METHOD AND SYSTEMS FOR OPERATING A VEHICLE WITH A VENTILATED HOOD AND A RAIN PLATE

Abstract

Procedure, comprehensive: in response to an electrical signal indicating that a rain plate is coupled under a vent in a vehicle's ventilated hood, setting the vehicle speed threshold to an initial value; In response to each instance of rain occurring at the vehicle and receiving the electrical signal indicating the presence of the rain plate, the vehicle speed limit is set to a second value below the first value; and Maintaining a vehicle speed below a set vehicle speed threshold and alerting a vehicle operator when the set vehicle speed threshold is exceeded.

Description

Area

[0001] The present description generally concerns methods and systems for controlling a vehicle based on whether a rain plate is coupled under a ventilated hood of the vehicle. General state of the art / Summary

[0002] Vehicles include a hood, positioned at the front of the vehicle, to protect the engine and other components located beneath it from external elements such as rain. In some vehicles, the hood may incorporate one or more vents (e.g., in the form of louvers) located on its upper surface. These vents create a ventilated hood, allowing airflow to enter and exit from beneath it. For example, a ventilation airflow from below the hood reduces the amount of lift acting on the vehicle, thereby improving vehicle handling (e.g., stability). Additionally, ventilated hoods allow increased airflow to engine components (such as heat exchangers), thus improving engine cooling.The vents in the vented hood, however, allow external elements, such as rain, to enter the vehicle, specifically under the hood. This can lead to damage to engine components and electronics. To reduce engine damage caused by rain entering through the vented hood, a rain guard (or rain shield) can be attached to the underside of the vented hood, below one or more of the hood vents.

[0003] US Patent 5,950,753 A provides an example of a vehicle with a rain plate located under a ventilation opening of a ventilated hood.

[0004] The inventors of the present invention have, however, recognized potential problems with such systems. For example, if the rain plate is installed with the vented hood, the rain plate blocks at least a portion of the hood openings created by the vents, thereby reducing the airflow to the engine. As a result, reduced engine cooling may be provided when the rain plate is coupled to the vented hood. Furthermore, at higher vehicle speeds, an increased load (e.g., from incoming airflow) may be applied to the rain plate, leading to its deterioration. Additionally, if the rain plate is not mounted to the vents of the vented hood while the vehicle is in operation (e.g., because the operator has removed it), and it starts to rain, engine deterioration may occur.

[0005] In one example, the problems described above can be addressed by a method for maintaining a vehicle speed below a set vehicle speed threshold and alerting a vehicle operator when a rain plate is coupled to a vent in a vehicle's ventilated hood in response to a signal indicating that a rain plate is coupled to a vent in the vehicle's hood. This allows the engine to receive adequate cooling airflow while the rain plate is installed, while also reducing engine deterioration due to rain and deterioration of the rain plate due to increased vehicle speed and airflow.

[0006] For example, in response to the detection that a rain sensor is coupled to a vent in a ventilated hood area of ​​the vehicle, the vehicle's speed can be kept below a preset vehicle speed threshold. Furthermore, a vehicle operator can be notified of the preset vehicle speed threshold and / or that the vehicle speed is being kept below the preset vehicle speed threshold because the rain sensor is coupled to the ventilated hood. In one example, the preset vehicle speed threshold could be a first vehicle speed threshold.In response to rain detection, the vehicle's set speed threshold can be further reduced to a second speed threshold, which is lower than the first. If the rain plate is not coupled to and / or under the vented hood (e.g., the operator has removed the rain plate), the vehicle speed cannot be limited based on the rain plate and / or rain, and the vehicle speed can instead be adjusted to a value requested by the operator. However, if rain is detected while the rain plate is not installed in the vehicle, the operator can be notified to install the rain plate under the vented hood to reduce the deterioration of engine components.This reduces engine deterioration caused by rain while giving the operator the option of driving with or without the rain plate. Furthermore, limiting the vehicle speed while the rain plate is installed ensures sufficient cooling airflow to the engine, also reducing deterioration of the rain plate itself.

[0007] It is understood that the foregoing summary is provided to present, in simplified form, a selection of concepts that are described in more detail in the detailed description. It is not intended to mention important or essential features of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is defined solely in the claims following the detailed description. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that overcome the disadvantages mentioned above or in any part of this disclosure. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1A shows a schematic representation of a vehicle that includes a ventilated hood and a rain plate coupled under the ventilated hood. Fig. Figure 1B shows a schematic representation of a vehicle incorporating a vented hood, with a rain plate removed from under the vented hood. Fig. Figure 2 shows a flowchart of a procedure for controlling vehicle speed based on the presence of a rain plate coupled under a ventilated hood of a vehicle. Fig. Figure 3 shows an exemplary diagram of the operation of a vehicle based on the presence of a rain plate and a ventilated hood of the vehicle. Detailed description

[0008] The following description concerns systems and methods for controlling a vehicle's speed based on whether a rain plate is coupled to the vehicle's vented hood. A rain plate can be coupled to an area under the hood, beneath the vents of a vented hood, as shown in Fig. Shown in Figure 1A. The rain plate can capture rain entering the vehicle through the vented hood and direct it away from the engine, thus reducing engine deterioration. The rain plate can also prevent some of the airflow entering the vented hood from reaching the engine. As a result, engine cooling may be reduced when the rain plate is engaged in the vehicle. The rain plate can be manually removed by the vehicle operator, as shown in Figure 1A. Fig. Shown in Figure 1B. Removing the rain plate can increase the surface area for airflow entering the vented hood and reaching the engine, thereby increasing the cooling airflow to the engine. A vehicle's speed can be adjusted or kept below a threshold based on whether the rain plate is coupled to or detached from the vehicle, as shown in Figure 1B. Fig. Two methods are shown. For example, if the rain plate is present in the vehicle and positioned below the vents of the ventilated hood, the vehicle speed can be kept below a first threshold even if the vehicle speed requested by the operator is above the first threshold. However, if the rain plate is not present in the vehicle, the vehicle speed can be increased to the value requested by the operator and cannot be limited based on the rain plate. Furthermore, if rain is detected while the rain plate is not mounted below the vents of the ventilated hood, an alarm can be generated and sent to the vehicle operator indicating that the rain plate should be reinstalled.Exemplary adjustments to vehicle speed based on the presence of the rain plate inside the vehicle and the detection of rain at the vehicle are shown in . Fig. Figure 3 shows that this allows a desired level of engine cooling to be provided while the rain plate is installed, while also reducing the deterioration of the engine (due to rain) and the rain plate (due to increased airflow through the vents of the ventilated hood).

[0009] The Fig. Figures 1A-1B show a schematic representation of a vehicle 102 which includes a ventilated engine hood 104 positioned at a front end of the vehicle 102. Fig. Figure 1A shows the vehicle 102 with a removable rain plate 116 coupled under the ventilated engine hood 104. Fig. Figure 1B shows vehicle 102 with the rain plate 116 removed and not coupled under the ventilated engine hood 104. As shown in the Fig. As shown in Figures 1A-1B, the ventilated hood 104 includes a plurality of ventilation openings (e.g., hood vents) 106 arranged along the top of the ventilated hood 104. As shown in the Fig. As shown in Figures 1A-1B, the plurality of ventilation openings 106 are arranged consecutively along a section of the ventilated hood 104 between a nose (e.g., front) and the windshield 112 of the vehicle 102. Each ventilation opening 106 can have the form of a louver 114, angled relative to the upper, outer surface of the ventilated hood 104 and spaced apart from adjacent louvers to create ventilation holes or spaces for an airflow entering and exiting an area 110 under the hood. The ventilation openings 106 allow an airflow (e.g., ambient airflow) 108 to enter and exit an interior space at the front end of the vehicle 102. In particular, the ambient airflow from the outside of the vehicle 102 (e.g., outside the vehicle) can enter an area 110 under the hood inside the vehicle 102 via the plurality of ventilation openings 106.The ambient airflow from the outside of the vehicle 102 can flow to components under the hood, including an engine 100, a control system (e.g., engine or vehicle electronics control system) 28, and a car radiator 80 (and / or additional heat exchangers). As a result, the airflow 108 flowing into the area 110 under the hood can improve the cooling of the engine 100 and additional engine components (including the heat exchangers and electronics of the control system 28).

[0010] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1A, a rain plate 116 (which can also be referred to as a rain guard) can be coupled to the vehicle 102 vertically below the ventilation openings 106 of the ventilated hood with respect to the vertical direction 118, wherein the vertical direction 118 is relative to a substrate (e.g., surface) 120 on which the vehicle is located. In one example, a section (e.g., end) of the rain plate can be coupled directly to an underside (e.g., inner surface) of the ventilated hood 104. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 1A, the rain plate 116 can have a first end that is directly coupled to the ventilated hood 104, and a second end that is arranged opposite the first end and is not coupled to the ventilated hood 104, and can thus be an open end. The rain plate 116 can extend over a section of the surface 110 under the hood in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction 118. In another embodiment, the rain plate 116 can not be directly coupled to the ventilated hood 104, but can be mounted on an alternative component in the surface 110 under the hood and be mounted below the ventilation openings 106.

[0011] As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 1A-1B, the area 110 under the hood of the vehicle 102 can include a switch (e.g., an electronic switch) 124 mounted on a surface of a projection or support 126. The support 126 can be coupled to a body of the vehicle 102 and / or a component of the engine 100. In another embodiment, the switch 124 can be located on the rain panel 116, the body of the vehicle, the hood 104, or a combination of two or more of these positions. The support 126 can be positioned vertically below the ventilation openings 106 and vertically above the engine 100. In one example, the support 126 can be designed to support and / or be coupled to the rain panel 116, as shown in Figures 1A-1B. Fig. Figure 1A shows that the carrier 126 can extend along a section of the length of the rain plate 116 when the rain plate 116 is coupled to the vehicle 102. The switch 124 can be electronically connected to a controller 12 of the control system 28, as described in more detail below. For example, when the rain plate 116 is coupled to the vehicle 102, the rain plate 116 can touch and flip the switch 124, resulting in an electronic signal being sent to the controller 12. For example, the switch can be configured to provide an open or closed signal, which is received by the controller. In response to receiving the electronic signal, the controller can determine that the rain plate is coupled to the vehicle 102 below the ventilation openings 106 of the ventilated hood 104.When the rain plate 116 is removed from the vehicle 102, a second electronic signal (or the absence of the first electronic signal) can be sent via the switch 124 to the control unit 12, indicating that the rain plate 116 is no longer touching the switch 124 and is no longer coupled in the vehicle 102 under the ventilated hood 104.

[0012] The rain plate 116 can be shaped to collect rain entering the area 110 under the hood through the ventilation openings 106 and direct it away from the engine 100. Thus, the rain plate 116 can prevent (or reduce the amount of) rain or water from contacting the engine 100 and the control system 28, thereby reducing deterioration of the engine 100 and the electronics of the control system 28. However, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 1A, the area for ventilation airflow may be reduced if the rain plate is mounted in area 110 under the hood, below the vents 106. For example, at the open end of the rain plate 116, there is a first area 122 for ventilation and / or ambient airflow to pass between area 110 under the hood and the exterior of the vehicle 102 via the vents 106. The first area 122 may not allow sufficient cooling airflow to the engine 100, the control system 28, the radiator 80, and / or additional engine components if the vehicle 102 is traveling at a speed exceeding a threshold speed. Furthermore, if the vehicle is traveling at a speed exceeding the threshold speed, an increased load from the incoming ambient airflow 108 may be applied to the rain plate 118.One possible result is a deterioration of the rain plate.

[0013] Thus, an operator of vehicle 102 can decide to remove the rain plate 118, as shown in Fig. 1B shown. In particular, it shows Fig. 1B the vehicle 102, with the rain plate 118 removed and detached from the ventilated engine hood 104. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1B, removing the rain plate 118 increases the area for ventilation and / or ambient airflow to pass between the area 110 under the hood and the exterior of the vehicle 102 via the ventilation openings 106. In addition to the first in Fig. In Figure 1A, area 122 is shown. Removing the rain plate 116 adds, for example, the larger second area 130 and the third area 132 for airflow. As a result, more cooling airflow can reach the engine 100, the car radiator 80, and the control system 28. Thus, the vehicle 102 can move at a higher speed when the rain plate 116 is removed than when the rain plate 116 is attached to the vehicle 102 (as shown in Figure 1A). Fig. (shown in Figure 1A), while still allowing sufficient cooling airflow to the engine 100 and additional vehicle components. In one example, the rain plate 116 can block up to 90% of the ventilation holes 106 and / or the area for ventilation airflow between the area 110 under the hood and the exterior of the vehicle 102.

[0014] The Fig. Figures 1A-1B further show the control system (e.g., vehicle and / or engine electronics control system) 28. The control system 28 can be communicatively coupled to various components of the vehicle 102 and the engine 100 to execute the control routines and actions described here. As shown in the Fig. As shown in Figures 1A-1B, the control system 28 can, for example, include an electronic digital controller 12. The controller 12 can be a microcomputer, including a microprocessor unit, input / output ports, an electronic storage medium (e.g., memory) for executable programs and calibration values, a random access memory, keep-alive memory, and a data bus. According to the illustration, the controller 12 can receive input from a variety of sensors 30, which may include user input and / or sensor readings (such as windshield wiper speed, input of the presence or amount of rain via the rain sensor 128, presence of the rain plate via the switch 124, gear position, gas or accelerator pedal input, etc.).The controller may include (e.g., pedal position), brake input, gear selector position, vehicle speed, engine speed, mass airflow through the engine, boost pressure, ambient temperature, ambient humidity, intake air temperature, fan speed, etc.), cooling system sensors (such as temperature, fan speed, passenger compartment temperature, ambient humidity, etc.), and others. Furthermore, the controller can receive data from a GPS and / or the vehicle's own communication and entertainment system.

[0015] The in-vehicle communication and entertainment system 26 can communicate with a wireless communication device 40 via various wireless protocols, such as wireless networks, cell tower transmissions, and / or combinations thereof. Data received from the in-vehicle communication and entertainment system 26 can include real-time and predicted weather conditions. Weather conditions, such as temperature, precipitation (e.g., rain, snow, hail), and humidity, can be obtained through various applications of the wireless communication device and weather forecast websites. Data received from the in-vehicle communication and entertainment system can include current and predicted weather conditions for the current location as well as future locations along a planned route.In one embodiment, where the vehicle's in-vehicle communication and entertainment system includes a GPS, current and future weather data can be correlated with current and future routes displayed on the GPS. In an alternative embodiment, where the vehicle system includes a dedicated GPS 34, each of the GPS and the in-vehicle communication and entertainment system can communicate with the wireless communication device 40 and with each other to exchange current and future weather data and future routes. For example, the entertainment system can access various weather maps stored on the internet or other cloud computing systems. The stored weather maps may contain rain, humidity, precipitation, and / or temperature information, provided, for example, as contour maps.In one example, the wireless communication device 40 can transmit real-time precipitation (e.g., rain) data to the vehicle's in-vehicle communication and entertainment system 26 and / or GPS 34, which is then transmitted to the controller 12. The controller 12 compares the received precipitation data with threshold values ​​and determines the appropriate vehicle operating parameter adjustments or alarms to send to the vehicle operator. In one example, these alarms could include notifying a vehicle operator that it is raining and that the rain plate needs to be coupled to the vehicle if it is not currently installed.

[0016] In other embodiments, the presence of rain can be inferred from other signals or sensors, such as the rain sensor 128. In one example, the rain sensor 128 can include rain-sensing windshield wipers, and rain can be inferred from a wiper on / off signal or the wiper speed (e.g., for variable-speed wipers that automatically adjust their speed in response to the amount of rain). In particular, in one example, when the wipers are on or moving above a threshold speed, a signal can be sent to the controller 12 to indicate rain. In another example, the rain sensor 128 can be a sensor mounted directly on the windshield 112, designed to detect rain falling on the windshield 112 in close proximity to it (e.g., a rain-sensing camera).The control unit can use this information to determine whether a rain plate should be coupled to the vehicle 102 below the ventilation openings 106, and / or to determine an upper vehicle speed threshold (e.g. limit) when the rain plate is installed in the vehicle 102.

[0017] Furthermore, the controller 12 can communicate with various actuators 32, which may include engine actuators (such as fuel injection devices, an electronically controlled intake air throttle valve, spark plugs, the braking system, the brake pedal, etc.), cooling system actuators (such as air handling vents and / or bypass valves in the passenger compartment climate control system), and others. In some examples, the storage medium may be programmed with computer-readable data representing instructions that can be executed by the processor to perform the procedures described below, as well as other variations that are provided for but not specifically listed.

[0018] In this way, the controller receives 12 signals from the various sensors. Fig. 1A-1B and uses the various actuators from the Fig. 1A-1B for adjusting engine operation based on received signals and instructions stored in a memory of the control unit 12. The control unit can determine that the rain plate should be installed and / or determine a vehicle speed threshold below which the vehicle should be kept when the rain plate is installed, in response to signals from one or more of the switch 123, the rain sensor 128, the GPS 34, and / or the vehicle's in-vehicle communication and entertainment system 26. The control unit 12 can then notify a vehicle operator that a rain plate should be installed or that the vehicle speed is being kept below a set vehicle speed threshold (e.g., limited) because the rain plate is installed and / or due to the presence of rain, by sending a signal to a display panel 134 of the vehicle 102.For example, the display field 134 can show a visual alarm to the vehicle operator via a symbol or text in response to signals sent by the controller 12. In another example, adjusting the vehicle speed based on a set upper vehicle speed threshold can involve adjusting an actuator of a vehicle speed controller, a throttle, a brake pedal, and / or an accelerator pedal of the vehicle 102.

[0019] Now, with reference to Fig. Figure 2 shows a flowchart of a method 200 for controlling vehicle speed based on the presence of a rain plate coupled under (or near) a vented hood of a vehicle. As explained above, a vehicle (such as the one described in the Fig. 1A-1 B shown vehicle 102) a ventilated engine hood (e.g. the one shown in the Fig. 1A-1B shown ventilated engine hood 104) which includes a variety of vents to allow air to flow between an exterior of the vehicle and an area under the engine hood where the vehicle's engine is installed. A removable rain plate (e.g., the one shown in Fig. The rain plate (116) shown in Figure 1A can be coupled to the vehicle below the vents of the ventilated hood to collect rain entering the area under the hood through the vents and to reduce the likelihood of rain touching and entering the engine. Instructions for performing procedure 200 can be provided by a controller (e.g., the one shown in the Fig. 1A-1B, the control unit 12) is executed based on instructions stored in a memory of the control unit and in conjunction with signals from sensors of the motor system (such as the switch 124 and the rain sensor 128, shown in Fig. 1A-1 B) are obtained, such as the one above in relation to the Fig. The sensors described in 1A-1B. The controller can use motor actuators of the motor system to adjust the motor operation according to the procedures described below.

[0020] Procedure 200 begins at 202 with the estimation and / or measurement of vehicle operating conditions. Vehicle operating conditions may include engine speed and / or load, vehicle speed, the presence or amount of rain at the vehicle (e.g., via a signal from the vehicle in the Fig. 1A-1B rain sensor128 is shown, the presence of the rain plate (e.g., via a signal that is received by the in the Fig. The information received by switch 124 (shown in Figures 1A-1B) includes the engine coolant temperature, intake air temperature, mass airflow, driver / vehicle operator torque requirement (e.g., via a signal from an accelerator pedal), etc. In Figure 202, the procedure involves determining whether a rain plate for the vented hood is present (e.g., installed) in the vehicle. As explained above, a rain plate may be mounted below the vents of the vented hood. If installed and mounted below the hood vents in the vehicle, the rain plate may contain a sensor, such as a switch, located near a mounting position of the rain plate (such as the one shown in the Fig. 1A-1B (switches shown 124) can be touched and / or triggered. For example, the rain plate can depress a section of the switch when the rain plate is coupled under the hood, below the vents. When the switch is depressed or activated, an electrical signal can be sent from the switch to the controller, indicating that the rain plate is coupled inside the vehicle. In other embodiments, the sensor for detecting the installation of the rain plate in the vehicle can be an alternative sensor type, such as an electronic sensor that detects the proximity of the rain plate to the sensor. The controller can receive an electrical signal from the sensor or switch, located near the mounting position of the rain plate, once the rain plate has been coupled inside the vehicle, below the hood vents (or on the vented hood).In this way, a control unit can determine whether the rain plate is present in the vehicle (e.g., whether it is coupled to or disconnected from its mounting position under the hood, below the vents of the ventilated hood) based on a signal received (or not received) from the rain plate sensor or switch. When the control unit receives the signal indicating that the rain plate is installed and coupled below the hood vents, the procedure proceeds to 206.

[0021] In the case of version 206, the procedure involves setting an upper vehicle speed threshold (e.g., limit) to a first value (e.g., first vehicle speed or first vehicle speed value). As an example, the upper vehicle speed threshold could be a vehicle speed at or above which the vehicle's engine cannot receive sufficient cooling and may therefore overheat or result in reduced engine control. For example, when the vehicle is traveling at or above the first vehicle speed value (the upper vehicle speed threshold), a certain amount of engine cooling may be required for efficient engine operation. However, if a rain plate is installed, the cooling airflow to the engine may be reduced, and thus less cooling may be provided to the engine.If the vehicle is traveling at or above the first vehicle speed threshold when the rain plate is installed, the engine may not receive the necessary amount of cooling. The upper vehicle speed threshold may additionally or alternatively be a vehicle speed above which the rain plate's effectiveness may deteriorate (due to the increased velocity of the airflow entering through the vents of the ventilated hood). For example, setting the upper vehicle speed threshold to the first value may involve setting the upper vehicle speed threshold to the first value stored in the control unit's memory.In another example, the controller may include a vehicle speed control, and thus setting the threshold at 206 may involve setting the upper vehicle speed threshold to the first value in the vehicle speed control. If the vehicle speed is adjusted based on an operator torque request (e.g., via input from an accelerator pedal), the controller may look up and use the stored and set vehicle speed threshold, as described in more detail below.

[0022] In accordance with Article 208, the procedure involves determining whether precipitation or rain occurs above a threshold value or quantity. For example, the threshold quantity may be zero, and thus the procedure in Article 208 may involve determining whether rain occurs at the vehicle (e.g., whether it is raining in the area where the vehicle is moving, and / or whether rain is falling on the vehicle). In another example, the threshold quantity may be a non-zero quantity (and greater than zero). This non-zero threshold quantity could be an amount of rain that can enter the vehicle through the vents of the ventilated hood and cause deterioration of the engine or engine system components.As an example, a rainfall reading can be generated in the control system in response to an output from a rain sensor, which may include one or more rain-sensing windshield wipers, a windshield-mounted rain sensor (such as a sensor containing a camera), and / or a water level sensor positioned in the rain panel. As another example, the amount of rainfall occurring at the vehicle can be determined based on the speed of one or more rain-sensing windshield wipers, an output from a windshield-mounted rain sensor, and a water level detected by a sensor positioned in the rain panel.In yet another example, the presence of rain and / or the amount of rain occurring at the vehicle can be determined based on feedback (such as weather reports and the vehicle's location) from a GPS and / or the vehicle's internal communication and entertainment system (such as the one in the . Fig. The GPS 34 and in-vehicle communication and entertainment system 26 shown in Figures 1A-1B are used to determine the vehicle speed. The procedure may involve the control system comparing the determined rainfall amount with the rainfall threshold amount at 208. If it is not raining or the rainfall amount is not above the threshold amount, the procedure proceeds to 210 to maintain the upper vehicle speed threshold at the first value (as set at 206). Alternatively, if it is raining and / or the rainfall amount is above the threshold amount, the procedure proceeds to 212 to set the upper vehicle speed threshold to the second value (e.g., second vehicle speed or second vehicle speed value). The second value may be lower than the first value.For example, the procedure at 212 may involve reducing the upper vehicle speed threshold set in the controller from the first value to the second value in response to rain or rain exceeding the threshold. In one example, the second value may be a vehicle speed set for all rain conditions. In another example, the second value may decrease as the specified amount of rain increases. In this way, the procedure at 212 may involve the controller determining the second vehicle speed value (and thus the setting of the upper vehicle speed threshold) based on the specified amount of rain. For example, the controller may make a logical determination regarding the second vehicle speed value based on logic rules that are a function of the amount of rain occurring at the vehicle.

[0023] In an alternative embodiment, the upper vehicle speed threshold can be set to the first value in response to the presence of the rain plate, regardless of whether it is raining. In this example, procedure 200 can proceed directly from 206 to 214 (and omit procedures 208, 212, and 210).

[0024] The procedure transitions from both 212 and 210 to 214. In 214, the procedure involves determining whether the vehicle speed (e.g., the current vehicle speed and / or the vehicle speed value requested by the operator) exceeds the set upper vehicle speed threshold. As explained above, the set upper vehicle speed threshold can be set to either the first value (when rain is present but the amount of rain does not exceed the threshold) or the second value (when the rain plate is present and the amount of rain exceeds the threshold).If the current vehicle speed or the vehicle speed requested by the operator is not above the set upper vehicle speed threshold, the procedure proceeds to 216 to maintain the current vehicle speed (which may be the vehicle speed requested by the operator). However, if the current vehicle speed or the vehicle speed requested by the operator is above the set upper vehicle speed threshold, the procedure proceeds to 218. In 218, the procedure involves reducing and / or maintaining the vehicle speed below the set upper vehicle speed threshold.In one example, this might involve maintaining the vehicle speed below an operator-requested speed if the operator-requested speed is above the set upper vehicle speed threshold. In other words, the controller can maintain (or adjust) the vehicle speed below the set upper vehicle speed threshold even if the operator-requested speed is above the set upper vehicle speed threshold. In another example, the procedure at 218 might involve reducing the vehicle speed below the set upper vehicle speed threshold if the vehicle is traveling at or above the upper vehicle speed threshold.In yet another example, the procedure at 218 may involve the controller actuating one or more vehicle actuators, such as a throttle valve (to adjust the throttle opening), fuel injectors, and / or vehicle brakes or a braking system, to maintain the vehicle speed below the set upper vehicle speed threshold. For example, the controller may make a logical determination (e.g., regarding a throttle valve position, a fuel injector pulse width signal, and a brake pedal position) based on logic rules that are a function of the current or required vehicle speed and the set upper vehicle speed threshold. The controller may then generate a control signal that is sent to the throttle, fuel injectors, and / or braking system.In this way, the procedure at 218 can involve limiting the vehicle speed to a value below the set upper vehicle speed threshold. The procedure at 218 can further involve alerting the vehicle operator that the vehicle speed is being limited to a value below the upper vehicle speed threshold because of rain and / or the presence of the rain plate. For example, the controller can send a signal to an instrument panel or display in a passenger compartment of the vehicle (e.g., display 134) so ​​that a visual (or audible) signal is presented to the user (e.g., via a symbol or text) indicating that the vehicle speed is being kept below a threshold due to the installed rain plate.For example, the information can inform the vehicle operator to remove the rain plate when it is not raining and when the vehicle operator wants to drive at a higher vehicle speed (e.g. higher than the set upper vehicle speed threshold).

[0025] If, referring again to 204, the control does not receive a signal indicating that the rain plate is installed and coupled under the vented hood, or if the control receives a different signal indicating that the rain plate has been removed from the vehicle, the procedure proceeds to 220. In 220, the procedure involves not limiting the vehicle speed based on the presence of the rain plate. Thus, the procedure in 220 may involve adjusting the vehicle speed to a value requested by the operator (e.g., based on a signal received from an accelerator pedal operated by the driver). In 222, the procedure involves determining whether rain is detected by one or more of the rain sensors discussed above with reference to the procedure in 208. If rain is detected at the vehicle, the procedure proceeds to 224 to indicate (e.g.,(notify) that the vehicle operator should install the rain plate. For example, if it is raining and the rain plate is not installed under the vents of the ventilated hood, the control unit can send a signal to an indicator panel to indicate that the vehicle should be stopped and the rain plate installed. Alternatively, if no rain is detected at the vehicle, the procedure transitions from 222 to 226 to continue vehicle operation without notifying the vehicle operator that the rain plate should be installed.

[0026] Fig. Figure 3 shows an example diagram 300 of the operation of a vehicle based on the presence of a rain plate under the vehicle's vented hood. Specifically, diagram 300 shows changes in an upper vehicle speed threshold at curve 302, changes in the vehicle speed at curve 304, changes in the presence (installation) of a rain plate under the vented hood's vents at curve 306, changes in rainfall at curve 308, changes in a vehicle speed limit alarm (e.g., notification) at curve 310, and changes in a rain plate alarm (e.g., notification) at curve 312. As explained above, the rain plate can be coupled to the vehicle under the vented hood and under the vents of the vented hood. As described in the Fig. As shown in Figures 1A-1B, a vehicle control system can determine that the rain plate is coupled to the vehicle from under the hood vents in response to a signal received from a sensor or switch located near a mounting position of the rain plate (e.g., the one shown in the Fig. (Switches 124 shown in 1A-1B). Furthermore, the upper vehicle speed threshold can be set by a memory of the control unit and within the same, and can be adjusted based on the presence of the rain plate and / or rain conditions.

[0027] Before time t1, the rain sensor is installed in the vehicle (e.g., coupled to and / or below the ventilation openings of the ventilated hood) (graph 306), and no rain is detected at the vehicle (graph 308). Therefore, the upper vehicle speed threshold is set to an initial value L1. Before time t1, the vehicle speed requested by the operator may be below the upper vehicle speed threshold. As a result, no alarm regarding the vehicle speed limit can be displayed to the vehicle operator (graph 310). However, in an alternative embodiment, a notification to the user about the set upper vehicle speed threshold due to the rain sensor can also be generated even if the vehicle speed is not limited (e.g., if the requested vehicle speed is below the set upper vehicle speed limit).At time t1, the vehicle speed requested by the operator may exceed the upper vehicle speed threshold. The vehicle speed is then increased to a value just below the upper vehicle speed threshold (traces 302 and 304). In response to the vehicle speed being held (e.g., limited) below the upper vehicle speed threshold, the controller may generate and display an alarm to the vehicle operator indicating that the vehicle speed is limited to the upper vehicle speed threshold because the rain plate is installed (traces 310). At time t2, rain begins (as determined based on outputs from a rain sensor and / or data received by the vehicle's GPS and communication and entertainment system). At time t3, the amount of rain has exceeded a rain threshold amount T1.In response to rainfall exceeding the threshold amount T1, the set upper vehicle speed threshold is reduced to a second value L2 (trajectory 302). As a result of this reduction, the vehicle speed is also reduced below the new upper vehicle speed threshold. Furthermore, the vehicle speed limit alarm may also include a notification to the vehicle operator that the vehicle speed is being further limited due to the rain. In the [document / section]... Fig. In the example shown in Figure 3, the threshold quantity T1 for reducing the set upper vehicle speed threshold is greater than one. In alternative embodiments, however, any amount of rainfall or the detection of rain beyond a time threshold (e.g., 30 seconds) can lead to the upper vehicle speed threshold being set to the second value L2.

[0028] At time t4, the amount of rainfall affecting the vehicle decreases below the rainfall threshold T1. As a result, the controller increases the set upper vehicle speed threshold to the first value L1 (trajectory 302). In response to this increase in the upper vehicle speed threshold, the controller increases the vehicle speed to the speed requested by the operator, which is above the second value L2 but below the first value L1 (trajectory 304). As a result of the vehicle speed no longer being limited below the speed requested by the operator, the controller can remove the vehicle speed limit alarm displayed to the vehicle operator. Between time t4 and time t5, it stops raining, but the rain plate remains coupled to the vehicle.

[0029] At time t5, the vehicle operator stops the vehicle (e.g., the vehicle speed drops to zero in trace 304) and removes the rain plate (trajectory 306). The operator restarts the vehicle, and the vehicle speed begins to increase again at time t6. Since the rain plate is not present and installed in the vehicle after time t6, the vehicle speed is not limited based on the rain plate. Instead, the controller can adjust the vehicle speed to the value requested by the operator (e.g., by adjusting the throttle), which can be greater than the first value L1 and the second value L2. At time t7, rain begins. In response to the detection of rain on the vehicle, an alarm to install the rain plate is generated and displayed to the vehicle operator. In one example, the alarm to install the rain plate could be triggered in response to the detection of any amount of rain (e.g.,any quantity greater than zero can be generated. In another example, as in . Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the alarm to install the rain plate can be generated in response to the detection of rainfall exceeding a threshold, although the threshold can be lower than the rainfall threshold T1. In yet another example, the alarm to install the rain plate can be generated in response to the detection of rainfall exceeding the rainfall threshold T1. Upon seeing the alarm, the vehicle operator can slowly stop the vehicle to reinstall the rain plate in the area under the hood, beneath the vents of the ventilated hood.

[0030] In this way, a vehicle can be controlled based on the presence of a rain plate coupled to a surface under the hood, below the vents of the ventilated hood. Specifically, when the rain plate is mounted in the vehicle below the vents, the vehicle's speed can be maintained below a first threshold. In some embodiments, if rain is present while the rain plate is installed, the vehicle's speed can be further limited and maintained below a second threshold, which is lower than the first. A vehicle operator can be notified (e.g., alerted) by an audible or visual signal that the vehicle's speed is being limited due to the installed rain plate (e.g., below a speed requested by the operator).In some examples, the vehicle operator can choose to manually remove (uncouple) the rain plate from the vehicle and continue driving without it. This can allow the operator to drive at a higher speed than with the rain plate installed. However, if it starts to rain while the rain plate is installed in the vehicle, the control system can generate and display a notification to the vehicle operator to reinstall the rain plate (to reduce the likelihood of damage to the engine and other engine system components).The technical effect of maintaining a vehicle speed below a set vehicle speed threshold and alerting a vehicle operator about the set vehicle speed threshold in response to a signal indicating that a rain plate is coupled under a vent of a ventilated hood of a vehicle is to reduce the deterioration of the rain plate (due to increased vehicle speeds) and to provide sufficient cooling airflow for the engine's cooling needs (e.g., engine cooling needs may increase at higher vehicle speeds, but the rain plate may reduce the amount of air able to reach the engine for cooling).Further limiting the vehicle speed when it is raining, with the rain plate coupled to the vehicle, can also reduce engine damage caused by water entering the vehicle through the hood vents. Engine damage from water can also be reduced by alerting the vehicle operator to install the rain plate in response to rain (if it is not already installed). This will minimize damage to both the engine and the rain plate while ensuring adequate engine cooling.

[0031] In one embodiment, a method for a vehicle includes, in response to a signal indicating that a rain plate is coupled to a vent in the vehicle's ventilated hood, maintaining the vehicle's speed below a set vehicle speed threshold and alerting a vehicle operator about the set vehicle speed threshold. In a first example of the method, the method includes setting the vehicle speed threshold to a first value in response to the signal indicating that the rain plate is coupled to the vehicle. A second example of the method optionally includes the first example and further includes setting the vehicle speed threshold to a second value below the first value in response to a rain indication while the rain plate is coupled to the vehicle.A third example of the method optionally includes one or more of the first and second examples and further includes that the rain indication is generated in response to one or more signals from rain-sensing windscreen wipers, a signal from a rain sensor mounted on the windscreen, and a water sensor positioned in the rain plate.A fourth example of the method optionally includes one or more of the first three examples and further includes setting the vehicle speed threshold to a second value below the first value in response to a report that rainfall exceeds a threshold amount, wherein the rainfall amount is determined based on one or more windshield wipers detecting the speed of rain, an output from a sensor mounted on the windshield, and a water level detected by a sensor positioned in the rain plate. A fifth example of the method optionally includes one or more of the first three examples and further includes the second value decreasing as the reported rainfall amount increases.A sixth example of the procedure optionally includes one or more of the first five examples and further includes maintaining the vehicle speed below the set vehicle speed threshold, as well as maintaining the vehicle speed below an operator-requested vehicle speed when the operator-requested vehicle speed is above the set vehicle speed threshold. A seventh example of the procedure optionally includes one or more of the first six examples and further includes generating the signal indicating that the rain plate is coupled in the vehicle in response to a switch that is coupled in the vehicle near a mounting position of the rain plate and is activated by the rain plate.An eighth example of the procedure optionally includes one or more of the first through seventh examples and further includes, in response to the rain plate not being coupled to the vehicle, adjusting the vehicle speed to a value requested by the operator and not limiting the vehicle speed based on the rain plate. A ninth example of the procedure optionally includes one or more of the first through ninth examples and further includes, in response to detecting rain while the rain plate is not coupled to the vehicle, indicating to a vehicle operator that the rain plate should be installed under the vented hood.

[0032] In a further embodiment, a method for a vehicle includes setting a vehicle speed threshold to a first value in response to the detection of a rain plate beneath a vent in a vehicle's ventilated hood; setting the vehicle speed threshold to a second value lower than the first value in response to the detection of rain at the vehicle while the rain plate is coupled beneath the vent; and maintaining the vehicle speed below the set vehicle speed threshold. In a first example of the method, setting the vehicle speed to the first value further occurs in response to the rain indication being below the threshold while the rain plate is coupled beneath the vent.A second example of the method optionally includes the first example and further includes that rain detection at the vehicle involves detecting a rainfall amount above a threshold based on outputs from one or more of the vehicle's rain-sensing windshield wipers, a windshield-mounted rain sensor, and a rain plate water level sensor. A third example of the method optionally includes one or more of the first and second examples and further includes that rain detection at the vehicle involves rain predictions based on outputs from the vehicle's global positioning system and one or more real-time and predicted weather conditions received by the vehicle's communication and entertainment system from a wireless communication device of the vehicle.A fourth example of the procedure optionally includes one or more of the first three examples and further includes adjusting the vehicle speed to a value requested by the operator, even if the operator-requested value is higher than the first value, in response to the rain plate not being coupled to the vent of the ventilated hood. A fifth example of the procedure optionally includes one or more of the first four examples and further includes, in response to detecting rain on the vehicle while the rain plate is not coupled below the vent of the ventilated hood, issuing a request to a vehicle operator to couple the rain plate in the vehicle below the vent of the ventilated hood.A sixth example of the procedure optionally includes one or more of the first to fifth examples and further includes notifying a vehicle operator that the vehicle speed is being kept below the set vehicle speed threshold and to remove the rain plate when it is not raining and when a vehicle speed above the set vehicle speed is desired.

[0033] In yet another embodiment, a system for a vehicle comprises the following: a ventilated hood including at least one ventilation opening; a switch coupled to a carrier positioned in a surface beneath the vehicle's hood, the switch being configured to generate an electrical signal indicating the presence of a rain plate when coupled to the hood surface below at least one ventilation opening; a motor positioned within the vehicle and beneath the ventilated hood; and a motor control unit comprising instructions stored in a memory for: setting a vehicle speed limit to an initial value in response to receiving the electrical signal indicating the presence of a rain plate.that the rain plate is present; setting the vehicle speed limit to a second value below the first value in response to each instance of rain occurring at the vehicle and receiving the electrical signal indicating the presence of the rain plate; and maintaining the vehicle speed below the set vehicle speed limit. In a first example of the system, the instructions further include instructions for indicating that rain is occurring at the vehicle, based on outputs from one or more rain-sensing windshield wipers, a rain sensor mounted on the vehicle's windshield, a fluid level sensor mounted on the rain plate, and a vehicle communication and entertainment system connected to a vehicle wireless communication device.The system receives real-time and predicted weather conditions. A second example of the system optionally includes the first example and further includes a display field and instructions for notifying a vehicle operator via the display field about the set vehicle speed limit and that the vehicle speed is being kept below the set vehicle speed limit.

[0034] In another representation, a method for a vehicle involves limiting the vehicle speed to a set vehicle speed limit in response to a rain plate being coupled to the vehicle under the vents of a ventilated hood, and reducing the set vehicle speed limit in response to rain being detected on the vehicle.

[0035] In yet another representation, a procedure for a vehicle includes the following: during a first mode, when a rain plate is installed in an area under the vehicle's hood, below the vents of a ventilated hood, limiting the vehicle's speed to a value below a set speed threshold; and, during a second mode, when the rain plate is not installed in the vehicle, not limiting the vehicle's speed to a value below the set threshold and adjusting the vehicle's speed to a speed value requested by the operator.

[0036] It should be noted that the exemplary control and estimation routines contained herein can be used with various engine and / or vehicle system designs. The control methods and routines disclosed herein can be stored as executable instructions in non-volatile memory and executed by the control system, which includes the control unit in combination with the various sensors, actuators, and other engine hardware. The specific routines described herein can represent one or more of any number of processing strategies, such as event-driven, interrupt-driven, multitasking, multithreading, and the like. Accordingly, various actions, processes, and / or functions shown can be performed in the sequence shown, in parallel, or, in some cases, omitted.Similarly, the processing sequence is not strictly necessary to achieve the features and advantages of the exemplary embodiments described here, but is provided to facilitate illustration and description. One or more of the illustrated actions, processes, and / or functions can be performed repeatedly, depending on the specific strategy employed. Furthermore, the described actions, processes, and / or functions can graphically represent code to be programmed into non-volatile memory of the computer-readable storage medium in the engine control system, with the described actions being executed by carrying out the instructions in a system that includes the various engine hardware components in combination with the electronic control unit.

[0037] It is understood that the configurations and routines disclosed herein are exemplary and that these specific embodiments are not to be interpreted in a limiting sense, as numerous variations are possible. For example, the foregoing technology can be applied to V-6, I-4, 1-6, V-12, 4-cylinder boxer, and other engine types. The subject matter of this disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the different systems and configurations and other features, functions, and / or properties disclosed herein.

[0038] The following claims describe, in particular, certain combinations and subcombinations that are considered novel and not obvious. These claims may relate to one element or "first" element, or the equivalent thereof. Such claims are to be understood as including one or more such elements and neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. Other combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed features, functions, elements, and / or properties may be claimed by amending the present claims or by filing new claims in this or a related application.Such patent claims are also considered to be included in the subject matter of the present disclosure, irrespective of whether they have a broader, narrower, the same or different scope compared to the original patent claims.

Claims

[1] Procedure, encompassing: in response to an electrical signal indicating that a rain plate is coupled under a vent in a vehicle's ventilated hood, setting the vehicle speed threshold to an initial value; In response to each instance of rain occurring at the vehicle and receiving the electrical signal indicating the presence of the rain plate, the vehicle speed limit is set to a second value below the first value; and Maintaining a vehicle speed below a set vehicle speed threshold and alerting a vehicle operator when the set vehicle speed threshold is exceeded. [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein keeping the vehicle speed below the set vehicle speed threshold includes actively preventing the vehicle speed from rising above the first threshold by adjusting a motor output via a control system. [3] Method according to claim 1, wherein a rain indication is generated in response to one or more windscreen wipers detecting a signal from rain, a signal from a rain sensor mounted on the windscreen and a water sensor positioned in the rain plate. [4] Method according to claim 1, wherein the second value decreases when a certain amount of rainfall increases. [5] Method according to claim 1, wherein keeping the vehicle speed below the set vehicle speed threshold includes keeping the vehicle speed below a vehicle speed value requested by the operator when the vehicle speed value requested by the operator is above the set vehicle speed threshold. [6] Method according to claim 1, wherein the signal indicating that the rain plate is coupled in the vehicle is generated in response to a switch which is coupled in the vehicle near a mounting position of the rain plate and is switched on by the rain plate. [7] Method according to claim 1, further comprising, in response to the fact that the rain plate is not coupled in the vehicle, adjusting the vehicle speed to a value requested by the operator and not limiting the vehicle speed based on the rain plate. [8] Method according to claim 7, in response to detection of rain while the rain plate is not coupled in the vehicle, indicating to a vehicle operator that the rain plate should be installed under the vented engine hood. [9] System for a vehicle, comprising: a ventilated hood that includes at least one ventilation opening; a switch coupled to a carrier positioned in an area under the hood of the vehicle, the switch being designed to generate an electrical signal indicating that a rain plate is present when the rain plate is coupled in the area under the hood below the at least one vent; an engine positioned inside the vehicle and under the ventilated hood; and an engine control unit that contains instructions stored in a memory for: Setting a vehicle speed limit to an initial value in response to receiving the electrical signal indicating the presence of the rain plate; Setting the vehicle speed limit to a second value below the first value in response to each instance of rain occurring at the vehicle and receiving the electrical signal indicating that the rain plate is present; and Maintaining the vehicle speed below the set vehicle speed limit. [10] System according to claim 9, wherein the instructions further include instructions for indicating that rain is occurring at the vehicle, based on outputs from one or more rain-sensing windscreen wipers, a rain sensor mounted on the windscreen of the vehicle, a fluid level sensor mounted on the rain plate, and a communication and entertainment system of the vehicle connected to a wireless communication device of the vehicle receiving real-time and predicted weather conditions. [11] System according to claim 10, further comprising a display field and wherein the instructions further include instructions for notifying a vehicle operator via the display field about the set vehicle speed limit and that the vehicle speed is kept below the set vehicle speed limit. [12] System according to claim 11, wherein the instructions further include instructions to adjust the vehicle speed limit to a value requested by the operator, even if the value requested by the operator is above the first value, in response to failure to receive the electrical signal indicating that the rain plate is present. [13] System according to claim 11, wherein the instructions further include instructions to indicate, in response to the occurrence of rain on the vehicle and to the failure to receive the electrical signal indicating that the rain plate is present, a request to a vehicle operator to couple the rain plate in the vehicle under the vent opening of the ventilated hood.

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