Patent ID: 7114477
Filing Date: 2006-10-03
Classification: F02D

Abstract:
1. A variable intake system monitoring apparatus, comprising: a variable intake valve shaft comprising a plurality of flaps; a potentiometer that measures the pivot amount of the variable intake valve shaft; a pneumatic actuator that pivots the variable intake valve shaft; a vacuum line connecting a surge tank and the pneumatic actuator to provide operational pressure of the pneumatic actuator; a Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor positioned proximate to the surge tank connected with the vacuum hose; a Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) located at a throttle body; and a controller that detects the operation state of the variable intake valve shaft by receiving signals from the potentiometer, MAP sensor, and TPS, wherein the controller monitors and compares the outputted voltage of the potentiometer with data pre-mapped pertaining to the relationship of the output voltage of the potentiometer and rotational angle of the flaps, and detects a disconnection of the vacuum hose from the pneumatic actuator and/or a surge tank via the output voltage of the potentiometer and a signal of the MAP sensor.