Fuel supply system control including fuel supply rate shape determination

Abstract

A method of operating a computing system in operative communication with a fuel supply system includes: receiving a fuel supply command, the fuel supply command including a specified fuel quantity and a specified fuel pressure; determining a first fuel supply rate shape corresponding to the specified fuel pressure but not corresponding to the specified fuel quantity; the first fuel supply rate shape is modified at least in part by repositioning a post-maximum fuel supply portion of the first fuel supply rate shape relative to a pre-maximum fuel supply portion of the first fuel supply rate shape, determining a second fuel supply rate shape corresponding to the specified fuel quantity and the specified fuel pressure; updating a fuel metering device control model based on the second fuel supply rate shape; and at least one of controlling and diagnosing a fuel metering device of the fuel supply system using the updated fuel metering device control model.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference

[0002] This application claims the priority and benefit of U.S. Application No. 63 / 380,116, filed Oct. 19, 2022, and the U.S. application is hereby incorporated by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to fuel supply system control including fuel supply rate profile determination. Background Art

[0004] The fuel system of an internal combustion engine can include many fuel metering devices such as fuel pumps and fuel injectors. There are many drawbacks in the control of such systems, including those related to accuracy, flexibility, precision, reliability, and robustness, among others. There remains a significant need for the unique devices, methods, systems, and technologies disclosed herein.

[0005] Disclosure of Exemplary Embodiments

[0006] To clearly, concisely, and accurately describe the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the ways and methods of making and using the present disclosure, and to enable the practice, manufacture, and use of the present disclosure, certain exemplary embodiments will now be referred to, including those shown in the figures, and the present disclosure will be described using specific language. However, it should be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby created, and the invention includes and protects such variations, modifications, and further applications of the exemplary embodiments that would occur to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] One embodiment is a unique fuel supply system control including fuel supply rate profile determination. Additional embodiments include unique devices, systems, and methods that include or embody such control. Based on the following description and drawings, additional embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits should become apparent. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing certain aspects of an exemplary engine system including an exemplary fuel supply system.

[0009] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing certain aspects of an exemplary method.

[0010] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing certain aspects of an exemplary control.

[0011] Figures 4 to 7 is shown to be combinable with Figure 2 the method to be performed and combined with Figure 3A diagram of certain aspects of an exemplary operation implemented by control. Detailed Description

[0012] Reference Figure 1 , shows a system 11 including an engine 10, the engine including a fuel supply system 9. The engine 10 can be an internal combustion engine, including but not limited to a compression ignition engine using diesel or other suitable fuels, or a spark ignition engine using gasoline, natural gas or other suitable fuels. The engine 10 can have one or more combustion cylinders (not depicted) to generate mechanical power from the combustion of fuel. The fuel injectors 12 are in fluid communication with respective combustion cylinders of the engine 10 and are configured to introduce fuel into the respective combustion cylinders. Although Figure 1 four fuel injectors 12 are depicted in , the engine 10 can include fewer or more fuel injectors 12. In certain embodiments, for each cylinder, the engine 10 can include one fuel injector 12.

[0013] In the illustrated embodiment, the fuel supply system 9 is configured and provided as a high-pressure fuel injection system, including a plurality of fuel injectors 12 in fluid communication with a common fuel rail 14, the common fuel rail supplying fuel to each fuel injector 12 at a relatively high pressure. Fuel can be supplied to the common fuel rail 14 by a high-pressure pump 30. In certain embodiments, the high-pressure pump can be supplied by a relatively low-pressure fuel circuit including a boost pump 32, the boost pump being submerged in a fuel tank 34 containing fuel. A fuel regulator 36 can control the fuel flow from the tank 34 to the high-pressure pump 30.

[0014] The system 11 further includes an electronic control system (ECS) 20, which communicates with the engine 10 and is configured to control one or more aspects of the engine 10, including controlling the injection of fuel into the engine 10 via the fuel injectors 12. Thus, the ECS 20 can communicate with the fuel injectors 12 and is configured to command each fuel injector 12 to open and close at a specified time to inject fuel into the engine 10 as needed. The ECS 20 includes at least one electronic control unit (ECU) 22, the at least one ECU being configured to perform the operations of the ECS 20 as further described herein, and in some embodiments, the ECS 20 can include additional ECUs, the additional ECUs being configured to perform the operations of the ECS 20 as further described herein.

[0015] The ECS20 can also be configured to control other parameters of the engine 10, which may include aspects of the engine 10 that can be controlled by actuators activated by the ECS20. For example, the ECS20 can communicate with actuators and sensors for receiving and processing sensor inputs and transmitting actuator output signals. The actuators can include, but are not limited to, the fuel injectors 12. The sensors can include any suitable devices to monitor the operating parameters and functions of the system 11. For example, the sensors can include a pressure sensor 16 and a temperature sensor 18. The pressure sensor 16 communicates with the common fuel rail 14 and is configured to transmit pressure measurements within the common fuel rail 14 to the ECS20. The temperature sensor 18 communicates with the common fuel rail 14 and is configured to transmit temperature measurements within the common fuel rail 14 to the ECS20. In at least one embodiment, the system 11 can include an oxygen sensor 38 (e.g., an oxygen-containing sensor), which communicates with the ECS20 and is configured to determine the characteristics of the exhaust gas generated and discharged by the engine 10. In one example, the oxygen sensor 38 can determine the oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas as a representative of the regulated emissions concentration.

[0016] As will be appreciated from the following description, the techniques described herein related to fuel injectors or fuel injection parameters can be implemented in the ECS20, which can include one or more controllers for controlling different aspects of the system 11. In one form, the ECS20 includes one or more electronic control units (ECUs), such as an engine control unit or an engine control module. The ECS20 can include digital circuitry, analog circuitry, or a hybrid combination of both types. Additionally, the ECS20 can be programmable, an integrated state machine, or a hybrid combination thereof. The ECS20 can include one or more arithmetic logic units (ALUs), central processing units (CPUs), memories, limiters, regulators, filters, format converters, etc., which are not shown for clarity. In one form, the ECS20 is of a programmable type that executes algorithms and processes data according to an operating logic defined by program instructions (e.g., software or firmware). Alternatively or additionally, the operating logic for the ECS20 can be at least partially defined by hardwired logic or other hardware.

[0017] In addition to the types of sensors described herein, any other suitable sensors and their associated parameters can also be covered by the system and method. Thus, the sensors can include any suitable devices for sensing any relevant physical parameters, which include electrical, mechanical, and chemical parameters of the engine system 11. As used herein, the term sensor can include any suitable hardware and / or software for directly or indirectly sensing or estimating any engine system parameter and / or various combinations of these parameters.

[0018] Reference Figure 2, an exemplary method 200 for operating a computing system (e.g., ECS 20, another electronic control system, or another computing system) that is operatively communicable with a fuel supply system (e.g., fuel supply system 9 or another fuel supply system) is shown. Method 200 may be implemented and executed in one or more components of the computing system, e.g., one or more electronic control modules or other control components of ECS 20, another electronic control system, or another computing system.

[0019] Before the first execution of method 200 for a given system or as part of the method (e.g., after a system commissioning, calibration, configuration, recalibration, or service event), a calibration operation 201 may be performed. Calibration operation 201 may establish or store a predetermined fuel supply rate profile in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that is readable in connection with the execution or implementation of method 200. The predetermined fuel supply rate profile may include a fuel injection rate profile that may include a plurality of values indicative of the fuel injection rate (amount of fuel injected per unit time) as a function of time. The predetermined fuel supply rate profile may include a fuel pumping rate profile that may include a plurality of values indicative of the fuel pumping rate (amount of fuel pumped per unit time) as a function of time. The predetermined fuel supply rate profile may correspond to different predetermined fuel supply rates and predetermined fuel supply pressures. In one exemplary embodiment, a first predetermined fuel supply rate profile corresponding to the maximum fuel supply amount at the maximum fuel pressure (e.g., maximum injection amount or maximum pumping amount) and a second predetermined fuel supply rate profile corresponding to the maximum fuel supply amount at the minimum fuel pressure are determined and / or stored by operation 201.

[0020] Once calibration is established by operation 201 or otherwise, method 200 will begin at start operation 202 and proceed to operation 204. Operation 204 receives a fuel supply command that includes a specified amount of fuel and a specified fuel pressure. The fuel supply command may be received in a variety of ways, including, for example, by a controller receiving a fuel supply command output by another controller as an input, by a controller accessing, reading, storing, or otherwise processing a fuel supply command stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, or otherwise receiving, it being understood that the foregoing controller and non-transitory memory may provide the fuel supply command, the specified amount of fuel, and the specified fuel pressure in a variety of forms.

[0021] In some forms, the fuel supply command can include a fuel injection command, the specified fuel quantity can include the specified fuel injection quantity, and the specified fuel pressure can include the specified fuel injection pressure. In these forms, the fuel injection command can be executed by a computing system to control a fuel injector to perform a fuel injection operation corresponding to (e.g., calculated, estimated, or otherwise determined to be corresponding to) the specified fuel injection quantity and the specified fuel injection pressure.

[0022] In some forms, the fuel supply command can include a fuel pumping command, the specified fuel quantity can include the specified fuel pumping quantity, and the specified fuel pressure can include the specified fuel pumping pressure. In these forms, the fuel pumping command can be executed by a computing system to control a fuel pump to perform a fuel pumping operation corresponding to (e.g., calculated, estimated, or otherwise determined to be corresponding to) the specified fuel pumping quantity and the specified fuel pumping pressure.

[0023] Method 200 proceeds from operation 204 to operation 206, which determines a first fuel supply rate profile corresponding to the specified fuel pressure but not corresponding to the specified fuel quantity. For example, the first fuel supply rate profile can correspond to the maximum fuel supply quantity at the specified fuel pressure, while the specified fuel quantity can be less than the maximum fuel supply quantity. The first fuel supply rate profile can have various attributes and can be determined in various ways.

[0024] In some forms, the first fuel supply rate profile can include a fuel injection rate profile. The fuel injection rate profile can include a plurality of values that indicate the fuel injection rate (the quantity of fuel injected per unit time) as a function of time.

[0025] In some forms, the first fuel supply rate profile can include a fuel pumping rate profile. The fuel pumping rate profile can include a plurality of values that indicate the fuel pumping rate (the quantity of fuel pumped per unit time) as a function of time.

[0026] In some forms, the first fuel supply rate profile can be determined by interpolating between a first predetermined fuel supply rate profile for a predetermined fuel quantity different from the specified fuel quantity and a first predetermined pressure different from the specified fuel pressure and a second predetermined fuel supply rate profile for the predetermined fuel quantity and a second predetermined pressure different from the specified fuel pressure. In some such forms, the predetermined fuel quantity can include a predetermined fuel quantity, the first predetermined pressure can include an upper limit pressure, and the second predetermined pressure can include a lower limit pressure. In some such forms, the predetermined fuel quantity can include a maximum fuel quantity, the first predetermined pressure can include a maximum pressure, and the second predetermined pressure can include a minimum pressure. Combined Figure 4Aspects of an exemplary interpolation operation between a first predetermined fuel supply rate shape and a second predetermined fuel supply rate shape are shown and described.

[0027] Method 200 proceeds from operation 206 to operation 207, which determines a second fuel supply rate shape corresponding to a specified fuel quantity and a specified fuel pressure. The second fuel supply rate shape can have various attributes and can be determined in various ways.

[0028] In some forms, the second fuel supply rate shape can include a fuel injection rate shape. The fuel injection rate shape can include a plurality of values that indicate the fuel injection rate (the amount of fuel injected per unit time) as a function of time.

[0029] In some forms, the second fuel supply rate shape can include a fuel pumping rate shape. The fuel pumping rate shape can include a plurality of values that indicate the fuel pumping rate (the amount of fuel pumped per unit time) as a function of time.

[0030] Operation 207 can include a plurality of operations for determining the second fuel supply rate shape. In the illustrated embodiment, operation 207 includes operation 208, operation 210, condition 212, and operation 214. Other embodiments can include additional and / or alternative operations and conditions that can be used to determine the second fuel supply rate shape.

[0031] In the illustrated embodiment, method 200 proceeds from operation 207 to operation 208, which can determine the second fuel supply rate shape at least in part by modifying the first fuel supply rate shape. In some such forms, operation 208 can modify the first fuel supply rate shape by repositioning the post-maximum fuel supply portion of the first fuel supply rate shape relative to the pre-maximum fuel supply portion of the first fuel supply rate shape. In some such forms, operation 208 can determine the maximum fuel supply point of the injection rate shape to identify or define the post-maximum fuel supply portion and the pre-maximum fuel supply portion of the first fuel supply rate shape.

[0032] The fuel supply rate shape determined by operation 208 can be referred to as a modified first fuel supply rate shape or a modified fuel supply rate shape. In some cases, the modified first fuel supply rate shape can be used as or include the second fuel supply rate shape, or can provide a basis for further operations used by operation 207 in determining the second fuel supply rate shape. In combination Figure 5 and Figure 6 Aspects of an exemplary fuel supply rate shape repositioning operation are shown and described.

[0033] Method 200 proceeds from operation 208 to operation 210, which evaluates the difference between the specified fuel quantity and the fuel quantity of the modified first fuel supply rate shape. Operation 210 can evaluate this difference in a variety of ways. In some embodiments, operation 210 can integrate the area of the modified first fuel supply rate shape (e.g., the area under the rate shape curve) to determine the fuel quantity associated therewith, and calculate the difference between the integrated area and the first specified fuel quantity.

[0034] Method 200 proceeds from operation 210 to condition 212, which evaluates whether the difference determined by operation 210 is greater than a difference criterion such as a limit or threshold. In the illustrated embodiment, condition 212 evaluates whether the difference is greater than an upper limit (Lim_u) and whether the difference is less than a lower limit (Lim_l). Condition 212 can use a logical OR operation, which will evaluate as affirmative if the difference is greater than the upper limit or less than the lower limit.

[0035] If condition 212 evaluates as affirmative, method 200 proceeds to operation 214, which further modifies at least the repositioned maximum fuel supply posterior portion of the modified first fuel supply rate shape. In some embodiments, operation 214 can further modify the repositioned maximum fuel supply posterior portion of the modified first fuel supply rate shape by performing a scaling operation that effectively reduces the difference. Aspects of an exemplary scaling operation are shown and described in conjunction with Figure 7 illustrated and described.

[0036] Method 200 proceeds from operation 214 to operation 210, which operates as described above. It should be understood that the evaluation performed by condition 212 and the scaling or other modification performed by operation 214 can be repeated multiple times until the resulting difference is not greater than the difference criterion.

[0037] If condition 212 evaluates as negative, method 200 proceeds to operation 216, which updates the fuel metering device control model based on the second fuel supply rate shape. The fuel metering device control model can have a variety of attributes and can be updated in a variety of ways.

[0038] In some embodiments, the fuel metering device control model can include a fuel injector control model that is configured to determine injector operation commands (e.g., injector opening time or the start time, duration, and / or end time of injector operation). In these forms, the fuel injector control model can be implemented as one or more look-up tables that are configured to determine injector operation commands in response to inputs such as fuel supply commands.

[0039] In some embodiments, the fuel metering device control model may include a fuel pump control model configured to determine pump operation commands (e.g., pump on time or start time, duration, and / or end time of pump operation). In these forms, the fuel pump control model may be implemented as one or more look-up tables configured to determine injector operation commands in response to inputs such as fuel supply commands.

[0040] Method 200 proceeds from operation 216 to operation 218, which performs fuel metering device operation. The fuel metering device operation may include one or both of controlling and diagnosing the fuel metering device of the fuel supply system using the updated fuel metering device control model. The fuel metering device operation may have various attributes and may be updated in various ways.

[0041] In some embodiments, the fuel metering device operation may include controlling a fuel injector to perform fuel injection, e.g., controlling one of the fuel injectors 12 to inject fuel into a corresponding cylinder of the engine 10. In some embodiments, the fuel metering device operation may additionally or alternatively include diagnosing the operation of a fuel injector that performs fuel injection, e.g., by comparing or evaluating a modified injection rate profile to one or more predetermined criteria such as a nominal rate profile or other criteria.

[0042] In some embodiments, the fuel metering device operation may include controlling a fuel pump to perform pumping operation, e.g., controlling the high-pressure pump 30 to pump fuel to the common rail 14. In some embodiments, the fuel metering device operation may additionally or alternatively include diagnosing the operation of a fuel pump that performs fuel pumping operation, e.g., by comparing or evaluating a modified injection rate profile to one or more predetermined criteria such as a nominal rate profile or other criteria.

[0043] Reference Figure 3 , an exemplary control 300 is shown that may be implemented in a computing system (e.g., ECS 20, another electronic control system, or another computing system) operatively communicable with a fuel supply system (e.g., fuel supply system 9 or another fuel supply system). The control 300 may be configured and operative to perform a method such as method 200.

[0044] Control 300 includes metering device control 310, which is configured to receive a fuel supply command 302 and output a metering device operation command 399 in response to the fuel supply command 302. The fuel supply command 302 may include a fuel supply quantity and a fuel supply pressure. The metering device control 310 may include a metering device control model 312, which is configured to and operable to determine the metering device operation command 399 in response to the fuel supply command 302. Control 300 further includes model update control 320, which is adapted to update the metering device control model 312, e.g., as described in connection with method 200.

[0045] Reference Figure 4 , a graph 400 is shown, which depicts a first predetermined fuel supply rate shape 410 for a predetermined fuel quantity (280 mg) and a first predetermined pressure (1800 bar), and a second predetermined fuel supply rate shape 420 for a predetermined fuel quantity (280 mg) and a second predetermined pressure (600 bar). The y-axis of graph 400 indicates the fuel supply rate in cubic centimeters per second. The x-axis of the graph indicates time in units of the number of samples at a sampling rate of 40 kHz.

[0046] The predetermined fuel supply rate shape 410 and the predetermined fuel supply rate shape 420 may be determined empirically prior to performing a method such as method 200, or calculated based on a physics-based model stored in a data structure (e.g., a look-up table or other data structure stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium). A computing system performing a method (such as method 200) may interpolate between the predetermined fuel supply rate shape 410 and the predetermined fuel supply rate shape 420 to determine values for a predicted fuel supply rate shape 430 for a predetermined fuel quantity (280 mg) and a different pressure (1000 bar). The interpolation may be linear interpolation, piecewise linear interpolation, or other types of interpolation.

[0047] Graph 400 also shows the pressure of the actual injection rate shape 431 and the predicted fuel injection rate shape 430 for a predetermined fuel quantity (280 mg). It can be seen that the predicted fuel injection rate shape 430 corresponds to the actual injection rate shape 431 with high accuracy and precision.

[0048] In the example shown, the predetermined fuel supply rate shape 410, the predetermined fuel supply rate shape 420, and the predicted fuel supply rate shape 430 are predetermined injection rate shapes. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the predetermined fuel supply rate shape 410, the predetermined fuel supply rate shape 420, and the predicted fuel supply rate shape 430 may be fuel pumping rate shapes or other types of fuel supply rate shapes, and the principles of the example shown are also applicable to fuel pumping rate shapes or other fuel supply rate shapes with necessary modifications.

[0049] Reference Figure 5 , a graph 500 is shown, which depicts the predicted fuel supply rate shape 430 and the maximum fuel supply point indicated by the intersection of line 510 and the predicted fuel supply rate shape 430. The maximum fuel supply point can be determined by a method such as method 200, which can be executed by a control such as control 300.

[0050] Method 200 and / or control 300 can utilize the maximum fuel supply point to define, determine, or identify the post-maximum fuel supply portion 532 of the predicted fuel supply rate shape 430. The post-maximum fuel supply portion 532 can include the injector closing portion of the predicted fuel supply rate shape 430 or the pump closing portion of the predicted fuel supply rate shape 430.

[0051] Method 200 and / or control 300 can utilize the maximum fuel supply point to define, determine, or identify the pre-maximum fuel supply portion 531 of the predicted fuel supply rate shape 430. The pre-maximum fuel supply portion 531 can include the injector opening portion of the predicted fuel supply rate shape 430 or the pump opening portion of the predicted fuel supply rate shape 430.

[0052] Reference Figure 6 , a graph 600 is shown, which depicts a modified predicted fuel supply rate shape 630 that can be determined by a method such as method 200, which can be executed by a control such as control 300. Method 200 and / or control 300 can determine the modified predicted fuel supply rate shape 630 by repositioning the post-maximum supply portion 532 of the predicted fuel supply rate shape 430 relative to the pre-maximum supply portion 531 of the predicted fuel supply rate shape 430. In the example shown, the post-maximum fuel supply portion 532 is moved or transposed along the x-axis to a position where it intersects the pre-maximum fuel supply portion 531 at the intersection point 610. The repositioning can be performed based on a pre-existing, pre-update metering device control model.

[0053] In some embodiments, repositioning the post-maximum fuel supply portion 532 of the predicted fuel supply rate shape 430 to the intersection point 610 can calculate the opening time (e.g., injector opening time or pump opening time) using the specified fuel supply amount of the fuel supply command received at operation 204 and a predetermined relationship between the fuel supply amount and the opening time, which can be stored, for example, by one or more predetermined tables or other data structures. The injection end delay and injection start delay can also be calculated, for example, based on predetermined information or system operation monitoring. Then, the calculated opening time, injection end delay, and injection start delay can be used to calculate the actual hydraulic duration, for example, according to the equation HD = OT + (EOI_delay – SOI_delay), where HD is the hydraulic duration, OT is the opening time, EOI_delay is the injection end delay, and SOI_delay is the injection start delay.

[0054] Reference Figure 7 , a graph 700 is shown that depicts a modified predicted fuel supply rate shape 630 that can be determined by a method such as method 200 and a further modification 631 thereof, and the method can be performed by a control such as control 300. Method 200 and / or control 300 can determine the rate shape of the further modification 631 by scaling the modified predicted fuel supply rate shape 630. In some embodiments, scaling the modified predicted fuel supply rate shape 630 can include calculating a scaling factor, for example, according to the equation SF = (Q_cmd / Q_pred), where SF is the scaling factor that can be determined at or in combination with operation 210, Q_cmd is the specified fuel supply amount of the fuel supply command received at operation 204, and Q_pred is the predicted fuel supply amount obtained at operation 210.

[0055] As described above, the further modification 631 can be determined according to method 200, where the modified predicted fuel supply rate shape 630 is determined (e.g., according to operation 208), and the predicted quantity is determined and evaluated to determine whether it exceeds the upper limit or the lower limit (e.g., according to operation 210 and operation 212). If the upper limit is exceeded, the further modification 631 can be determined by shrinking the post-maximum supply portion 532 of the modified predicted fuel supply rate shape 630 using a scaling factor such as the scaling factor SF, where the intersection point 610 is moved to the left side of the graph 600. If the lower limit is exceeded, the further modification 631 can be determined by enlarging the post-maximum supply portion 532 of the modified predicted fuel supply rate shape 630 using a scaling factor such as the scaling factor SF, where the intersection point 610 is moved to the right side of the graph 600.

[0056] As shown by this detailed description, the present disclosure contemplates multiple and various embodiments, including but not limited to the following exemplary embodiments. A first exemplary embodiment is a method of operating a computing system operatively communicating with a fuel supply system, the method comprising: receiving a fuel supply command, the fuel supply command including a specified fuel quantity and a specified fuel pressure; determining a first fuel supply rate profile corresponding to the specified fuel pressure but not corresponding to the specified fuel quantity; modifying the first fuel supply rate profile by at least partially repositioning a post-maximum fuel supply portion of the first fuel supply rate profile relative to a pre-maximum fuel supply portion of the first fuel supply rate profile to determine a second fuel supply rate profile corresponding to the specified fuel quantity and the specified fuel pressure; updating a fuel metering device control model based on the second fuel supply rate profile; and using the updated fuel metering device control model to perform at least one of controlling and diagnosing a fuel metering device of the fuel supply system.

[0057] A second exemplary embodiment includes the features of the first exemplary embodiment, wherein determining the first fuel supply rate profile includes interpolating between a first predetermined fuel supply rate profile for a predetermined fuel quantity different from the specified fuel quantity and a first predetermined pressure different from the specified fuel pressure and a second predetermined fuel supply rate profile for the predetermined fuel quantity and a second predetermined pressure different from the specified fuel pressure.

[0058] A third exemplary embodiment includes the features of the second exemplary embodiment, wherein the predetermined fuel quantity is a maximum fuel quantity, the first predetermined pressure is a maximum pressure, and the second predetermined pressure is a minimum pressure.

[0059] A fourth exemplary embodiment includes the features of the first exemplary embodiment, wherein determining the second fuel supply rate profile further includes: evaluating a difference between the specified fuel quantity and the fuel quantity of the modified first fuel supply rate profile in which the post-maximum fuel supply portion has been repositioned relative to the pre-maximum fuel supply portion; and if the difference is greater than a difference criterion, modifying a post-maximum fuel supply shut-off portion to reduce the difference.

[0060] A fifth exemplary embodiment includes the features of the fourth exemplary embodiment, wherein the evaluating includes integrating an area of the modified first fuel supply rate profile and calculating a difference between the integrated area and the specified fuel quantity.

[0061] A sixth exemplary embodiment includes the features of the fourth exemplary embodiment and includes repeating the evaluating and the modifying until the difference is not greater than the difference criterion.

[0062] The seventh exemplary embodiment includes the features of any one of the first to sixth embodiments, wherein the fuel supply command includes a fuel injection command, the specified fuel quantity includes a specified injection quantity, the specified fuel pressure includes a specified injection pressure, the first fuel supply rate profile includes a first injection rate profile, the second fuel supply rate profile includes a second injection rate profile, the fuel metering device control model includes a fuel injector control model, the fuel metering device includes a fuel injector, the post-maximum fuel supply portion of the first fuel supply rate profile includes an injector closing portion of the first fuel supply rate profile, and the pre-maximum fuel supply portion of the first fuel supply rate profile includes an injector opening portion of the first fuel supply rate profile.

[0063] The eighth exemplary embodiment includes the features of the seventh exemplary embodiment, wherein at least one of controlling and diagnosing the fuel metering device of the fuel supply system using the updated fuel metering device control model includes determining an injector opening time to provide a specified fuel quantity and controlling the fuel injector in response to the injector opening time.

[0064] The ninth exemplary embodiment includes the features of any one of the first to sixth embodiments, wherein the fuel supply command includes a fuel pumping command, the specified fuel quantity includes a specified pumping quantity, the specified fuel pressure includes a specified pumping pressure, the first fuel supply rate profile includes a first pumping rate profile, the second fuel supply rate profile includes a second pumping rate profile, the fuel metering device control model includes a fuel pump control model, the fuel metering device includes a fuel pump, the post-maximum fuel supply portion of the first fuel supply rate profile includes a pump closing portion of the first fuel supply rate profile, and the post-maximum fuel supply portion of the first fuel supply rate profile includes a pump opening portion of the first fuel supply rate profile.

[0065] The tenth exemplary embodiment includes the features of the seventh exemplary embodiment, wherein at least one of controlling and diagnosing the fuel metering device of the fuel supply system using the updated fuel metering device control model includes determining a pumping start time to provide a specified fuel quantity and controlling the fuel pump in response to the pumping start time.

[0066] The eleventh exemplary implementation is a system that includes: a fuel supply system; and an electronic control system that is operatively communicable with the fuel supply system and is configured to: receive a fuel supply command that includes a specified fuel quantity and a specified fuel pressure; determine a first fuel supply rate profile corresponding to the specified fuel pressure but not corresponding to the specified fuel quantity; modify the first fuel supply rate profile at least in part by repositioning a post-maximum fuel supply portion of the first fuel supply rate profile relative to a pre-maximum fuel supply portion of the first fuel supply rate profile, determine a second fuel supply rate profile corresponding to the specified fuel quantity and the specified fuel pressure; update a fuel metering device control model based on the second fuel supply rate profile; and use the updated fuel metering device control model to perform one or both of controlling and diagnosing a fuel metering device of the fuel supply system.

[0067] The twelfth exemplary implementation includes the features of the eleventh exemplary implementation, wherein the electronic control system being configured to determine the first fuel supply rate profile includes the electronic control system being configured to interpolate between a first predetermined fuel supply rate profile for a predetermined fuel quantity different from the specified fuel quantity and a first predetermined pressure different from the specified fuel pressure and a second predetermined fuel supply rate profile for the predetermined fuel quantity and a second predetermined pressure different from the specified fuel pressure.

[0068] The thirteenth exemplary implementation includes the features of the twelfth exemplary implementation, wherein the predetermined fuel quantity is a maximum fuel quantity, the first predetermined pressure is a maximum pressure, and the second predetermined pressure is a minimum pressure.

[0069] The fourteenth exemplary implementation includes the features of the eleventh exemplary implementation, wherein the electronic control system being configured to determine the second fuel supply rate profile includes the electronic control system being configured to: evaluate a difference between the specified fuel quantity and a fuel quantity of the modified first fuel supply rate profile in which the post-maximum fuel supply portion has been repositioned relative to the pre-maximum fuel supply portion; and if the difference is greater than a difference criterion, modify a post-maximum fuel supply shut-off portion to reduce the difference.

[0070] The fifteenth exemplary implementation includes the features of the fourteenth exemplary implementation, wherein the electronic control system being configured to evaluate the difference includes the electronic control system being configured to integrate an area of the modified first fuel supply rate profile and calculate a difference between the integrated area and the specified fuel quantity.

[0071] The sixteenth exemplary embodiment includes the features of the fourteenth exemplary embodiment, wherein the electronic control system is configured to repeatedly evaluate the difference and modify the post-maximum fuel supply portion until the difference is not greater than the difference criterion.

[0072] The seventeenth exemplary embodiment includes the features of any one of the eleventh to sixteenth exemplary embodiments, wherein the fuel supply command includes a fuel injection command, the specified fuel quantity includes a specified injection quantity, the specified fuel pressure includes a specified injection pressure, the first fuel supply rate profile includes a first injection rate profile, the second fuel supply rate profile includes a second injection rate profile, the fuel metering device control model includes a fuel injector control model, the fuel metering device includes a fuel injector, the post-maximum fuel supply portion of the first fuel supply rate profile includes the injector closing portion of the first fuel supply rate profile, and the pre-maximum fuel supply portion of the first fuel supply rate profile includes the injector opening portion of the first fuel supply rate profile.

[0073] The eighteenth exemplary embodiment includes the features of the seventeenth exemplary embodiment, wherein the electronic control system is configured to use the updated fuel metering device control model to perform one or both of control and diagnosis of the fuel metering device of the fuel supply system includes the electronic control system is configured to determine an injector opening time to provide the specified fuel quantity and to control the fuel injector in response to the injector opening time.

[0074] The nineteenth exemplary embodiment includes the features of any one of the eleventh to sixteenth embodiments, wherein the fuel supply command includes a fuel pumping command, the specified fuel quantity includes a specified pumping quantity, the specified fuel pressure includes a specified pumping pressure, the first fuel supply rate profile includes a first pumping rate profile, the second fuel supply rate profile includes a second pumping rate profile, the fuel metering device control model includes a fuel pump control model, the fuel metering device includes a fuel pump, the post-maximum fuel supply portion of the first fuel supply rate profile includes the pump closing portion of the first fuel supply rate profile, and the post-maximum fuel supply portion of the first fuel supply rate profile includes the pump opening portion of the first fuel supply rate profile.

[0075] The twentieth exemplary embodiment includes the features of the seventeenth exemplary embodiment, wherein the electronic control system is configured to perform one or both of controlling and diagnosing the fuel metering device of the fuel supply system using the updated fuel metering device control model, including that the electronic control system is configured to determine a pumping start time to provide the specified fuel quantity and control the fuel pump in response to the pumping start time.

[0076] It should be understood that terms such as "non-transitory memory", "non-transitory storage medium", and "non-transitory storage device" refer to various types of devices and storage media that can be configured to store information that can be read or executed by a processor or other components of a computer system, such as data or instructions, and such terms include and encompass a single or solitary device or medium storing such information, multiple devices or media across which or in which corresponding portions of such information are stored, and multiple devices or media across which or in which multiple copies of such information are stored.

[0077] It should be understood that when used in conjunction with a control method or process, an electronic control system or controller, an electronic control, or a component or operation of the foregoing, terms such as "determine", "determined", "determining", etc. inclusively refer to any one of a plurality of actions, configurations, devices, operations, and techniques, either individually or in combination, including but not limited to the calculation or computation of a parameter or value, obtaining a parameter or value from a look-up table or using a look-up operation, receiving a parameter or value from a data link or network communication, receiving an electronic signal (e.g., voltage, frequency, current, or pulse width modulation (PWM) signal) indicating a parameter or value, receiving a sensor output indicating a parameter or value, receiving other outputs or inputs indicating a parameter or value, reading a parameter or value from a memory location on a computer-readable medium, receiving a parameter or value as a runtime parameter, and / or by receiving a parameter or value that can be used to calculate an interpretation, and / or by referring to a default value that is interpreted as a parameter value.

[0078] Although the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description, they are considered to be illustrative rather than restrictive in nature. It should be understood that only certain exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, and all changes and modifications that fall within the spirit of the claimed invention are protected. It should be understood that although the use of words such as preferred, preferably, preferred or more preferred as used in the foregoing description indicates that such described features may be more desirable, they may not be necessary and embodiments without such words are contemplated to be within the scope of the present invention, which is defined by the appended claims. When reading the claims, it is intended that when words such as "a", "an", "at least one" or "at least a portion" are used, the claims are not intended to be limited to only one item unless the claims expressly state the contrary. When the language "at least a portion" and / or "a portion" is used, the item may include a portion and / or the entire item unless the contrary is expressly stated.

Claims

1. A method of operating a computing system operatively communicating with a fuel supply system, the method comprising: receiving a fuel supply command, the fuel supply command including a specified fuel quantity and a specified fuel pressure; determining a first fuel supply rate profile corresponding to the specified fuel pressure but not corresponding to the specified fuel quantity; determining a second fuel supply rate profile corresponding to the specified fuel quantity and the specified fuel pressure by modifying the first fuel supply rate profile at least in part by repositioning a post-maximum fuel supply portion of the first fuel supply rate profile relative to a pre-maximum fuel supply portion of the first fuel supply rate profile; updating a fuel metering device control model based on the second fuel supply rate profile; and using the updated fuel metering device control model to perform at least one of controlling and diagnosing a fuel metering device of the fuel supply system.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein determining the first fuel supply rate profile includes interpolating between a first predetermined fuel supply rate profile for a predetermined fuel quantity different from the specified fuel quantity and a first predetermined pressure different from the specified fuel pressure and a second predetermined fuel supply rate profile for the predetermined fuel quantity and a second predetermined pressure different from the specified fuel pressure.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined fuel quantity is a maximum fuel quantity, the first predetermined pressure is a maximum pressure, and the second predetermined pressure is a minimum pressure.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein determining the second fuel supply rate profile further comprises: evaluating a difference between the specified fuel quantity and the fuel quantity of the modified first fuel supply rate profile in which the post-maximum fuel supply portion has been repositioned relative to the pre-maximum fuel supply portion; and if the difference is greater than a difference criterion, modifying a post-maximum fuel supply shut-off portion to reduce the difference.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the evaluating includes integrating an area of the modified first fuel supply rate profile and calculating a difference between the integrated area and the specified fuel quantity.

6. The method according to claim 4, comprising repeating the evaluating and the modifying until the difference is not greater than the difference criterion.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the fuel supply command includes a fuel injection command, the specified fuel quantity includes a specified injection quantity, the specified fuel pressure includes a specified injection pressure, the first fuel supply rate profile includes a first injection rate profile, the second fuel supply rate profile includes a second injection rate profile, the fuel metering device control model includes a fuel injector control model, the fuel metering device includes a fuel injector, the post-maximum fuel supply portion of the first fuel supply rate profile includes an injector shut-off portion of the first fuel supply rate profile, and The pre-maximum fuel supply portion of the first fuel supply rate profile includes an injector opening portion of the first fuel supply rate profile.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein at least one of controlling and diagnosing the fuel metering device of the fuel supply system using the updated fuel metering device control model includes determining an injector opening time to provide the specified fuel quantity and controlling a fuel injector in response to the injector opening time.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the fuel supply command includes a fuel pumping command, the specified fuel quantity includes a specified pumping quantity, the specified fuel pressure includes a specified pumping pressure, the first fuel supply rate profile includes a first pumping rate profile, the second fuel supply rate profile includes a second pumping rate profile, the fuel metering device control model includes a fuel pump control model, the fuel metering device includes a fuel pump, the post-maximum fuel supply portion of the first fuel supply rate profile includes a pump closing portion of the first fuel supply rate profile, and the post-maximum fuel supply portion of the first fuel supply rate profile includes a pump opening portion of the first fuel supply rate profile.

10. The method according to claim 7, wherein at least one of controlling and diagnosing the fuel metering device of the fuel supply system using the updated fuel metering device control model includes determining a pumping start time to provide a specified fuel quantity and controlling a fuel pump in response to the pumping start time.

11. A system, which comprises: a fuel supply system; and an electronic control system operatively communicating with the fuel supply system and configured to: receive a fuel supply command including a specified fuel quantity and a specified fuel pressure; determine a first fuel supply rate profile corresponding to the specified fuel pressure but not corresponding to the specified fuel quantity; determine a second fuel supply rate profile corresponding to the specified fuel quantity and the specified fuel pressure by modifying the first fuel supply rate profile at least in part by repositioning a post-maximum fuel supply portion of the first fuel supply rate profile relative to a pre-maximum fuel supply portion of the first fuel supply rate profile; update a fuel metering device control model based on the second fuel supply rate profile; and control and diagnose one or both of the fuel metering devices of the fuel supply system using the updated fuel metering device control model.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the electronic control system is configured to determine the first fuel supply rate profile including the electronic control system being configured to interpolate between a first predetermined fuel supply rate profile for a predetermined fuel quantity different from the specified fuel quantity and a first predetermined pressure different from the specified fuel pressure and a second predetermined fuel supply rate profile for the predetermined fuel quantity and a second predetermined pressure different from the specified fuel pressure.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein the predetermined fuel quantity is the maximum fuel quantity, the first predetermined pressure is the maximum pressure, and the second predetermined pressure is the minimum pressure.

14. The system according to claim 11, wherein the electronic control system is configured to determine that the second fuel supply rate profile includes the electronic control system being configured to: evaluate the difference between the specified fuel quantity and the fuel quantity of the modified first fuel supply rate profile in which the post-maximum fuel supply portion has been repositioned relative to the pre-maximum fuel supply portion; and if the difference is greater than a difference criterion, modify the post-maximum fuel supply shut-off portion to reduce the difference.

15. The system according to claim 14, wherein the electronic control system is configured to evaluate the difference includes the electronic control system being configured to integrate the area of the modified first fuel supply rate profile and calculate the difference between the integrated area and the specified fuel quantity.

16. The system according to claim 14, wherein the electronic control system is configured to repeatedly evaluate the difference and modify the post-maximum fuel supply shut-off portion until the difference is not greater than the difference criterion.

17. The system according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the fuel supply command includes a fuel injection command, the specified fuel quantity includes a specified injection quantity, the specified fuel pressure includes a specified injection pressure, the first fuel supply rate profile includes a first injection rate profile, the second fuel supply rate profile includes a second injection rate profile, the fuel metering device control model includes a fuel injector control model, the fuel metering device includes a fuel injector, the post-maximum fuel supply portion of the first fuel supply rate profile includes the injector shut-off portion of the first fuel supply rate profile, and the pre-maximum fuel supply portion of the first fuel supply rate profile includes the injector opening portion of the first fuel supply rate profile.

18. The system according to claim 17, wherein the electronic control system is configured to use the updated fuel metering device control model to perform one or both of controlling and diagnosing the fuel metering device of the fuel supply system includes the electronic control system being configured to determine an injector opening time to provide the specified fuel quantity and to control the fuel injector in response to the injector opening time.

19. The system according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the fuel supply command includes a fuel pumping command, the specified fuel quantity includes a specified pumping quantity, the specified fuel pressure includes a specified pumping pressure, the first fuel supply rate profile includes a first pumping rate profile, the second fuel supply rate profile includes a second pumping rate profile, the fuel metering device control model includes a fuel pump control model, the fuel metering device includes a fuel pump, The post-maximum fuel supply portion of the first fuel supply rate profile includes the pump-off portion of the first fuel supply rate profile, and the post-maximum fuel supply portion of the first fuel supply rate profile includes the pump-on portion of the first fuel supply rate profile.

20. The system of claim 17, wherein the electronic control system is configured to control and diagnose, using the updated fuel metering device control model, one or both of the fuel metering devices of the fuel supply system, including the electronic control system being configured to determine a pump start time to provide the specified fuel quantity and to control a fuel pump in response to the pump start time.

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