Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US6691023?ie=ISO-8859-1
Timestamp: 2014-08-30 21:38:11
Document Index: 41145496

Matched Legal Cases: ['Application No. 11', 'Application No. 11', 'Application No. 2000', 'Application No. 2000', 'Application No. 2000', 'Application No. 2000']

Patent US6691023 - Diagnostic system for engine - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign in<nobr>Advanced Patent Search</nobr>PatentsA diagnostic system is provided to aid a technician or engineer in diagnosing an internal combustion engine. The diagnostic system comprises an electronic control unit that is operatively coupled to a data storage device and to one or more engine sensors. The electronic control unit is configured to...http://www.google.com/patents/US6691023?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US6691023 - Diagnostic system for engineAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS6691023 B2Publication typeGrantApplication numberUS 09/800,110Publication dateFeb 10, 2004Filing dateMar 6, 2001Priority dateMay 26, 2000Fee statusPaidAlso published asUS20010049579Publication number09800110, 800110, US 6691023 B2, US 6691023B2, US-B2-6691023, US6691023 B2, US6691023B2InventorsKenichi Fujino, Hitoshi Motose, Masahiko Kato, Masayoshi NanamiOriginal AssigneeYamaha Marine Kabushiki KaishaExport CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (7), Referenced by (18), Classifications (10), Legal Events (4) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetDiagnostic system for engineUS 6691023 B2Abstract A diagnostic system is provided to aid a technician or engineer in diagnosing an internal combustion engine. The diagnostic system comprises an electronic control unit that is operatively coupled to a data storage device and to one or more engine sensors. The electronic control unit is configured to collect data from the one or more engine sensors and to store that data in the data storage device. A computer is selectively coupled to the data storage device. The computer program is configured to display specific sets of data stored in the data storage device in various formats.
What is claimed is: 1. A diagnostic system for aiding a technician or engineer in diagnosing an engine malfunction in a motor that comprises and engine and is associated with a watercraft, the diagnostic system comprising:
an electronic control unit operatively coupled to a data storage device and to one or more engine sensors, the electronic control unit configured to collect operational data from the one or more engine sensors and to store the collected operational data in said data storage device; a computer with a computer processor operatively coupled to a memory, an interface device and a display monitor, said computer comprising a computer program stored in the memory and configured to retrieve operational data from the data storage device, the computer program further configured to display the operational data collected from the engine sensors, and wherein said diagnostic system further comprises a second computer that is operatively connected to the first computer and the first computer is configured to transmit at least some of the operational data retrieved from the data storage device to the second computer. 2. A diagnostic system as in claim 1, wherein at least some of the engine sensors are disposed apart from the engine.
3. A diagnostic system as in claim 1, wherein said engine is enclosed within a cowling.
4. A diagnostic system as in claim 3, wherein said engine is a two cycle engine.
5. A diagnostic system as in claim 3, wherein said engine is a four-cycle engine.
6. A diagnostic system as in claim 5 wherein said engine comprises an induction system, which comprises a bypass passage with an idle speed control valve, said operational data comprising a position of said idle speed control valve.
7. A diagnostic system as in claim 1, wherein said watercraft is a personal watercraft.
8. A diagnostic system as in claim 7, wherein said operational data comprises a speed of the personal watercraft.
9. A diagnostic system for aiding a technician or engineer in diagnosing an engine malfunction in a motor that comprises and engine and is associated with a watercraft, the diagnostic system comprising:
an electronic control unit operatively coupled to a data storage device and to one or more engine sensors, the electronic control unit configured to collect operational data from the one or more engine sensors and to store the collected operational data in said data storage device; a computer with a computer processor operatively coupled to a memory, an interface device and a display monitor, said computer comprising a computer program stored in the memory and configured to retrieve operational data from the data storage device, the computer program further configured to display the operational data collected from the engine sensors, and wherein the computer program is configured display at least some of the operational data in a graphical format. 10. A diagnostic system for aiding a technician or engineer in diagnosing an engine malfunction in a motor that comprises and engine and is associated with a watercraft, the diagnostic system comprising:
an electronic control unit operatively coupled to a data storage device and to one or more engine sensors, the electronic control unit configured to collect operational data from the one or more engine sensors and to store the collected operational data in said data storage device; a computer with a computer processor operatively coupled to a memory, an interface device and a display monitor, said computer comprising a computer program stored in the memory and configured to retrieve operational data from the data storage device, the computer program further configured to display the operational data collected from the engine sensors, and wherein the computer program is configured display at least some of the operational data in a tabular format. 11. A diagnostic system for aiding a technician or engineer in diagnosing an engine malfunction in a motor that comprises and engine and is associated with a watercraft, the diagnostic system comprising:
an electronic control unit operatively coupled to a data storage device and to one or more engine sensors, the electronic control unit configured to collect operational data from the one or more engine sensors and to store the collected operational data in said data storage device; a computer with a computer processor operatively coupled to a memory, an interface device and a display monitor, said computer comprising a computer program stored in the memory and configured to retrieve operational data from the data storage device, the computer program further configured to display the operational data collected from the engine sensors, and wherein electronic control unit is configured to collect operational data from the one or more engine sensors at intervals. 12. A diagnostic system as in claim 11, wherein said electronic control unit is configured to store said operational data from a time period comprising a set of most recent intervals in said data storage device.
13. A diagnostic system as in claim 12, further comprising a record stop switch that is operatively connected to said electronic control unit, the electronic control unit configured to stop collecting operational storage data when the record stop switch is activated and to store operational data from the time period in a non-volatile memory device.
14. A diagnostic system as in claim 12, wherein the electronic control unit is further configured to sense a failure and to stop collecting operational storage data when said failure is detected to store operational data from the time period in a non-volatile memory device.
15. A diagnostic system for aiding a technician or engineer in diagnosing an engine malfunction in a motor that comprises and engine and is associated with a watercraft, the diagnostic system comprising:
an electronic control unit operatively coupled to a data storage device and to one or more engine sensors, the electronic control unit configured to collect operational data from the one or more engine sensors and to store the collected operational data in said data storage device; a computer with a computer processor operatively coupled to a memory, an interface device and a display monitor, said computer comprising a computer program stored in the memory and configured to retrieve operational data from the data storage device, the computer program further configured to display the operational data collected from the engine sensors, and wherein electronic control unit is configured to collect operational data from the one or more engine sensors at substantially one minute intervals. 16. A diagnostic system as in claim 15, wherein said electronic control unit is configured to store data from substantially the past thirteen minutes in said data storage device.
17. A diagnostic system for aiding a technician or engineer in diagnosing an engine malfunction in a motor that comprises and engine and is associated with a watercraft, the diagnostic system comprising:
an electronic control unit operatively coupled to a data storage device and to one or more engine sensors, the electronic control unit configured to collect operational data from the one or more engine sensors and to store the collected operational data in said data storage device; a computer with a computer processor operatively coupled to a memory, an interface device and a display monitor, said computer comprising a computer program stored in the memory and configured to retrieve operational data from the data storage device, the computer program further configured to display the operational data collected from the engine sensors, and further comprising a record stop switch that is operatively connected to said electronic control unit, the electronic control unit configured to stop collecting operational storage data when the record stop switch is activated and to store operational data from the time period in a non-volatile memory device. 18. A diagnostic system for aiding a technician or engineer in diagnosing an engine malfunction in a motor that comprises and engine and is associated with a watercraft, the diagnostic system comprising:
an electronic control unit operatively coupled to a data storage device and to one or more engine sensors, the electronic control unit configured to collect operational data from the one or more engine sensors and to store the collected operational data in said data storage device; a computer with a computer processor operatively coupled to a memory, an interface device and a display monitor, said computer comprising a computer program stored in the memory and configured to retrieve operational data from the data storage device, the computer program further configured to display the operational data collected from the engine sensors, and wherein said computer program is configured to receive an input indication of engine type and to display different types of data depending on the indicated engine type. 19. A diagnostic system for aiding a technician or engineer in diagnosing an engine malfunction in a motor that comprises and engine and is associated with a watercraft, the diagnostic system comprising:
an electronic control unit operatively coupled to a data storage device and to one or more engine sensors, the electronic control unit configured to collect operational data from the one or more engine sensors and to store the collected operational data in said data storage device; a computer with a computer processor operatively coupled to a memory, an interface device and a display monitor, said computer comprising a computer program stored in the memory and configured to retrieve operational data from the data storage device, the computer program further configured to display the operational data collected from the engine sensors, and wherein said electronic control unit is further configured to determine to identify an operational condition from at least some of the operational data. 20. A diagnostic system as in claim 19, wherein said electronic control unit is further configured to determine an accumulated operating time at the operational condition and to store said accumulated operating time in said memory storage device.
21. A diagnostic system for aiding a technician or engineer in diagnosing an engine malfunction in a motor that comprises and engine and is associated with a watercraft, the diagnostic system comprising:
an electronic control unit operatively coupled to a data storage device and to one or more engine sensors, the electronic control unit configured to collect operational data from the one or more engine sensors and to store the collected operational data in said data storage device; a computer with a computer processor operatively coupled to a memory, an interface device and a display monitor, said computer comprising a computer program stored in the memory and configured to retrieve operational data from the data storage device, the computer program further configured to display the operational data collected from the engine sensors, and wherein said engine is enclosed within a cowling, and wherein said one or more sensors comprises an lubrication pressure sensor and said operational data comprising a signal from said lubrication pressure sensor. 22. A method for diagnosing a malfunction in a motor for a watercraft that comprises an engine and an electronic control unit that is operatively connected to a memory storage device, the method comprising:
collecting operational data from one or more engine sensors with an electronic control unit that is operatively connected to the one or more sensors, storing the operational data from the one or more engine sensors in the memory storage device, retrieving the operational data from the memory storage device with a computer that is operatively connected to the electronic control unit, displaying a chosen set of operational data on a display screen, further comprising sending at least some of the operational data from the computer to a display at a remote location and displaying the data on the remote display screen. 23. A method as in claim 22, wherein collecting operational data involves collecting data from a sensor that is disposed apart from an engine of the motor.
24. A method as in claim 22, further comprising determining if the motor is operating above a predetermined speed, and only collecting operational data if the motor is operating above said predetermined speed.
25. A method as in claim 22, wherein said motor is an outboard motor.
26. A method as in claim 25, wherein said engine is a two cycle engine.
27. A method as in claim 25, wherein said engine is a four-cycle engine.
28. A method as in claim 1, wherein said watercraft is a personal watercraft.
29. A method as in claim 28, wherein said operational data comprises at least in part a speed of the personal watercraft.
30. A method for diagnosing a malfunction in a motor for a watercraft that comprises an engine and an electronic control unit that is operatively connected to a memory storage device, the method comprising:
collecting operational data from one or more engine sensors with an electronic control unit that is operatively connected to the one or more sensors, storing the operational data from the one or more engine sensors in the memory storage device, retrieving the operational data from the memory storage device with a computer that is operatively connected to the electronic control unit, displaying a chosen set of operational data on a display screen, wherein displaying the chosen set of operational data involves displaying the chosen set of data in a graphical format on the display screen. 31. A method for diagnosing a malfunction in a motor for a watercraft that comprises an engine and an electronic control unit that is operatively connected to a memory storage device, the method comprising:
collecting operational data from one or more engine sensors with an electronic control unit that is operatively connected to the one or more sensors, storing the operational data from the one or more engine sensors in the memory storage device, retrieving the operational data from the memory storage device with a computer that is operatively connected to the electronic control unit, displaying a chosen set of operational data on a display screen, wherein displaying the chosen set of operational data involves displaying the chosen set of data in a tabular format on the display screen. 32. A method for diagnosing a malfunction in a motor for a watercraft that comprises an engine and an electronic control unit that is operatively connected to a memory storage device, the method comprising:
collecting operational data from one or more engine sensors with an electronic control unit that is operatively connected to the one or more sensors, storing the operational data from the one or more engine sensors in the memory storage device, retrieving the operational data from the memory storage device with a computer that is operatively connected to the electronic control unit, displaying a chosen set of operational data on a display screen, wherein collecting the operational data involves collecting at least some of the data during regular intervals and storing the data involves storing at least some of the data collected during the regular intervals for a time period that is greater than the regular intervals and discarding data substantially older than the time period. 33. A method as in claim 32, further comprising determining if there is a failure from the one or more sensors and if there is a failure stopping collection of operational data and storing the operational data that has been collected in a non-volatile memory device.
34. A method for diagnosing a malfunction in a motor for a watercraft that comprises an engine and an electronic control unit that is operatively connected to a memory storage device, the method comprising:
collecting operational data from one or more engine sensors with an electronic control unit that is operatively connected to the one or more sensors, storing the operational data from the one or more engine sensors in the memory storage device, retrieving the operational data from the memory storage device with a computer that is operatively connected to the electronic control unit, displaying a chosen set of operational data on a display screen, further determining if a record stop switch has been activated, and if the record stop switch has been activated stopping collection of the operational data storing the operational data that has been collected in a non-volatile memory device. 35. A method for diagnosing a malfunction in a motor for a watercraft that comprises an engine and an electronic control unit that is operatively connected to a memory storage device, the method comprising:
collecting operational data from one or more engine sensors with an electronic control unit that is operatively connected to the one or more sensors, storing the operational data from the one or more engine sensors in the memory storage device, retrieving the operational data from the memory storage device with a computer that is operatively connected to the electronic control unit, displaying a chosen set of operational data on a display screen, wherein collecting the operational data involves collecting at least some of the data at substantially one minute intervals and storing the data involves storing at least some of the data for substantially thirteen minutes and discarding data substantially older than thirteen minutes. 36. A method for diagnosing a malfunction in a motor for a watercraft that comprises an engine and an electronic control unit that is operatively connected to a memory storage device, the method comprising:
collecting operational data from one or more engine sensors with an electronic control unit that is operatively connected to the one or more sensors, storing the operational data from the one or more engine sensors in the memory storage device, retrieving the operational data from the memory storage device with a computer that is operatively connected to the electronic control unit, displaying a chosen set of operational data on a display screen, further comprising indicating engine type and displaying different types of data on the display screen depending upon engine type. 37. A method as in claim 36, further comprising comparing said displayed operational data to a set of comparison data which depends upon the indicated engine type.
38. A method for diagnosing a malfunction in a motor for a watercraft that comprises an engine and an electronic control unit that is operatively connected to a memory storage device, the method comprising:
collecting operational data from one or more engine sensors with an electronic control unit that is operatively connected to the one or more sensors, storing the operational data from the one or more engine sensors in the memory storage device, retrieving the operational data from the memory storage device with a computer that is operatively connected to the electronic control unit, displaying a chosen set of operational data on a display screen, further comprising determining if the motor is operating below a predetermined speed, and if the motor is operating below the predetermined speed, stopping the collection of operational data. 39. A method for diagnosing a malfunction in a motor for a watercraft that comprises an engine and an electronic control unit that is operatively connected to a memory storage device, the method comprising:
collecting operational data from one or more engine sensors with an electronic control unit that is operatively connected to the one or more sensors, storing the operational data from the one or more engine sensors in the memory storage device, retrieving the operational data from the memory storage device with a computer that is operatively connected to the electronic control unit, displaying a chosen set of operational data on a display screen, further comprising using one or more of said operational data to identify an operational condition. 40. A method for diagnosing a malfunction in a motor for a watercraft that comprises an engine and an electronic control unit that is operatively connected to a memory storage device, the method comprising:
collecting operational data from one or more engine sensors with an electronic control unit that is operatively connected to the one or more sensors, storing the operational data from the one or more engine sensors in the memory storage device, retrieving the operational data from the memory storage device with a computer that is operatively connected to the electronic control unit, displaying a chosen set of operational data on a display screen, further comprising determining the accumulated operating time at the operational condition and storing the accumulated operating time in the memory storage device. 41. A method as in claim 40, wherein said operational condition is defined at least in part by an engine speed.
42. A method as in claim 40, wherein said operational condition is defined at least in part by a signal from a throttle valve sensor.
43. A method as in claim 40, wherein said operational condition is defined at least in part by a signal from an air/fuel ratio sensor.
44. A method as in claim 40, wherein said operational condition is defined at least in part by a signal from an exhaust back pressure sensor.
45. A method as in claim 40, wherein said operational condition is defined at least in part by a signal from an intake air pressure sensor.
46. A method for diagnosing a malfunction in a motor for a watercraft that comprises an engine and an electronic control unit that is operatively connected to a memory storage device, the method comprising:
collecting operational data from one or more engine sensors with an electronic control unit that is operatively connected to the one or more sensors, storing the operational data from the one or more engine sensors in the memory storage device, retrieving the operational data from the memory storage device with a computer that is operatively connected to the electronic control unit, displaying a chosen set of operational data on a display screen, wherein motor is an outboard motor and said engine is four-cycle engine, and wherein said one or more sensors comprises an lubrication pressure sensor and said operational data comprising a signal from said lubrication pressure sensor. 47. A method for diagnosing a malfunction in a motor for a watercraft that comprises an engine and an electronic control unit that is operatively connected to a memory storage device, the method comprising:
collecting operational data from one or more engine sensors with an electronic control unit that is operatively connected to the one or more sensors, storing the operational data from the one or more engine sensors in the memory storage device, retrieving the operational data from the memory storage device with a computer that is operatively connected to the electronic control unit, displaying a chosen set of operational data on a display screen, wherein motor is an outboard motor and said engine is four-cycle engine, and wherein said engine comprises an induction system, which comprises a bypass passage with an idle speed control valve, said operational data comprising a position of said idle speed control valve. 48. A method for diagnosing a malfunction in a motor for a watercraft that comprises an engine and an electronic control unit that is operatively connected to a first memory storage device and a second memory storage device, the method comprising:
defining an operational condition by dividing one or more operational data into groups, defining a set of operational groups based upon said groups of operational data, collecting the operational data from one or more engine sensors with an electronic control unit that is operatively connected to the one or more sensors, identifying a current operational group, storing the current operational group in the first memory storage device, determining if a predetermined amount of time has passed, adding the predetermined amount of time to an accumulated operating time for the current operational group so as to calculate a new accumulated operating time, if the predetermined amount of time has passed, storing the new accumulated operating time in the second memory device. 49. The method as in claim 48, further comprising retrieving the new accumulated operating time from the second memory storage device with a computer that is operatively connected to the electronic control unit.
50. The method as in claim 49, further comprising displaying the new accumulated operating time on a display screen.
51. A method as set forth in claim 49, further comprising sending the new accumulated operating time to a second computer at a remote location and displaying the data on the remote display screen.
52. A method as in claim 49, wherein collecting operational data involves collecting data from a sensor that is disposed apart from an engine of the motor.
The present application (i) is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/579,908 filed May 25, 2000, now abandoned, which is based on and claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 11-146451 filed May 26, 1999 and Japanese Patent Application No. 11-304160 filed Oct. 26, 1999 and (ii) is based on and claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-358569 filed Nov. 24, 2000, Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-358572 filed Nov. 24, 2000, Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-358573 filed Nov. 24, 2000 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-358570 filed Nov. 24, 2000. The entire contents of these applications are hereby expressly incorporated by reference.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention is a method for diagnosing a malfunction in a motor for a watercraft that comprises an engine and an electronic control unit that is operatively connected to a memory storage device. Operational data is collected from one or more engine sensors with an electronic control unit that is operatively connected to the one or more sensors. The operational data from the one or more engine sensors is stored in the memory storage device. The operational data from the memory storage device is retrieved with a computer that is operatively connected to the electronic control unit. A chosen set of operational data is displayed on a display screen.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These aspects and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings of several preferred embodiments, which embodiments are intended to illustrate and not to limit the present invention, and in which drawings:
FIG. 1 is a multi-part view showing: (A) in the lower right hand portion, a side elevation view of an outboard motor employing certain features, aspects and advantages of the present invention; (B) in the upper view, a partially schematic view of the engine of the outboard motor with its induction and fuel injection system shown in part schematically; and (C) in the lower left hand portion, a rear elevation view of the outboard motor with portions removed and other portions broken away and shown in section along the line C�C in the upper view B so as to more clearly show the construction of the engine. An ECU (electric control unit) for the motor links the three views together;
FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a cooling system of the outboard motor;
FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of the ECU;
FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a diagnostic system having certain features and advantages according to the present invention, the diagnostic system including a computer with a display screen;
FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a subroutine that can be used with the ECU of FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a graph of the conceptual relationship between engine speed and throttle valve opening;
FIG. 7 is a graph of the conceptual relationship between engine speed and exhaust back pressure;
FIG. 8 is a graph of the conceptual relationship between engine speed and intake air pressure;
FIG. 9 is a graph of the conceptual relationship between engine speed and cooling water temperature;
FIG. 10 is a table of data that can be displayed on the display screen of FIG. 4;
FIG. 11 is a graph that can be displayed on the display screen of FIG. 4;
FIG. 12 is another graph that can be displayed on the display screen of FIG. 4;
FIG. 13 is yet another graph that can be displayed on the display screen of FIG. 4;
FIG. 14 is a table of data that can be displayed on the display screen of FIG. 4;
FIG. 15 is a table of data that can be displayed on the display screen of FIG. 4;
FIG. 16 is a flow diagram of another subroutine that can be used with the ECU of FIG. 1;
FIG. 17 is a graph of data that can be displayed on the display screen of FIG. 4;
FIG. 18 is a flow diagram of yet another subroutine that can be used with the ECU of FIG. 1;
FIG. 19 is a multi-part view showing: (A) in the lower right hand portion, a side elevation view of a modified arrangement of an outboard motor employing certain features, aspects and advantages of the present invention; (B) in the upper view, a partially schematic view of the engine of the outboard motor with its induction and fuel injection system shown in part schematically;
FIG. 20 is a table of data that can be displayed on the display screen of FIG. 4;
FIG. 21 illustrates a personal watercraft having certain features, aspects and advantages of the present invention;
FIG. 22 is a multi-part view showing (A) in the lower right hand portion, a schematic side elevation view of a pump unit of the personal watercraft of FIG. 21, and (B) in the upper view, a partially schematic view of the engine of the personal watercraft with its ECU, induction and fuel injection system shown in part schematically;
FIG. 23 is a schematic illustration of a modified arrangement of a diagnostic system for the personal watercraft of FIG. 21 having certain features and advantages according to the present invention, the diagnostic system including a computer with a display screen.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION With reference now to FIG. 1, an outboard motor with an engine diagnostic system having certain features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be described. The engine diagnostic system is described in conjunction with an outboard motor to provide an exemplary environment in which the system may be employed. Although the engine diagnostic system has particular applicability to an outboard motor, it is anticipated that the engine diagnostic system can have utility in other environments of use. In particular, the engine diagnostic system may also find utility in applications where the engine is compact, used in remote locations, or both. Such applications also might include, without limitation, engines in personal watercraft, small jet boats, motorcycles and off-road vehicles.
The induction system 64 also includes an air silencing and inlet device, which is shown schematically in FIG. 1(B) and indicated generally by the reference numeral 96. In one arrangement, the device 96 is contained within the cowling member 60 at the cowling's forward end and has a rearwardly-facing air inlet opening 97. The air inlet device 96 may include a silencer (not shown)
The air inlet device 96 supplies the air from within the cowling to a plurality of throttle bodies, or valves 100. The illustrated throttle valves are desirably supported on throttle valve shafts that are linked to each other for simultaneous opening and closing of the throttle valves in a manner that is well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. It is anticipated, however, that a single supply passage can extend to more than one or even all of the chambers such that the number of throttle valves can be one or more than one depending upon the application.
FIG. 5 illustrates one such control subroutine 400 of the engine diagnostic system 300 that can be executed by the ECU 108 for collecting and storing data for a set time period. As represented by operational block S1, the subroutine 400 first initializes, preferably, when a main switch, such as, for example, an ignition starting device (e.g., a key activated switch) is activated. As represented by decisional block S2, the diagnostic system 300 determines if the engine 58 is running. This can be determined from the pulses sent by the crank angle position sensor 258. If the engine 58 is not running, the diagnostic system 300 determines if the main switch is off as represented by decisional block S3. If the main switch has not been turned off, the routine 400 loops back to decisional block S1. If the main switch has been turned off, the subroutine 400 ends as indicated by operational block S4.
The computer 304 preferably also includes memory 414 for storing comparison data, which preferably is specific to the type of engine being diagnosed. Preferably, the comparison data represents �normal� operational data for the type of engine being diagnosed. This normal operational data can be compared to the operational data collected by the ECU 108 so as to determine when the engine is operating abnormally. In this manner, engine problems and/or mismatches between the engine and the watercraft can be diagnosed, for example.
FIG. 7 shows a conceptual relationship between the back pressure and the engine speed. As with FIG. 6, FIG. 7 can also be used for determining if the load is too light or heavy for the outboard motor 50. In general, when the engine speed is low, the back pressure is positive. As the engine speed elevates and the speed of the watercraft increases, the back pressure decreases and may become negative. The decrease in back pressure typically is caused by the reverse flow over the exhaust discharge 214. Once the watercraft reaches planning speed (approximately 4000 RPM), the back pressure tends to increase and can become positive because of the increased flow of exhaust gas. During planing conditions, when the back pressure deviates to the negative side relative to engine speed (i.e., in the right hand comer of FIG. 7), the speed of the watercraft increases too fast relative to engine speed. This indicates that the cruising load is too small. On the other hand, when the back pressure deviates to the positive side (i.e., above the normal range), the speed of the watercraft is too slow relative to the engine speed. This indicates that the cruising load is too large. As such, the information from FIG. 7 also can be used with the operational data collected by the ECU 108 to properly match the outboard motor 50, the propeller 70 and the watercraft.
FIG. 8 shows the conceptual relationship between the intake air negative pressure (i.e., vacuum) and the engine speed. As shown in this Figure, the intake air pressure tends to increase as engine speed increases then the air pressure levels out as the engine reaches planning speeds (i.e., approximately 4000 RPM). As with FIGS. 6 and 7, FIG. 8 can be used to properly match the outboard motor 50, the propeller 70 and the watercraft. For example, if the cruising load is too small, the intake pressure typically is below the normal range during planing. In contrast, if the cruising load is too large, the intake pressure typically is above the normal range during planing. In a similar manner, the relationship of air/fuel ratio to engine speed can also be used to match the outboard motor because the air/fuel ratio is dependent upon the intake air pressure. The air/fuel ratio can be determined from the air/fuel sensor 263 or derived from the fuel and air flow rates into the combustion chamber.
FIG. 9 shows the conceptual relationship between the cooling water pressure and the engine speed. As shown in this Figure, the cooling water pressure tends to increase until the watercraft reaches a planing speed (i.e., approximately 4000 RPM). If the water pressure deviates from the normal range, it indicates a potential abnormality and/or failure in the cooling system. For example, if the cooling water pressure is higher or lower than the normal range, there may be a failure in the thermostat 226 or they may be debris stuck in the cooling system. If the cooling water pressure is lower only when the engine is operating at medium to high speeds, this may indicated that the impeller (not shown) for the water pump 210 is worn out or that the coolant-inlet 212 is clogged.
Preferably, the display interface 416 also allows the technician or engineer to view the operational data that was collected by the ECU 108 in a variety of formats, which can be chosen by the technician or engineer through a menu type format. For example, FIG. 10 illustrates a display of various operational data in a tabular format. Specifically, each row represents a sampling cycle. In the preferred arrangement, there are thirteen sampling cycles and thus there are thirteen rows in FIG. 10. The columns represent specific operational data, which, from left to right, include: engine speed, fuel pressure, battery voltage (V), air/fuel ratio as indicated by the air/fuel sensor 263, throttle valve position as indicated from the voltage of the throttle position sensor, and cooling water temperature in degrees. Preferably, through the menu type format, the technician or engineer can choose to display different, less, and/or additional operational values in this tabular format.
FIG. 11 is an example of a graph that can be displayed. This graph shows the sequential change of the relationship between the engine speed and the throttle opening through the recorded time period. From FIG. 11, the technician or engineer can deduce that the watercraft is in a steady state planing state from the third sampling cycle to the sixth sampling. The technician or engineer can then analyze the engine speed and throttle valve relationship as described above.
FIG. 12 is another example of a graph that can be generated by the engine diagnostic system 300. This graph shows the relationship between three operational data�engine speed, battery voltage and fuel pressure. This graph can provide the technician or engineer valuable information. For example, because the battery voltage stays relatively constant for all engine speeds, the technician or engineer can determine that the rigging for the electrical system is proper. In a similar manner, the relatively constant fuel pressure indicates that the fuel rigging is also proper.
FIG. 13 is yet another example of a graph that can be generated by the engine diagnostic system 300. This graph shows the relationship between engine speed, throttle valve opening and cooling water temperature. From this graph, the technician or engineer can detect the when the watercraft is planing, which is indicated by the large jump in engine speed versus throttle valve position. Once the planing state is identified, the technician or engineer can compare the engine speed and throttle valve position as described above. The graph also indicates the cooling water temperature during the non-planing state and the planing state. This information can also be used to diagnose the engine.
FIG. 17 is another example for displaying the data collected by the engine diagnostic system 300. This graph illustrates the accumulated operating time (in hours) at specific operational conditions. The operational conditions, in the illustrated arrangement, are defined by two operational data values: throttle valve position (V) and engine speed (RPM). However, it should be appreciated that the operational conditions can be defined more or less than two variables and may be defined by other operational data. The operational conditions preferably are divided into operational groups, which preferably are uniform. In the illustrated arrangements, the operational groups are defined by dividing the engine speed into increments of 500 RPM and dividing the throttle valve position into increments of 0.5 Volts (i.e., approximately 10 degrees). The graph indicates the accumulated operating time at each operational condition. The graph preferably is overlayed with information that indicates the normal operating conditions, which are preferably stored within the computer 304 and indicated by the engine identification information in the ECU 108. In this manner, the technician or engineer can determined if and for how long the outboard motor is operating outside of normal conditions. For example, FIG. 17 indicates that the outboard motor was operating at an operational condition of 3500-4000 RPM with a throttle opening of 70-80 degrees for approximately 2.1 hours. FIG. 17 also indicates that this operational condition is outside the recommended range and indicates a heavy load. In a similar manner, FIG. 17 indicates that the outboard motor was operating at an operational condition of 5500-6000 RPM with a throttle opening of 50-60 degrees for approximately 2.8 hours. This is also outside the recommend range and indicates to the technician or engineer that the load on the outboard motor was too light.
FIG. 18 illustrates a control subroutine 600 of the engine diagnostic system 300 that can be executed by the ECU 108 for determining the accumulated operating time an operational condition, such that a chart such as that illustrated in FIG. 17 can be derived. As represented by operational block S11, the subroutine 600 first initializes, preferably, when a main switch, such as, for example, an ignition starting device (e.g., a key activated switch) is activated. As represented by decisional block S12, the diagnostic system 300 determines if the engine 58 is running. This can be determined from the pulses sent by the crank angle position sensor 258. If the engine 58 is not running, the diagnostic system 600 determines if the main switch is off as represented by decisional block S13. If the main switch has not been turned off, the routine 600 loops back to decisional block S11. If the main switch has been turned off, the subroutine 600 ends as indicated by operational block S14.
Engine 58′ of FIG. 19 includes a �closed� lubrication system 630. A lubricant pump 632, which is preferably driven by the crankshaft, draws lubricant from a lubricant reservoir 634. The lubricant from the reservoir 630 is provided to the engine 24 for lubrication through a supply line 636, which preferably includes a lubricant filter 637. Preferably, a variety of sensors are provided in a lubrication system to indicate an operational state of the lubrication system. For instance, in the illustrated arrangement, a pressure and/or sensor 638 is provided. A lubricant level sensor 640 preferably is also provided in the reservoir 630.
FIG. 22 illustrates the engine 58″. As explained above, the illustrate engine 58″ is a four-cycle engine similar to the engine described above with respect to FIG. 58. The ECU 108 preferably is connected to additional sensors, which are particularly useful for diagnosing problems with personal watercraft. In particular, the illustrated watercraft preferably includes a watercraft speed sensor 880, which is operatively connected to the ECU 108. The speed sensor 880 may be of any known type. The cooling system is preferably arranged to draw cooling water from the water passing through the jet pump unit 850. As such, a cooling water passage 882 preferably communicates with the jut pump unit and the engine 58″ so as to provide cooling water to the engine 58″. The cooling water is preferably discharged through a cooling water discharge line 888. As such, the cooling system for the personal watercraft preferably is an �open� system. However, in other arrangements, the cooling system can also be �closed�. In communication with the cooling water passage 882 are a cooling water pressure sensor 884 and a cooling water temperatures sensor 886. These sensors 884, 886 are operatively connected to the ECU 108.
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