A method and a controller for controlling crankcase pressure of an internal combustion engine

• Main Author: Clive Parpworth
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 03.05.2023
• Subjects: BLASTING; CRANKCASE VENTILATING; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; HEATING; LIGHTING; LUBRICATING INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES; LUBRICATING OF MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; STEAM ENGINES; WEAPONS

A method 600 of controlling crankcase pressure in a crankcase 103 of a vehicle 101 internal combustion engine 102 has a controller 409 and may utilize an electronic processor (501 Fig, 5) and a computer program (503 Fig. 5. The arrangement utilizes at least one received input signal and provides an output signal in dependence on the input signal to effect control of a valve 407 which is used to restrict a flow of fluid from the crankcase. The at least one input signal is received from at least one of: a terrain sensing means 410 configured to sense a type of terrain that the vehicle is currently driving over; a height sensing device 411 configured to sense a height relative to the vehicle of water exterior to the vehicle; a user input device 412. The user input device may provide a signal to indicate that wading is required, or may provide a signal to indicate that wading is no longer required. The arrangement may be used to increase crankcase pressure and improve the effectiveness of crankcase sealing when the engine is subject to submerged conditions.