System and method for engine valve lash calibration

Abstract

A method for adjusting a valve lash in an internal combustion engine (114) includes receiving a first signal generated by a sensor (122) fixed to the internal combustion engine (114), the first signal indicative of a closing of a valve, receiving a second signal indicative of at least one of an engine speed of the internal combustion engine (114) or a position of a camshaft of the internal combustion engine (114), and automatically determining an amount of adjustment of a lash associated with the valve based on the received first signal and the received second signal. The method further includes comparing the amount of adjustment of the lash to at least one predetermined threshold, and providing a valve lash re-adjustment notification in response to determining that the amount of adjustment of the lash is greater than the at least one predetermined threshold.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to internal combustion engine systems, and more specifically to methods and systems for adjusting valve clearances in internal combustion engines. Background Technology

[0002] An internal combustion engine is a complex machine capable of outputting a large amount of power. To produce this large output, the air and fuel system must reliably supply precise amounts of air and fuel to the engine's combustion chamber at predetermined timings. The intake valves of the valve system periodically supply the engine with or without fuel. Combustion products are discharged from the combustion chamber through the exhaust valves of the same valve system in a similar manner. To achieve the desired operation of the engine, the valve system components are designed with precise clearances. For example, a small space or gap can be provided between the rocker arm and components of the engine valve (e.g., the valve stem, which can be actuated by the rocker arm to open and close the valve). This clearance is commonly referred to as the valve clearance. The position of the valve system components (e.g., the rocker arm) can be positioned during a valve clearance calibration process to ensure that the valve clearance is neither too "loose" (i.e., too large) nor too "tight" (i.e., too small) (e.g., the rocker arm is positioned to contact the valve stem so that the valve cannot be fully closed).

[0003] Valve clearance is typically assessed at regular, predetermined maintenance intervals. However, these intervals may be inappropriate and often scheduled more frequently than necessary, wasting resources, or less frequently than necessary, potentially leading to poor engine performance or even engine damage. Furthermore, manual valve clearance calibration does not provide feedback to the operator. Therefore, even when maintenance is performed at the correct timing, the operator may still set the valve clearance improperly. This improper setting may persist until the next scheduled maintenance and may lead to increased wear. In some cases, improper valve settings can cause engine damage or even engine failure.

[0004] An exemplary valve clearance detector for an engine is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 10,563,545B2 ('545 Patent) to Zhang et al. The '545 Patent describes a valve clearance detector for detecting the presence of a valve clearance and determining its size. While the valve clearance detector described in the '545 Patent may be useful, it may also be beneficial to provide a calibration system and method for, for example, to provide an operator with an indication of whether the valve clearance is acceptable during valve clearance calibration or adjustment, thereby facilitating the automatic calibration of engine valve clearances.

[0005] The disclosed methods and systems can solve one or more of the problems described above and / or other problems in the art. However, the scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims, and not by the ability to solve any particular problem. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In one aspect, a method for adjusting valve clearance in an internal combustion engine may include: receiving a first signal generated by a sensor fixed to the internal combustion engine, the first signal indicating valve closure; receiving a second signal indicating at least one of engine speed or camshaft position of the internal combustion engine; and automatically determining an adjustment amount of clearance associated with the valve based on the received first signal and the received second signal. The method may further include comparing the clearance adjustment amount with at least one predetermined threshold, and providing a valve clearance readjustment notification in response to determining that the clearance adjustment amount is greater than the at least one predetermined threshold.

[0007] In another aspect, a system for adjusting valve clearance in an internal combustion engine may include: at least one processor and at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations. The operations may include: receiving a first signal generated by a sensor attached to the internal combustion engine, the first signal indicating valve closure; receiving a second signal indicating at least one of engine speed or camshaft position of the internal combustion engine; and automatically determining an adjustment amount of clearance associated with the valve based on the received first and second signals. The operations may further include comparing the clearance adjustment amount with at least one predetermined threshold, and providing a valve clearance readjustment notification in response to determining that the clearance adjustment amount is greater than the at least one predetermined threshold.

[0008] In another aspect, a method for calibrating valve clearance in an internal combustion engine may include: receiving a first signal indicating the closure of a valve in the internal combustion engine after adjusting the amount of valve clearance in the internal combustion engine; receiving a second signal indicating at least one of an engine speed or a camshaft position in the internal combustion engine; and determining the magnitude of the valve clearance adjustment amount based at least on the received first signal and the received second signal. The method may further include comparing the magnitude of the valve clearance adjustment amount with a clearance adjustment map, and transmitting a valve clearance readjustment notification based on the comparison between the magnitude of the valve clearance adjustment amount and the clearance adjustment map. Attached Figure Description

[0009] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments.

[0010] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a valve clearance calibration system according to aspects of this disclosure.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for valve clearance calibration according to aspects of this disclosure.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for valve clearance calibration according to aspects of this disclosure.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating an implementation of a computer system capable of executing the techniques according to aspects of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0014] The foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and illustrative only, and do not limit the claimed features. As used herein, the terms “comprise,” “comprising,” “having,” “including,” or other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article of manufacture, or apparatus that includes a list of elements includes not only those elements, but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article of manufacture, or apparatus. Furthermore, in this disclosure, relative terms, such as “about,” “substantially,” “largely,” and “approximately,” are used to indicate possible variations of ±10% in the stated values.

[0015] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates an automatic valve clearance calibration system or calibration system 100 for setting and adjusting valve clearances in an internal combustion engine 114. The calibration system 100 may include the internal combustion engine 114 and an engine valve monitoring system or kit 110, which can be used to monitor valve clearances, provide feedback on valve clearances, update maintenance records, and otherwise facilitate automatic valve calibration. The valve monitoring kit 110 may be used in conjunction with one or more remote components of the calibration system 100 (e.g., a back-end system 160 and / or one or more service provider systems 164), which may communicate with one or more components of the valve monitoring kit 110 via a network 170. One or more components of the calibration system 100, such as one or more user devices 162, may be local or remote and may communicate with the valve monitoring kit 110 via the network 170. The back-end system 160 and / or service provider system 164 may include one or more servers or other cloud-connected devices. The service provider system 164 and / or the back-end system 160 can communicate with the valve monitoring kit via the network 170 and can process data or otherwise provide data to other devices on the network 170 (e.g., to the user device 162).

[0016] The internal combustion engine 114 can be any suitable engine for mobile or stationary (e.g., power generation) applications. Engine 114 can be configured as a diesel engine, gasoline engine, or gas-fueled engine (e.g., capable of operating using one or more of natural gas, oilfield gas, methane, propane, etc.). Engine 114 can be configured to function as a dual-fuel engine (e.g., an engine configured to operate with both gaseous fuels and diesel fuel). Internal combustion engine 114 can include an engine cylinder head 116 and an engine block 118 defining a plurality of cylinders having respective combustion chambers, pistons, intake valves, and exhaust valves. An engine valve system within engine 114 can be operatively connected to the intake and exhaust valves of engine 114 to open and close the respective valves of each cylinder. Engine 114 may also include an electronic control module (ECM) 130 configured to monitor and control one or more aspects of internal combustion engine 114, including one or more of a fuel delivery system, an air delivery system, an exhaust aftertreatment system, etc.

[0017] ECM 130 can operatively communicate with one or more sensors, including an intake sensor, an engine temperature sensor, an exhaust sensor, etc., said sensors being configured to generate signals indicating engine status. Specifically, one or more engine speed sensors 120 can be configured to generate signals indicating engine speed to ECM 130. Engine speed sensors 120 may include sensors configured to detect and generate signals indicating crankshaft speed, camshaft speed, and / or camshaft position (angular position). Although in Figure 1 An exemplary speed sensor 120 (e.g., for the crankshaft) is shown, but it should be understood that multiple individual speed sensors 120 may be located at various positions on the engine 114 and may work together to provide the ECM 130 with, for example, speed and position information of one or more engine camshafts.

[0018] The engine valve monitoring kit 110 may include a clearance estimator 140, a network manager 150, and one or more sensors, such as vibration sensors 122, configured to generate signals indicative of valve closure of the engine 114. The clearance estimator 140 may communicate with each of the vibration sensors 122, the ECM 130, and the network manager 150. The clearance estimator 140 may include one or more signal processing circuits configured to perform high-frequency data analysis and preprocessing. For example, the clearance estimator 140 may include a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) to process and / or analyze vibration signals generated by one or more of the vibration sensors 122, as well as speed and / or camshaft position information received from the speed sensor 120.

[0019] In an exemplary configuration, the clearance estimator 140 may include multiple processing units, such as relatively fast processing units (e.g., an FPGA) and relatively slow processing units (e.g., a processor). The faster processing unit may be configured to perform analog-to-digital conversion on engine speed, camshaft position, and / or vibration signals at a suitable sampling rate (e.g., 100 kHz). A suitable FPGA or other processing unit may be configured to apply signal processing techniques, such as engine speed and / or timing monitoring, filtering (band-pass filtering, low-pass filtering), envelope detection, absolute value return, windowing (e.g., identifying values ​​indicating valve closure at a desired crank angle / camshaft position), and trigger-based reporting. Trigger-based reporting may include detecting when the envelope crosses a predetermined threshold. Additionally, such reporting may include identifying and reporting the maximum (peak) envelope amplitude within a predetermined window, and adjusting the predetermined threshold based on the identified maximum amplitude. Thus, the clearance estimator 140 may be configured to identify a valve closure event when the vibration signal exceeds a threshold, and the valve closure timing may be determined based on the peak value of the vibration signal by evaluating the envelope of the signal. Furthermore, the evaluator 140 can be configured to adjust the threshold proportionally to the peak value as needed to improve the accuracy of the valve closure detection process. The FPGA can also be configured to set a flag when a valve closure event is detected (e.g., when the amplitude of a vibration signal exceeds a predetermined threshold) (e.g., in the memory of the gap evaluator 140).

[0020] The slower processing unit or processor of the clearance evaluator 140 can communicate with a faster processing unit or FPGA and can be configured to evaluate valve closing events identified or tagged by the FPGA. For example, the processor can be configured to ignore valve closing events that occur when the engine speed is outside a predetermined speed range (e.g., RPM). The processor can also be configured to perform smoothing on the received signal, including vibration signals, and generate new data based on the smoothing result. For example, by smoothing the vibration signal, the processor can calculate and track the median of the signal, which can reduce the impact of outliers (e.g., vibrations caused by events other than valve closing). Additionally, the processor can adjust the threshold used to identify valve closing events such that the threshold is proportional to the peak value identified in the smoothed vibration signal. The processor can identify the size of the valve clearance based on one or more mappings (e.g., mappings corresponding to the corresponding cold and warm states of engine 114) and determine whether the clearance is within an acceptable range, within a range indicating that the valve clearance needs adjustment (or further adjustment), or at a level requiring engine 114 to be shut down, as described below.

[0021] Network manager 150 may include one or more network or communication interfaces configured to enable communication with one or more back-end systems, user devices 162, and service provider systems 164. In an exemplary configuration, network manager 150 may include one or more telematics devices and may be configured for low-frequency data analysis and / or static information analysis. Although gap estimator 140 and network manager 150 are in Figure 1 While shown as a separate device, the gap estimator 140 and network manager 150 may be combined and / or provided as components of a single device. Additionally, one or both of the gap estimator 140 and network manager 150 may be combined with (e.g., incorporated into) the ECM 130.

[0022] Vibration sensor 122 can be positioned at any suitable location on the engine cylinder head 116 or engine block 118, a location that allows for the detection of vibrations generated when a valve in a particular cylinder closes. For example, vibration sensor 122 can be configured to detect vibrations caused by impacts between the valve and its seat. Although in Figure 1 The diagram shows two vibration sensors 122 for a corresponding pair of engine cylinders, but the engine valve calibration system 100 may include one or more vibration sensors 122 for each cylinder of the engine 114. Including a corresponding vibration sensor 122 for each cylinder can facilitate the ability to calibrate and / or monitor valve clearances in each cylinder of the engine 114.

[0023] One or more backend systems 160 may be configured to communicate with network manager 150 via network 170 to establish and update maintenance records for valve clearances of engine 114. For example, backend system 160 may monitor the state of valve clearances for one or more cylinders of engine 114 via maintenance records. In an exemplary embodiment, the maintenance records may store a historical record of the valve clearance for each cylinder of engine 114, as well as the current value of the valve clearance, which may tend to change (e.g., tighten as the valve retracts due to wear). Therefore, backend system 160 or other server or cloud device may be configured to present and / or analyze trends, and thereby predict when valve maintenance will be needed in the future. If needed, backend system 160 may monitor multiple engines 114 via multiple valve monitoring kits 110. Thus, a fleet with a corresponding number of engines 114 can be monitored via backend system 160.

[0024] The network manager 150 can communicate with one or more user devices 162 in a manner similar to communication with the backend system 160. In some embodiments, the user device 162 can be used, for example, by a technician or operator during a valve clearance adjustment procedure. When present in the field with the engine 114, the user device 162 can, for example, allow the valve monitoring kit 110 to provide real-time, immediate feedback on valve clearance during calibration, thereby facilitating automatic calibration of the valves of the engine 114.

[0025] In addition to the back-end system 160 and user device 162, which facilitate real-time monitoring of engine 114 by owners, technicians, operators, or other users, calibration system 100 may include one or more service provider systems 164 that can receive real-time clearance information via network 170. Service provider systems 164 may correspond to one or more third-party (e.g., dealer) systems. By providing clearance information to service provider systems 164, current and / or historical clearance monitoring is possible. Thus, in a manner similar to back-end system 160, maintenance system 164 can facilitate real-time monitoring to determine when maintenance is required, and (e.g., based on maintenance records of historical valve clearance values) to predict when future valve maintenance will be required. In one aspect, valve clearance adjustment procedures for maintaining engine 114 can be automatically scheduled by calibration system 100 based on these predictions.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 200 that can be performed to calibrate or adjust valve clearance in an internal combustion engine (e.g., engine 114). Although method 200 can be performed as part of an automatic calibration process for valve clearance in engine 114, method 200 can also be used additionally or alternatively to monitor clearance after maintenance (e.g., between maintenance intervals). As part of an automatic valve calibration process, method 200 can be performed after the initial valve clearance setting of the adjustment process.

[0027] At step 202, sensor information and engine information may be received. For example, the evaluator 140 may receive an engine status signal indicating at least one of engine speed or camshaft position. Step 202 may include generating an engine speed signal from one or more engine speed sensors 120, which is transmitted to the ECM 130. The ECM 130 may then generate a signal indicating the speed of the engine 114 and output that signal to the evaluator 140. Alternatively, the speed sensors(s) 120 may communicate directly with the evaluator 140 and provide one or more of these signals to the evaluator 140.

[0028] In some embodiments, the camshaft position can be determined based on one or more camshaft position sensors communicating with the ECM 130. Alternatively, the ECM 130 can be configured to determine the camshaft position based on the speed sensor 120 and a known initial position of the camshaft. Regardless of how the camshaft position is determined, the ECM 130 can provide a signal indicating the camshaft position to the evaluator 140. If needed, the clearance evaluator 140 itself can communicate with one or more sensors and determine the camshaft position.

[0029] Step 202 may also include receiving one or more signals, such as vibration signals, indicating the closure of engine valves. Figure 1 In the exemplary configuration shown, the evaluator 140 can receive corresponding vibration signals from a plurality of vibration sensors 122. For example, the evaluator 140 can receive at least one vibration signal associated with a specific cylinder of the engine 114. In some aspects, the vibration signals are generated by a corresponding vibration sensor 122 for each individual cylinder of the engine 114.

[0030] In step 204, the valve clearance can be determined based on the received sensor information and the received engine information (including the information received in step 202). Step 204 may include determining the valve clearance based on engine speed, camshaft position, and at least one vibration signal from vibration sensor 122. Step 204 may include determining the valve clearance of a single valve or one or more valves associated with each cylinder of engine 114.

[0031] The clearance estimator 140 can be configured to determine the actual valve closing timing based on vibration signals from a vibration sensor 122 associated with the valve. The valve clearance can be determined by first identifying a valve closing event (which can be done by determining when the envelope of the vibration signal exceeds a predetermined threshold, as described above) and determining the timing of the peak value of the envelope. Specifically, the amount of valve clearance can be determined based on the timing of the vibration (e.g., peak value) detected by the valve closing and the corresponding position of the camshaft at that timing. If desired, the amount of valve clearance can also take into account the amplitude of the vibration signal, which can indicate the speed at which the engine valve closes. When configured in this way, in addition to the timing of the vibration signal, the clearance estimator 140 can also determine the amount of valve clearance based on the relationship between engine speed and engine valve speed.

[0032] In step 206, the amount (e.g., size) of the valve clearance determined in step 204 can be compared with one or more mappings or lookup tables. For example, the amount of valve clearance can be compared with a lookup table containing multiple predetermined thresholds and / or ranges (collectively, “clearance categories”). These clearance categories can each correspond to, for example, an acceptable amount of valve clearance, an amount of clearance requiring valve clearance adjustment (an exemplary first predetermined threshold), and an amount of clearance requiring engine 114 to be shut off (an exemplary second predetermined threshold associated with potential damage to engine 114). In some aspects, clearance categories can be associated with “loose” valve clearances (which can be indicated by premature or early valve closure and delayed valve opening). Similarly, clearance categories can be associated with “tight” valve clearances (which can be associated with delayed and / or incomplete valve closure).

[0033] In one aspect, the predetermined threshold and / or range for each gap category may correspond to a cold condition of engine 144 (e.g., during a cold start of the engine 114 before its temperature reaches a predetermined operating temperature) or a warm condition of engine 114 associated with a predetermined temperature or temperature range associated with steady-state or “preheating” operation of engine 114. Therefore, multiple gap categories may belong to a mapping for the cold condition of engine 114 or a mapping for the warm condition of engine 114. The gap estimator 140 may determine the condition of engine 114 and determine which mapping is appropriate based on the temperature detected by a temperature sensor associated with engine 114. For example, in step 202, the temperature sensor may generate a temperature signal for ECM 130 and / or estimator 140.

[0034] Step 208 may include determining whether the amount of valve clearance is within a predetermined acceptable range, and may be performed during valve clearance adjustment. In at least some engines, the predetermined range may be associated with a desired amount of valve clearance greater than zero. However, in some engines, such as those including a hydraulic clearance adjuster, the predetermined range may represent a permissible deviation from zero. Step 208 may be performed for a single valve or for one or more valves associated with one or more cylinders of engine 114.

[0035] Step 210 can be performed when the valve clearance is determined to be within a predetermined acceptable range in step 208. In step 210, a clearance approval notification indicating an acceptable amount of valve clearance can be output, for example, via evaluator 140. This notification may include one or more visual or audio notifications indicating that the valve clearance is acceptable, and the valve clearance may be an adjustment amount during the calibration procedure. In one aspect, step 210 may include providing a “green light” or other approval indicator on a display, such as a display of user device 162, a display connected to or provided as part of engine valve monitoring kit 110, and / or a display fixed to or near engine 114 to monitor the operation of engine 114. The notification may also identify a specific cylinder of engine 114 (e.g., by location) and / or a specific valve (e.g., exhaust valve). Thus, feedback on one or more valves can be provided to the operator performing valve clearance calibration.

[0036] When the determination in step 208 is negative, it can be determined that the valve clearance is outside the acceptable range. Step 212 can then be performed to determine whether the valve clearance is between a first predetermined threshold and a second predetermined threshold. These predetermined thresholds can define predetermined ranges within which valve clearance adjustment is required.

[0037] When the valve clearance is within such a range, the determination in step 212 can be affirmative, and step 214 is performed to provide a valve clearance readjustment notification. Step 214 may include providing a suitable notification in any suitable form, as described above with respect to step 210. The notification may indicate that the valve clearance in one or more valves of engine 114 needs to be readjusted, and may include providing a “yellow light” or other warning indicator on a display. The notification may identify a specific cylinder and / or a specific valve in a manner similar to the notification described with respect to step 210. If necessary, the notification may indicate whether the valve clearance is too large (“loose”) or too small (“tight”).

[0038] When the determination in step 212 is negative (valve clearance is not within a predetermined acceptable range and is not between a first predetermined threshold and a second predetermined threshold), the amount of valve clearance calculated by evaluator 140 may exceed the second predetermined threshold. Such valve clearance could potentially damage engine 114. Therefore, in step 216, the valve clearance readjustment notification may include an engine stop notification presented to the operator. For example, the engine stop notification may be presented by providing a “red light,” text, audio, and / or other warnings to immediately stop the operation of engine 114. This notification may identify a specific valve and / or a specific cylinder, as described above. If necessary, evaluator 140 may signal ECM 130 to facilitate the automatic shutdown of engine 114. Thus, when an excessively large valve clearance is detected during valve clearance adjustment, engine 114 can automatically stop operation.

[0039] Following step 214 or 216, step 218 may include adjusting or readjusting the valve clearance. For example, an operator may readjust the position of one or more components (e.g., rocker arms) of the valve train of engine 114. This adjustment may be performed by the operator on a valve identified in a notification issued in step 214 or 216. In one aspect, the adjustment may be performed based on information included in the notification, such as the size of the valve clearance, the identification of the valve and / or cylinder, and information indicating whether the valve clearance should be increased or decreased. After step 218, method 200 may return to step 202. Each step of method 200 may be repeated once or multiple times during a valve clearance adjustment operation (e.g., during maintenance of engine 114).

[0040] Each notification described above with respect to steps 210, 214, and 216 can be output by the display of any of the evaluator 140 (e.g., via a display associated with engine 114), the back-end 160, the user device 162, and / or the service provider system 164. During valve clearance adjustment, steps 202-218 can be repeated frequently as needed to adjust, readjust, and / or evaluate the valve clearance of each valve in the internal combustion engine 114. During calibration, immediate feedback on the adjustment of each valve can be provided to the operator, based on which notifications (e.g., the notifications in steps 210, 214, and 216) are presented.

[0041] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of an exemplary method 300 according to an aspect of this disclosure. Similar to method 200, method 300 may be performed as part of and / or during a maintenance operation for adjusting valve clearance, and may begin after an initial valve clearance adjustment. In step 302, a first signal may be received, for example, by a clearance evaluator 140. The first signal may be generated by one or more vibration sensors 122 fixed to the internal combustion engine 114. The signal generated by the sensor(s)122(s) may indicate, for example, the closure of a valve in the engine 114.

[0042] Step 304 may include receiving a second signal indicating engine speed, camshaft position, or both. For example, the second signal may be generated by ECM 130 and provided to clearance estimator 140.

[0043] Step 306 may include automatically determining an adjustment amount for the valve clearance associated with one or more valves of engine 114. For example, the valve clearance adjustment amount may be determined based on, for example, a first signal and a second signal received by clearance evaluator 140.

[0044] Step 308 may include comparing the valve clearance adjustment amount with at least one predetermined threshold. For example, the valve clearance adjustment amount may be compared with a plurality of predetermined thresholds stored in a map by the clearance evaluator 140. The predetermined thresholds may define, for example, a predetermined range associated with an acceptable or desired amount of valve clearance (which may include zero valve clearance), a predetermined range associated with an unacceptable amount of valve clearance that requires readjustment, and a predetermined threshold that, when exceeded, may cause damage to the engine 114 and is associated with the need to stop the engine 114 and readjust the valve clearance.

[0045] Based on the comparison performed in step 308, step 310 may include providing a notification. This notification may be a valve gap readjustment notification provided in response to determining that the adjustment amount of the valve gap is greater than at least a predetermined threshold.

[0046] Figure 4 An embodiment of computer system 400 is illustrated, which may correspond to ECM 130, gap estimator 140, network manager 150, backend system 160, user device 162 and / or service provider system 164, and one or more other devices useful in system 100. Computer system 400 may include a set of instructions that can be executed to cause computer system 400 to perform any or more of the methods or computer-based functions disclosed herein. Computer system 400 may be used as a standalone device or may be connected to other computer systems or peripherals, for example, via a network.

[0047] In a networked deployment, computer system 400 can operate as a server in a server-client user network environment or as a client user computer, or as a peer-to-peer (or distributed) computer system in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. Computer system 400 can also be implemented as or incorporated into various devices, such as personal computers (PCs), tablet PCs, set-top boxes (STBs), personal digital assistants (PDAs), mobile devices, handheld computers, laptop computers, desktop computers, communication devices, wireless telephones, landline telephones, control systems, cameras, scanners, fax machines, printers, pagers, personal trusted devices, network equipment, network routers, switches, or bridges, or any other machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequentially or otherwise) specifying actions to be taken by that machine. In certain implementations, computer system 400 can be implemented using electronic devices that provide voice, video, or data communication. Furthermore, although a single computer system 400 is shown, the term "system" should also be considered as including any collection of systems or subsystems that individually or jointly execute one or more sets of instructions to perform one or more computer functions.

[0048] like Figure 4 As shown, computer system 400 may include processor 402, such as a central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), or both. Processor 402 can be a component in a variety of systems. For example, processor 402 may be part of a standard personal computer or workstation. Processor 402 may be one or more general-purpose processors, digital signal processors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), servers, networks, digital circuits, analog circuits, combinations thereof, or other means now known or later developed for analyzing and processing data. Processor 402 may implement software programs, such as manually generated (i.e., programmed) code.

[0049] Computer system 400 may include memory 404 that can communicate via bus 408. Memory 404 may be main memory, static memory, or dynamic memory. Memory 404 may include, but is not limited to, computer-readable storage media, such as various types of volatile and non-volatile storage media, including but not limited to random access memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable read-only memory, flash memory, magnetic tape or disk, optical media, etc. In one embodiment, memory 404 includes cache or random access memory for processor 402. In alternative embodiments, memory 404 is decoupled from processor 402, such as processor cache memory, system memory, or other memory. Memory 404 may be an external storage device or database for storing data. Examples include hard disk drives, optical discs (“CDs”), digital video discs (“DVDs”), memory cards, memory sticks, floppy disks, universal serial bus (“USB”) storage devices, or any other device operable to store data. Memory 404 is operable to store instructions executable by processor 402. The functions, actions, or tasks shown in the figures or described herein can be executed by a programmed processor 402 that executes instructions stored in memory 404. These functions, actions, or tasks are independent of a specific type of instruction set, storage medium, processor, or processing strategy, and can be executed by software, hardware, integrated circuits, firmware, microcode, etc., operating individually or in combination. Similarly, processing strategies can include multiprocessing, multitasking, parallel processing, etc.

[0050] As shown in the figure, the computer system 400 may also include a display 410, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), a flat panel display, a solid-state display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, a printer, or other display devices now known or later developed for outputting specific information. The display 410 may serve as an interface for users to view the functions of the processor 402, or specifically as an interface with software stored in the memory 404 or the drive unit 406.

[0051] Additionally or alternatively, the computer system 400 may include an input device 412 configured to allow a user to interact with any component of the system 400. The input device 412 may be a numeric keypad, keyboard, or cursor control device (e.g., a mouse or joystick), touchscreen display, remote control, or any other device operable to interact with the computer system 400.

[0052] Computer system 400 may also, or alternatively, include a disk or optical drive unit 406. Disk drive unit 406 may include a computer-readable medium 422 in which one or more sets of instructions 424, such as software, may be embedded. Furthermore, the instructions 424 may contain one or more of the methods or logic described herein. During execution by computer system 400, the instructions 424 may reside wholly or partially within memory 404 and / or processor 402. Memory 404 and processor 402 may also include the computer-readable medium described above.

[0053] In some systems, computer-readable medium 422 includes instructions 424, or receives and executes instructions 424 in response to a propagated signal, enabling devices connected to network 170 to transmit voice, video, audio, images, or any other data via network 170. Furthermore, instructions 424 can be transmitted or received via network 170 via communication port or interface 420 and / or using bus 408. Communication port or interface 420 may be part of processor 402 or may be a separate component. Communication port 420 may be created in software or may be a physical connection in hardware. Communication port 420 may be configured to connect to network 170, external media, display 410, or any other component or combination thereof in computer system 400. Connection to network 170 may be a physical connection, such as a wired Ethernet connection, or may be established wirelessly as described below. Similarly, additional connections to other components of computer system 400 may be physical connections or may be established wirelessly. Network 170 may alternatively be directly connected to bus 408.

[0054] Although computer-readable medium 422 is shown as a single medium, the term "computer-readable medium" can include a single medium or multiple media, such as a centralized or distributed database, and / or an associated cache and server storing one or more sets of instructions. The term "computer-readable medium" can also include any medium capable of storing, encoding, or carrying a set of instructions for execution by a processor or to cause a computer system to perform any one or more methods or operations disclosed herein. Computer-readable medium 422 is non-transitory and can be tangible.

[0055] Computer-readable medium 422 may include solid-state memory, such as a memory card or other package housing one or more non-volatile read-only memories. Computer-readable medium 422 may be random access memory or other volatile rewritable memory. Additionally or alternatively, computer-readable medium 422 may include magneto-optical or optical media, such as a disk or magnetic tape or other storage device, to capture carrier signals, such as signals transmitted via a transmission medium. Digital file attachments such as emails or other self-contained information archives or sets of archives can be considered as distribution media as tangible storage media. Therefore, this disclosure is considered to include any one or more of computer-readable media or distribution media, as well as other equivalents and successor media, in which data or instructions may be stored.

[0056] In alternative implementations, dedicated hardware implementations (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays, and other hardware devices) may be configured to implement one or more of the methods described herein. Applications that may include various implementations of the apparatus and systems can broadly encompass a wide range of electronic and computer systems. One or more implementations described herein may be implemented using two or more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices having associated control and data signals that can be transferred between and through the modules, or as part of an application-specific integrated circuit. Therefore, this system includes software, firmware, and hardware implementations.

[0057] Computer system 400 can be connected to one or more networks 170. Network 170 can be defined as one or more networks including wired or wireless networks. Wireless networks can be cellular telephone networks, 802.11, 802.16, 802.20, or WiMAX networks. Furthermore, such networks can include public networks (e.g., the Internet), private networks (e.g., intranets), or combinations thereof, and can utilize various networking protocols now available or developed in the future, including but not limited to TCP / IP-based networking protocols. Network 170 can include wide area networks (WANs) (e.g., the Internet), local area networks (LANs), campus networks, metropolitan area networks, direct connections such as via universal serial bus (USB) ports, or any other network that allows data communication. Network 170 can be configured to connect one computing device to another to enable data communication between the devices. Typically, network 170 can be made capable of using any form of machine-readable medium to transmit information from one device to another. Network 170 can include communication methods through which information can be propagated between computing devices. Network 170 can be divided into subnetworks. A subnet can allow access to all other components connected to it, or a subnet can restrict access between components. Network 170 can be considered a public or private network connection and can include, for example, a virtual private network or encryption or other security mechanisms used on the public Internet.

[0058] Industrial applicability

[0059] During an engine valve clearance calibration procedure, a technician or operator may adjust one or more valve system components of engine 114 to achieve a desired valve clearance (or eliminate the need for valve clearance). During the engine valve calibration procedure, one or more components of engine valve calibration system 100 may automate the calibration process and provide real-time feedback to the operator. For example, after adjusting the valve clearance of one or more valves of engine 114, one or more components of engine valve monitoring kit 110 may generate, transmit, display, or otherwise provide real-time feedback as a notification indicating whether the valve clearance is acceptable, whether the valve clearance exceeds a first predetermined threshold in the mapping, or whether the valve clearance exceeds a second predetermined threshold in the mapping. Additionally, calibration system 100 may monitor valve clearance during operation of engine 114 between maintenance periods and may provide notifications indicating the need to adjust valve clearance and / or to discontinue use of engine 114 based on this real-time operation of engine 114.

[0060] In at least some respects, by providing sensors and appropriate notifications, operator missetting of valve clearances can be prevented. Therefore, valve adjustments can be performed with virtually no human error. For example, notifications can automatically provide feedback to the operator indicating whether one or more valves of engine 114 should have their valve clearances corrected (e.g., further adjusted). Once the valve clearances have been corrected, the notification can indicate that the amount of clearance is acceptable and identify which valves do not require readjustment, as well as any valves that do require readjustment. Furthermore, the methods and systems described herein can facilitate the automated scheduling of valve clearance adjustments. By monitoring changes in valve clearances over time, it is also possible to predict when maintenance and / or monitoring of valve degradation are needed without disassembling the engine, manually inspecting valve components, and reassembling the engine. Communication with user equipment or other devices ensures accurate and timely monitoring of valve clearances, even for fleets or vehicles.

[0061] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, the methods described herein can be implemented by a software program executable by a computer system. Furthermore, in exemplary non-limiting embodiments, implementations may include distributed processing, component / object distributed processing, and parallel processing. Alternatively, virtual computer system processing may be constructed to implement one or more of the methods or functions described herein.

[0062] Although this specification describes components and functions that can be implemented in specific embodiments with reference to particular standards and protocols, this disclosure is not limited to these standards and protocols. For example, standards for transmission over the Internet and other packet-switched networks (e.g., TCP / IP, UDP / IP, HTML, HTTP) represent examples of the prior art. Such standards are periodically superseded by faster or more efficient equivalents with substantially the same functionality. Therefore, alternative standards and protocols with the same or similar functionality as those disclosed herein are considered their equivalents.

[0063] It should be understood that, in one embodiment, the steps of the method described are executed by a suitable processor (or processors) of a processing (i.e., computer) system that executes instructions (computer-readable code) stored in memory. It will also be understood that this disclosure is not limited to any particular implementation or programming technique, and that this disclosure can be implemented using any suitable technique for achieving the functionality described herein. This disclosure is not limited to any particular programming language or operating system.

[0064] It should be understood that in the above description of exemplary embodiments, for the purpose of simplifying this disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects, various features are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, drawing, or description thereof. However, this approach of the disclosure should not be construed as reflecting an intention that the claims require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the following claims, the inventive aspects lie in fewer than all the features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Therefore, the claims following the detailed description are expressly incorporated herein, wherein each claim exists independently as a separate embodiment.

[0065] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include features included in other embodiments but not others included in other embodiments, combinations of features from different embodiments are intended to be within the scope of this disclosure and form different embodiments, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, any claimed embodiment may be used in any combination within the following claims.

[0066] Furthermore, some embodiments herein are described as methods or combinations of elements of methods that can be implemented by a processor of a computer system or by other means of performing functions. Thus, a processor having the necessary instructions for performing the elements of such a method forms means for performing the elements of such a method. Moreover, the elements of the apparatus embodiments described herein are examples of means for performing functions performed by such elements for the purposes of this disclosure.

[0067] Numerous specific details are set forth in the description provided herein. However, it should be understood that embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure the understanding of this disclosure.

[0068] Therefore, although what is considered a preferred embodiment has been described, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit of this disclosure, and it is intended to claim protection for all such changes and modifications falling within the scope of this disclosure. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that can be used. Functions can be added or removed from the block diagrams, and operations can be interchanged between function blocks. Steps can be added or removed from the methods described within the scope of this disclosure.

[0069] The subject matter disclosed above is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other implementations that fall within the true spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the scope of this disclosure will be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the appended claims and their equivalents, and should not be construed as limited by the foregoing detailed description. Although various embodiments of this disclosure have been described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that further embodiments and implementations are possible within the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not limited except as provided in the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0070] The general discussion in this disclosure provides a brief, general description of a suitable computing environment for implementing this disclosure. In one embodiment, any of the disclosed systems, methods, and / or graphical user interfaces may be performed or implemented by a computing system conforming to or similar to that depicted and / or explained in this disclosure. Although not required, aspects of this disclosure are described in the context of computer-executable instructions, such as routines executed by a data processing device (e.g., a programmed controller or computer). Those skilled in the art will understand that aspects of this disclosure can be practiced with other communication, data processing, or computer system configurations, including internet-connected appliances, handheld devices, etc.

[0071] Various aspects of this disclosure may be contained in a special-purpose computer and / or data processor that is specially programmed, configured, and / or constructed to execute one or more computer-executable instructions as explained in detail herein. While various aspects of this disclosure, such as certain functions, are described as performing only on a single device, this disclosure can also be practiced in a distributed environment where functions or modules are shared among different processing devices. Similarly, techniques presented herein that relate to multiple devices can be implemented in a single device. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may reside in local and / or remote memory storage devices.

[0072] The aspects of this disclosure can be stored on and / or distributed on non-transitory computer-readable media, including magnetically or optically readable computer disks, hardwired or pre-programmed chips (e.g., EEPROM semiconductor chips), nanotechnology memories, biological memories, or other data storage media. Alternatively, computer-implemented instructions, data structures, screen displays, and other data according to the aspects of this disclosure can be distributed on the Internet and / or other networks (including wireless networks), distributed over a period of time on propagation signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves, sound waves, etc.) on a propagation medium, and / or provided on any analog or digital network (packet switching, circuit switching, or other schemes).

[0073] The programmatic aspect of a technology can be considered as a “product” or “manufactured article” that typically exists or is contained in a type of machine-readable medium in the form of executable code and / or associated data.

[0074] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and alterations can be made to the disclosed methods and systems without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Other embodiments of the methods and systems will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the description and practice of the methods and systems disclosed herein. The specification and examples are intended to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope of this disclosure is defined by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for adjusting a valve clearance in an internal combustion engine (114), the method comprising: receiving a first signal generated by a sensor (122) fixed to the internal combustion engine (114), the first signal being indicative of a closing of a valve; receiving a second signal indicative of at least one of an engine speed of the internal combustion engine (114) or a position of a camshaft of the internal combustion engine (114); automatically determining an amount of adjustment of a clearance associated with the valve based on the received first signal and the received second signal; comparing the amount of adjustment of the clearance to at least one predetermined threshold value; and in response to determining that the amount of adjustment of the clearance is greater than the at least one predetermined threshold value, providing a valve clearance readjustment notification, wherein comparing the amount of adjustment of the clearance to at least one predetermined threshold value comprises: comparing the amount of adjustment of the clearance to a lookup table containing a plurality of predetermined threshold values or ranges, wherein the predetermined threshold values or ranges define clearance categories, wherein the clearance categories respectively correspond to an amount of valve clearance that is acceptable, an amount of valve clearance that requires a valve clearance adjustment, and an amount of valve clearance that requires shutting down of the internal combustion engine (114), wherein the respective predetermined threshold value or range of each clearance category corresponds to a cold condition of the internal combustion engine (114) or a warm condition of the internal combustion engine (114), whereby a plurality of the clearance categories respectively belong to a mapping for the cold condition of the internal combustion engine (114) or a mapping for the warm condition of the internal combustion engine (114); and determining which mapping is appropriate based on a temperature detected by a temperature sensor associated with the internal combustion engine (114).

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first signal is a vibration signal.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the second signal is an engine status signal indicative of an engine speed of the internal combustion engine (114).

4. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein comparing the amount of adjustment of the clearance comprises comparing the amount of adjustment of the clearance to a first predetermined threshold value and a second predetermined threshold value.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the first predetermined threshold value corresponds to a need for correction of the adjusted valve clearance, and the second predetermined threshold value corresponds to a need for interruption of operation of the internal combustion engine.

6. The method of claim 1 or 2, further comprising: in response to determining that the amount of adjustment of the clearance is not greater than the at least one predetermined threshold value, providing a notification indicating that the amount of adjustment of the clearance is acceptable.

7. The method of claim 1 or 2, further comprising: receiving respective vibration signals from a plurality of sensors associated with respective cylinders of a plurality of individual cylinders.

8. A system (100) for adjusting a valve clearance in an internal combustion engine (114), comprising: at least one processor (402); and at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium (422) storing instructions (424) that, when executed by the one or more processors (402), cause the one or more processors (402) to perform operations comprising: receiving a first signal generated by a sensor (122) fixed to the internal combustion engine, the first signal being indicative of a closing of a valve; receiving a second signal indicative of at least one of an engine speed of the internal combustion engine (114) or a position of a camshaft of the internal combustion engine (114); automatically determining an adjustment amount of a lash associated with the valve based on the received first signal and the received second signal; comparing the adjustment amount of the lash with at least one predetermined threshold value; and in response to determining that the adjustment amount of the lash is greater than the at least one predetermined threshold value, providing a valve lash readjustment notification, wherein comparing the adjustment amount of the lash with at least one predetermined threshold value comprises: comparing the adjustment amount of the lash with a lookup table containing a plurality of predetermined threshold values or ranges, wherein the predetermined threshold values or ranges define lash categories, wherein the lash categories respectively correspond to an amount of valve lash that is acceptable, an amount of valve lash that requires a valve lash adjustment, and an amount of valve lash that requires closing of the internal combustion engine (114), wherein the respective predetermined threshold value or range of each lash category corresponds to a cold condition of the internal combustion engine (114) or a warm condition of the internal combustion engine (114), whereby a plurality of the lash categories respectively belong to a mapping for the cold condition of the internal combustion engine (114) or a mapping for the warm condition of the internal combustion engine (114); and determining which mapping is appropriate based on a temperature detected by a temperature sensor associated with the internal combustion engine (114).

9. The system (100) of claim 8, wherein the first signal is a vibration signal.

10. The system (100) of claim 8 or 9, wherein the second signal is an engine state signal.

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