biasing that defaults the
`linkage to a reduced operating position, also known as idle,
`in a manner consistent with regulations. Nevertheless, Such
`mechanisms are often Simple and unable to adapt fuel
`consumption efficiency, minimize regulated emissions,
`improve driveability to changing traveling conditions, and
`add Significant weight and components to the motor vehicle.
`An alternative control for improving throttle control and
`the efficient introduction of fuel air mixtures into the engine
`cylinders is presented by electronic throttle control. The
`electronic throttle control includes a throttle control unit that
`positions the throttle plate by an actuator controlled by a
`microprocessor using position feedback Sensors. The micro
`controllers (or micro processors) are often included as part
`of a powertrain electronic control that can adjust the fuel and
`air intake and ignition in response to changing conditions of
`vehicle operation as well as operator control. Protection may
`be provided so that an electronic system does not misread or
`misdirect the control and So that unintended operation is
`avoided when portions of the electronic control Suffer a
`failure.
`One previously known type of protection to avoid unin
`tended actuation of excessive throttle is to use a disable
`function of the electronic throttle drive electronics. The
`disable function allows the PCM to shut down the electronic
`throttle drive electronics in the event that the PCM senses a
`throttle position differing from expected throttle position.
`Unfortunately, typical electronic throttle Systems do not test
`the integrity of the disable function.
`The disadvantages associated with these conventional
`electronic throttle disable techniques have made it apparent
`that a new technique for testing the electronic throttle
`disable function is needed. The new technique should not
`intrude on normal throttle operation while Verifying function
`integrity at least once each time the vehicle is powered up.
`The present invention is directed to these ends.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`It is, therefore, an object of the invention to provide an
`improved and reliable electronic throttle disable control test
`System. Another object of the invention is to test the elec
`tronic throttle driver disable function. And additional object
`of the invention is to not intrude upon normal throttle
`operation.
`In accordance with the objects of this invention, an
`electronic throttle disable control test system is provided. In
`one embodiment of the invention, a method for testing the
`integrity of an electronic throttle disable function begins by
`disabling the electronic throttle motor's drive electronics
`(which is an integrated H-driver in the preferred
`embodiment). The H-driver is commanded to apply dull
`
`15
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`25
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`35
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`40
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`45
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`50
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`55
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`60
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`65
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`2
`closing Voltage, however, Since the H-driver is disabled, no
`Voltage is applied to the motor and the throttle remains at its
`default position. The throttle position Voltage is then com
`pared to a predetermined default position Voltage. If there is
`a significant difference between the two Voltages, then
`failure mode management is engaged. These Voltages can be
`either "absolute” meaning relative to System ground or
`“relative” meaning relative to the throttle position Sensor
`Voltage output at closed throttle, default position, or open
`Stop position. This allows one to detect the Voltage differ
`ence between default and closed Stop.
`At this point, we have verified that the throttle does not
`move when disabled. Then we have to verify that it does
`move when enabled.
`The present invention thus achieves an improved elec
`tronic throttle disable control test system. The present inven
`tion is advantageous in that the integrity of the electronic
`throttle disable function is tested at least once each time the
`vehicle is powered up.
`Additional advantages and features of the present inven
`tion will become apparent from the description that follows,
`and may be realized by means of the instrumentalities and
`combinations particularly pointed out in the appended
`claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying draw
`IngS.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`In order that the invention may be well understood, there
`will now be described some embodiments thereof, given by
`way of example, reference being made to the accompanying
`drawings, in which:
`FIG. 1 is an electronic throttle disable control test system
`in accordance with one embodiment of the present inven
`tion; and
`FIG. 2 is a flow chart for an electronic throttle disable
`control test in accordance with one embodiment of the
`present invention.
`BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE
`INVENTION
`In the following figures, the same reference numerals will
`be used to identify identical components in the various
`Views. The present invention is illustrated with respect to an
`electronic throttle disable control test System, particularly
`Suited for the automotive field. However, the present inven
`tion is applicable to various other uses that may require
`electronic throttle disable control test Systems.
`Referring to FIG. 1, a motor vehicle powertrain system 10
`including electronic throttle control System 12 includes an
`electronic control unit 14. In the preferred embodiment, the
`electronic control unit 14 includes a powertrain control
`module (PCM) 16 including a main processor and an
`electronic throttle monitor (ETM) 18 including an indepen
`dent processor. The PCM and ETM share sensors 19 and
`actuators that are associated with the powertrain System 17
`and control module 16. Preferably, the electronic throttle
`monitor 18 includes a processor physically located within
`the powertrain control module housing, although a separate
`housing, Separate locations and other embodiments can also
`be employed in practicing the invention. Moreover, while
`the electronic throttle monitor 18 and the powertrain control
`module 16 have independent processors, they share the
`inputs and outputs of powertrain Sensors 19 and actuators 21
`and 34, respectively, for independent processing.
`A wide variety of inputs are represented in the FIG. 1
`diagram by the diagrammatic representation of redundant
`
`IPR2023-01234
`Petitioner - Exhibit 1001 - Page 4
`
`

`

`3
`pedal position sensors 20. The sensors 20 are coupled
`through inputs 22 and are representative of many different
`driver controls that may demonstrate the demand for power.
`In addition, the electronic control unit 14 includes inputs 26a
`and 26b for detecting throttle position. A variety of ways for
`providing Such indications is diagrammatically represented
`in FIG. 1 by a first throttle position sensor 24a and a
`redundant Second throttle position Sensor 24b to obtain a
`power output indication. As a result of the many inputs
`represented at 19, 22, 26a and 26b, the electronic controller
`14 provides outputs for limiting output power So that output
`power does not exceed power demand. A variety of outputs
`are also diagrammatically represented in FIG. 1 by the
`illustrated example of inputs to a throttle control unit 28 that
`in turn powers an actuator and motive interface 30 for
`displacing the throttle plate 34. For example, an actuator and
`interface may comprise redundant drive motors powering a
`gear interface to change the angle of the throttle plate 34 in
`the throttle body 36.
`Likewise, the responsive equipment like motorS may also
`provide feedback. For example, the motor position sensor 38
`or the throttle position sensors 24a and 24b may provide
`feedback to the throttle control unit 28, as shown at 37,27a
`and 27b, respectively, to determine whether alternative
`responses are required or to maintain information for Service
`or repair.
`The purpose of the present invention is to establish a
`method with which to test the ability to take an action (which
`is taken upon failure detection). For a number of detected
`electronic control system failures, the throttle plate 34
`position control disables the drive electronics for the throttle
`motor 30. In normal operation, the system would never take
`this action.
`The challenge is to design a test that does not intrude in
`normal throttle control operation. Since disabling the driver
`results in the plate 34 going to default, to test this function
`non-intrusively, one must test when the System is off-line but
`powered (initialization or shut-down) or when default is
`requested anyway. An advantage over previous technology
`is that the driver disable function (which is a significant
`contributor to System predictability when a System failure is
`detected) can now be tested at least once each time the
`vehicle is powered up.
`Referring to FIG. 2, a flow chart for an electronic throttle
`disable control test 40 in accordance with one embodiment
`of the present invention is illustrated. In the present
`invention, control test 40 begins with step 42 and immedi
`ately proceeds to step 44 where PCM 16 learns the TPS
`output voltage for the default position of throttle plate 36.
`(At this point, no motor voltage is applied so that the plate
`will have attained the default position.) The sequence then
`proceeds to Step 46.
`In step 46, PCM16 disables the drive electronics respon
`Sible for actuating motor 30. The Sequence then proceeds to
`step 48 where PCM 16 commands full closing motor volt
`age. PCM 16 waits approximately 30 milliseconds and then
`records the resulting throttle position Sensor Voltage. The
`Sequence then proceeds to Step 50.
`In Step 50, the throttle position Voltage corresponding to
`the default position of throttle plate 34, determined in step
`44, is compared to the throttle position Voltage obtained after
`disabling the drive electronics. If the two Voltages are
`Significantly different, it means that the motor drove the
`plate to a new position and the disable function is not
`working and then the PCM 16 will engage failure mode
`management in Step 52 and proceed to the end of the
`
`5
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`15
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`25
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`35
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`40
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`45
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`50
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`60
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`US 6,588.260 B1
`
`4
`Sequence 64. If, however, the two Voltages are not signifi
`cantly different, then the Sequence proceeds to Step 54.
`In step 54, PCM16 commands zero volts and proceeds to
`step 56 where it enables the H-driver. In step 58 PCM 16
`applies approximately five Volts in the closing direction to
`throttle motor 30. PCM 16 then waits 30 milliseconds before
`applying full Voltage in the closing direction to throttle
`motor 30. PCM16 then waits another 30 milliseconds before
`learning the output voltage corresponding to a close Stop of
`throttle plate 34. PCM 16 then records the close stop TPS
`output voltage and the Sequence proceeds to Step 60.
`In Step 60, the Voltage corresponding to the default
`position of throttle plate 34, determined in step 44, is
`compared to the close stop voltage obtained in step 58. If the
`two voltages are not significantly different, then the
`Sequence proceeds to end Step 64. If, however, the two
`Voltages are significantly different, then throttle plate 34 may
`be potentially frozen. In this case, PCM 16 engages failure
`mode management in Step 62, including ice breaking Strat
`egy.
`While the present invention is shown with respect to
`testing the integrity of the drive electronics disable function
`after learning the default Voltage corresponding to the
`default position of throttle plate 34, one skilled in the art
`would realize that testing may also occur before learning the
`default Voltage by Simply comparing the Voltage obtained in
`step 48 with the close stop voltage. One skilled in the art
`would also recognize that various routine functions, Such as
`checking memory, may occur before or after the test.
`The present invention thus achieves an improved and
`reliable electronic throttle disable control test system by
`means to test the disable function without intruding on
`normal throttle operation. The present invention does this at
`least once each time the vehicle is powered up.
`From the foregoing, it can be seen that there has been
`brought to the art a new and improved electronic throttle
`disable control test system. It is to be understood that the
`preceding description of the preferred embodiment is merely
`illustrative of Some of the many specific embodiments that
`represent applications of the principles of the present inven
`tion. Clearly, numerous and other arrangements would be
`evident to those skilled in the art without departing from the
`Scope of the invention as defined by the following claims:
`What is claimed is:
`1. An electronic throttle control apparatus for testing
`integrity of a motor drive electronics disable feature com
`prising:
`a PCM having drive electronics for controlling a motor
`coupled to an electronic throttle plate, said PCM having
`control logic to disable Said drive electronics and return
`Said electronic throttle plate to a default position,
`determine a default throttle position sensor (TPS) out
`put voltage corresponding to Said default position,
`command a full closing motor Voltage, compare a full
`closing TPS output voltage to said default TPS output
`Voltage, and engage failure mode management when
`said full closing TPS output voltage and said default
`TPS output voltage are significantly different from each
`other.
`2. The electronic throttle control apparatus of claim 1,
`wherein said PCM further includes control logic operative to
`enable Said drive electronics.
`3. The electronic throttle control apparatus of claim 1,
`wherein said PCM further includes control logic operative to
`apply close Stop Voltage to Said motor.
`4. The electronic throttle control apparatus of claim 3,
`wherein said PCM further includes control logic operative to
`
`IPR2023-01234
`Petitioner - Exhibit 1001 - Page 5
`
`

`

`US 6,588.260 B1
`
`S
`compare Said full closing TPS output voltage to Said close
`stop TPS output voltage.
`5. The electronic throttle control apparatus of claim 4,
`wherein said PCM includes control logic operative to
`engage failure mode management when Said full closing
`TPS output voltage and said close stop TPS output voltage
`are significantly different.
`6. The electronic throttle control apparatus of claim 1,
`wherein said PCM includes control logic operative to test
`Said motor drive electronics disable feature before leaning
`Said default throttle position Sensor output voltage.
`7. The electronic throttle control apparatus of claim 1,
`wherein said PCM includes control logic operative to test
`Said motor drive electronics disable feature before checking
`PCM memory.
`8. An electronic throttle control test System for an auto
`mobile having and internal combustion engine, Said System
`comprising:
`a motorized throttle located on the internal combustion
`engine, Said motorized throttle having a throttle plate
`coupled to a motor for controlling an amount of airflow
`entering the internal combustion engine; and
`a PCM having drive electronics for controlling said motor
`coupled to said throttle plate, said PCM having control,
`logic to disable Said drive electronicS Such that Said
`throttle plate returns to or remains at a default position,
`determine a default throttle position sensor (TPS) out
`put voltage corresponding to Said default position,
`command a full closing motor Voltage, compare Said
`full closing TPS output voltage to said default TPS
`output Voltage, and engage failure mode management
`when said full closing TPS output voltage and said
`predetermined default TPS output voltage are signifi
`cantly different.
`9. The electronic throttle control test system of claim 8,
`wherein said PCM includes control logic operative to test
`disabling of Said drive electronics before learning Said
`default throttle position Sensor output voltage.
`
`15
`
`25
`
`35
`
`6
`10. The electronic throttle control test system of claim 8,
`wherein said PCM includes control logic operative to test
`disabling of said drive electronics before checking PCM
`memory.
`11. A method for testing integrity of an electronic throttle
`plate driver disable function controlled by a powertrain
`control module (PCM) comprising the steps of:
`disabling Said driver;
`determining a first throttle position value with Said driver
`disabled;
`commanding full closing Voltage;
`determining a Second throttle position value at Said full
`closing Voltage,
`comparing Said first and Second throttle position values,
`and
`engaging failure mode management when Said first and
`Second throttle position values are Significantly differ
`ent.
`12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step
`of enabling Said driver.
`13. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step
`of applying close Stop output voltage to a motor.
`14. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step
`of comparing a throttle position Sensor (TPS) output voltage
`at Said full closing Voltage to a TPS output Voltage at Said
`close Stop Voltage.
`15. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step
`of engaging failure mode management when Said TPS
`output voltage at Said full closing Voltage and Said TPS
`output voltage at Said close Stop Voltage are significantly
`different.
`16. The method of claim 11, wherein said testing occurs
`before learning default throttle position sensor output volt
`age.
`17. The method of claim 11, wherein said testing occurs
`before checking PCM memory.
`
`k
`
`k
`
`k
`
`k
`
`k
`
`IPR2023-01234
`Petitioner - Exhibit 1001 - Page 6
`
`