Patent ID: 6857262
Filing Date: 2005-02-22
Classification: F01N,F02D,Y02T

Abstract:
1. A method of detecting the function of a catalytic converter in a vehicle, comprising: determining a first indication corresponding to whether a vehicle moving on a road is operating in a closed loop operating condition; determining a second indication corresponding to whether the vehicle is operating at a temperature that is substantially at least equal to its formal operating temperature; receiving data collected by an open path emissions sensor, wherein the data corresponds to a plurality of measured hydrocarbon and other tailpipe emissions concentrations in an exhaust stream of the vehicle; and determining a third indication corresponding to whether the data is indicative of a properly functioning catalytic converter; wherein the step of determining a first indication comprises: measuring a speed of the vehicle; measuring an acceleration of the vehicle; measuring a slope of the road; measuring a mass of the vehicle; measuring at least one ambient condition; calculating, using the speed, the acceleration, the slope, the mass, and the at least one ambient condition, a specific power; and comparing the specific power to a predetermined limit.