DEVICES, METHOD AND SYSTEMS FOR FUEL PUMP DIAGNOSTIC

Abstract

A method for testing an engine's fuel pump involves starting the engine with a starter motor, preventing fuel injection into the engine simultaneously with starting, and opening an inlet metering valve to supply fuel to the fuel pump concurrently with starting and preventing fuel injection. The method includes measuring the fuel pressure at or downstream of a pump outlet concurrently with starting, preventing, and opening the valve, and diagnosing a condition of the pump in response to the measurement.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE

[0001] The present disclosure claims the priority and benefit of US application No. 63 / 485,546 filed on February 17, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] The present application relates to the diagnosis of fuel pumps and related devices, methods, and systems. There remains a significant unmet need for the unique devices, methods, systems, and techniques disclosed herein. REVELATION OF EXEMPLARY FORMS OF EXECUTION

[0003] In order to clearly, concisely, and precisely describe exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the manner and method of their manufacture and use, and to facilitate their practical manufacture and use, reference is now made to certain exemplary embodiments, including those illustrated in the figures, and specific language is used to describe them. It is understood, however, that this does not create any limitation of the scope of the invention and that the invention includes and protects such changes, modifications, and further applications of the exemplary embodiments as may occur to a person skilled in the art. SUMMARY OF THE REVELATION

[0004] One embodiment is a unique system for testing or diagnosing a fuel pump. Another embodiment is a unique method for testing or diagnosing a fuel pump. A further embodiment is a unique device for testing or diagnosing a fuel pump. Other embodiments, forms, items, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits will become apparent from the following description and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating certain aspects of an exemplary system. Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating certain aspects of an exemplary procedure. Fig. Figures 3-5 are graphs that illustrate certain aspects of exemplary processes, procedures, and systems. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EXECUTIONS

[0005] With reference to Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a system 100 that includes a diagnostic tool 140 and an engine system 110. The diagnostic tool 140 can be selectively coupled to an electronic control unit (ECU) 120 of the engine system 110 via one or more communication links 130 and be in operational communication with it. The diagnostic tool 140 and the communication links 130 can be provided in various forms.

[0006] In some embodiments, the diagnostic tool 140 can be implemented and configured in conjunction with one or more computing devices located at the engine system 110 (e.g., in a maintenance area or other maintenance location where the engine system 110 is situated). In such embodiments, the communication links 130 can include one or more physical connections to the engine system 110, for example, via an OBD-II interface, a J1939 interface, or various other interfaces.

[0007] In some embodiments, the diagnostic tool 140 can be implemented and configured in conjunction with one or more computing devices located remotely from the engine system 110, and the communication links 130 can include one or more networks, including wired and / or wireless networks or network components, configured and operable to provide communication between the diagnostic tool 140 and the ECU 120 of the engine system 110. Some such embodiments can include one or more computing devices located remotely from the engine system 110 and communicating with the ECU 120 of the engine system 110 via a telematics system. Some such embodiments can include a combination of one or more computing devices located remotely from the engine system 110 and one or more computing devices located at the engine system 110 (e.g.,in a maintenance area or other maintenance location where the engine system 110 is located).

[0008] While the diagnostic tool 140 in Fig. Since the diagnostic tool 140 is depicted as being located outside the engine system 110, in some embodiments it may be embedded in or otherwise provided within the engine system 110. In some such embodiments, the diagnostic tool 140 may be embedded in or otherwise provided within and executed by the ECU 120 and / or other components of an electronic control system (ECS) of the engine system 110. In some such embodiments, the communication links 130 may include one or more intra-ECU or intra-ECS communication channels or may be omitted in cases where a communication link is not required.

[0009] The engine system 110 further comprises an engine 112, a starter motor 116 which is operatively coupled to the engine 112 and the ECU 120, and a fuel supply system 114 which is operatively coupled to the engine 112 and the ECU 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the engine 112 is a direct-injection, reciprocating internal combustion engine and can be operated to combust fuel injected directly into one of a plurality of combustion cylinders 117 by means of one or more fuel injection devices 118. It should be noted that the engine 112 can be configured and provided in various forms, including different numbers of combustion chambers 117 and different numbers of fuel injection devices 118.

[0010] In the illustrated embodiment, the fuel supply system 114 is configured and provided as a high-pressure common-rail fuel supply system (HPCR fuel supply system). In other embodiments, the fuel supply system may be provided in various other forms that may occur to a person skilled in the art with the advantage and insight of the present disclosure. The fuel supply system 114 includes a fuel distributor 108 that receives pressurized fuel from a high-pressure fuel pump 106 and provides pressurized fuel to the fuel injectors 118. In the illustrated embodiment, the fuel pump 106 is provided and configured as a high-pressure fuel pump that includes one or more pump elements (E1 ...En), such as piston-cylinder pump elements, which are configured to pressurize the fuel received from fuel pump 106.

[0011] An inlet metering valve (IMV) 104 is provided at or upstream of an inlet to the fuel pump 106 and is operatively coupled to and controllable by the ECU 120 to meter or regulate the fuel flow into the fuel pump 106. It should be noted that the IMV 104 may also be referred to as a volume control valve, flow control valve, magnetic proportional valve, or by various other engineering terms. The IMV 104 is configured and operable to receive the fuel pumped from the fuel tank 102 by the pump 103, which may be configured and provided as a low-pressure fuel pump.

[0012] The ECU 120 communicates operationally with the IMV 104 and is configured to control it between a fully closed position, which allows minimal fuel flow to the fuel pump 106 (e.g., essentially no fuel flow), and a fully open position, which allows maximum fuel flow to the fuel pump 106. The IMV 104 and the fuel pump 106 may be configured such that, under some operating conditions, the maximum fuel flow supplied by the IMV 104 to the fuel pump 106 is greater than the pumping volume of the fuel pump 106. For example, the IMV 104 may be configured to overfill the fuel pump 106 at low engine speeds or during engine start-up. At higher engine speeds, the IMV 104 may, in some embodiments and cases, not be able to deliver the full capacity of the high-pressure pump.The ECU 120 is also in operational communication with the pressure sensor 119, which is configured to detect the fuel pressure in the fuel distributor 108, and is configured to receive pressure measurements from it. The ECU 120 is furthermore in operational communication with the fuel injectors 118 and is configured to control their operation to inject fuel into the combustion cylinders 117 of the engine 112. The ECU 120 is also in operational communication with the starter motor 116 and is configured to provide control signals to operate it selectively to start the engine 112. Additionally or alternatively, control signals to operate the starter motor 116 to start the engine 112 can be provided in response to a technician commanding or initiating the engagement or operation of the starter motor 116.In some embodiments, an automated starter may be present, which may also be controllable via a body control module and may include a push button for manual starting.

[0013] The ECU 120 is an example of an ECS component configured and operational to execute operating logic that defines various control, diagnostic, management, and / or regulation functions. For example, the non-transient storage medium can be configured with instructions executable by the processor to perform a series of actions, evaluations, or operations, including those described in this document. The operating logic of the ECU 120 components, or other ECS components, may be in the form of dedicated hardware, such as a hard-wired state machine, an analog computer, programming instructions, and / or any other form that would be conceivable to a person skilled in the art.

[0014] Although the illustrated example depicts the ECU 120 as a single unit, it should be noted that one or more processors, one or more non-transient storage media, and associated components can be provided as multiple units or physical modules, or distributed among or between them. For example, one or more processors, such as programmable microprocessors or solid-state integrated circuit microcontrollers, can be provided in one or more control units and implemented in any number of ways, combining or distributing the control function across one or more control units in various manner. Furthermore, other components or subsystems of the ECU 120 and / or its associated ECS can also be configured or provided in this way.

[0015] With reference to Fig. Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary method 200, which can be implemented and carried out wholly or partially in conjunction with a system, such as system 100. Method 200 is an example of a method according to the present disclosure for performing a diagnosis or a test of a fuel pump, such as fuel pump 106.

[0016] Procedure 200 begins at start operation 202 and proceeds to condition 204, which checks whether one or more test start conditions are met. The one or more test start conditions can include a number of conditions that may vary depending on the specific system with which procedure 200 is performed.

[0017] The one or more test start conditions may include fuel system conditions that can be determined or selected to provide operating conditions desirable for testing a fuel pump, such as the fuel pump 106. Such conditions may include, for example, a valve, such as the IMV 104, being closed; a pressure, such as the fuel pressure of the fuel distributor 108, being below a threshold; or other conditions that indicate or specify a depressurized state of high-pressure sections of a fuel supply system, such as the fuel supply system 114.

[0018] In some embodiments, one or more test start conditions may include the initiation of a test by a technician and / or a diagnostic tool, such as diagnostic tool 140. Such embodiments may, for example, include embodiments in which the method 200 is performed during a diagnostic, maintenance, or repair event.

[0019] In some embodiments, the one or more test start conditions may include a switch-on condition and / or one or more engine start conditions. Such embodiments may, for example, include embodiments in which the method 200 is performed each time an engine, such as engine 112, is started, during operation, or on a regular or periodic basis when an engine is started, or in combination with events such as the detection of disturbance, failure, or fault conditions that may be related to a fuel pump.

[0020] If condition 204 is evaluated as false, procedure 200 proceeds to operation 205, in which procedure 200 determines and / or waits for the determination of the starting conditions evaluated by condition 204. If condition 204 is evaluated as true, procedure 200 proceeds to operation 206, which engages a starter motor to start an engine. Operation 206 may involve an ECU requesting the engagement of the starter motor via automated vehicle systems and / or may involve a request or prompt to a technician to manually engage a starter motor. The starter motor may be the starter motor 116 of engine system 110 or another starter motor of a different system. From operation 206, procedure 200 proceeds to operation 208, which waits for and / or monitors a required engine rotation condition.The required engine rotation condition may include a minimum engine speed (rpm) and / or a minimum amount of angular rotation or time after engaging a started engine, such as the starter motor 116, in order to start an engine, such as the engine 112.

[0021] From process 208, procedure 200 transitions to process 210, which prevents injection by fuel injection devices, such as the fuel injection devices 118, by, for example, preventing injection control signals or controlling the injection devices in another way so that they do not perform injection.

[0022] From process 210, process 200 proceeds to process 211 and opens an IMV, such as IMV 104. Process 211 can open an IMV to allow a desired quantity or rate of fuel flow to a pump, such as fuel pump 106, for example, by opening an IMV to allow maximum fuel flow to a pump, such as fuel pump 106. The desired quantity or rate of fuel flow to the pump can be provided by opening the IMV to a maximally open position or at least to a threshold position, such as a position where the quantity or rate of fuel flow exceeds a threshold value (e.g., the pump's capacity).

[0023] From process 211, procedure 200 proceeds to process 212, in which one or more pressure measurements 220 are obtained, indicating a fuel pressure in a high-pressure section of a fuel supply system, such as the fuel supply system 114. The one or more pressure measurements 220 can be obtained by receiving values ​​from a pressure sensor, such as the pressure sensor 119, indicating the fuel pressure in a fuel distributor, such as the fuel distributor 108.

[0024] The one or more pressure measurements 220 can be provided to process 222, which performs one or more diagnoses, each using the one or more pressure measurements 220. The one or more diagnoses can include a range of diagnoses, such as those associated with the Fig. 3-5 are described.

[0025] From operation 222, procedure 200 transitions to operation 224, in which one or more diagnostic results 226 of the one or more diagnoses performed by operation 222 are output. The output of the one or more diagnostic results 226 may include communicating, displaying, transmitting, storing, or otherwise outputting the one or more diagnostic results 226.

[0026] From process 212, procedure 200 proceeds to condition 214, which evaluates whether one or more test end conditions are met. These one or more test end conditions may include, for example, a distributor pressure above a threshold, a predetermined number of crank rotations, a test duration above a threshold, a number of pressure measurements above a threshold or other metric, a distributor pressure above a threshold, or various combinations thereof. If condition 214 is evaluated as false, procedure 200 proceeds to process 212.

[0027] If condition 214 is evaluated as true, procedure 200 proceeds to condition 216, which evaluates whether a test abort condition is true. Condition 216 can evaluate, in response to diagnostic results 226 or their absence, whether a test abort condition is fully or partially satisfied. If condition 216 is evaluated as true, procedure 200 proceeds to operation 218, which logs or stores a test abort condition and associated information (e.g., a statement or reason why the test was aborted), enables fuel injection, clears any other test overrides, and allows the engine start process to continue without interference from procedure 200.If condition 216 is evaluated as false, procedure 200 proceeds to operation 219, which logs or stores test results, such as diagnostic results 226 or other associated operations (e.g., test date and time and / or other diagnostic information associated with the test), enables fuel injection, clears any other test overrides, and allows the engine starting process to continue without being prevented by procedure 200. From operation 218 or operation 219, procedure 200 proceeds to end operation 299 and can subsequently be called or repeated.

[0028] With reference to Fig. Figure 3 illustrates a graph 300 that depicts several operating parameters of a system, such as system 100, in conjunction with a diagnosis or test, such as the diagnosis or test of procedure 200. Graph 300 displays curves 310, 320, 330, and 340. Curve 310 represents the engine speed (rpm) on the vertical axis as a function of time (s) on the horizontal axis of graph 300, which could, for example, be the operating speed of engine 112. Curve 320 represents the pressure in the fuel distributor (bar) on the vertical axis as a function of time (s) on the horizontal axis of graph 300, which could, for example, be the pressure in fuel distributor 108, measured, for instance, by pressure sensor 119.Curve 330 plots the IMV flow (%) on the vertical axis as a function of time (s) on the horizontal axis of graph 300, which could, for example, be the percentage of the maximum flow rate or the percentage of the maximum open position of the IMV 104. Curve 340 plots the injected fuel (mg / stroke) on the vertical axis as a function of time (s) on the horizontal axis of graph 300, which could, for example, be the amount of fuel injected by the fuel injectors 118 for each piston stroke. The processes of the system and procedure underlying graph 300 can be better understood with respect to time points 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, and 308, which are indicated by dashed vertical lines.

[0029] Prior to time 301, curve 310 shows the engine of the underlying system operating at idle speed, curve 320 shows the distributor pressure of the underlying system operating at idle pressure, curve 330 shows an IMV flow operating at a percentage fuel flow for engine idle, and curve 340 shows injected fuel supply at idle. At time 301, a fuel pump test is triggered, for example, by a diagnostic tool such as diagnostic tool 140, which is in operational communication with an engine such as engine 112.

[0030] At time 302, an ECU, such as ECU 120, controls an IMV, such as IMV 104, to close, as indicated by the descending curve 330. Thereafter, curves 320, 310, and 340 also descend, as the pressure in the fuel rail decreases, the engine is shut down, and fuel injection ceases. It should be noted that one or more of the foregoing conditions or control states may be used as criteria for continuing or performing subsequent operations of a test or diagnosis of a fuel pump, such as fuel pump 106, for example, as the conditions used by condition 204 of procedure 200.

[0031] At time 303, an ECU, such as ECU 120, disables the operation of fuel injectors, such as fuel injectors 118. At time 304, a starter motor, such as starter motor 116, is engaged to start an engine, such as engine 112, and curve 310 subsequently rises to an engine cranking speed. At time 305, an ECU, such as ECU 120, opens an IMV, such as IMV 104, to a fully open position or another desired position, and curve 320 subsequently rises above range 356 as the distributor pressure increases due to the pump operating with prevented injection and the engine starting. One or more pressure measurements, such as pressure measurements 220, may be taken during operation in range 356.

[0032] At time 305, an ECU, such as ECU 120, opens an IMV, such as IMV 104, to a fully open position or another desired position, and curve 320 subsequently rises above range 356 because the distributor pressure increases due to the pump operating with prevented injection and the engine starting. One or more pressure measurements, such as pressure measurements 220, can be taken during operation in range 356.

[0033] At time 306, the ECU closes the IMV. At time 307, the test or diagnostic procedure enables fuel injection and may also override any other overrides or preventers associated with the test or diagnosis. Thereafter, curve 330 rises, indicating the resumption of fuel supply during engine start, and curve 310 rises, indicating that the engine speed has increased during engine start. At time 308, the engine is running, and an indication that the test or diagnosis is complete may be provided.

[0034] With reference to Fig. Figure 4 illustrates a graph 400 depicting certain aspects of an exemplary pressure gain test that can be performed as a diagnostic procedure in conjunction with Procedure 222 of Procedure 200. The pressure gain test can be initiated once the engine speed reaches a predetermined or calibratable threshold 405 and the rationality or proper operation of an engine position sensor (EPS) (also known as a crankshaft position sensor) has been established and an IMV has opened. Once initiated, the pressure gain test can log the distributor pressure and count the engine revolutions. When the number of engine revolutions reaches a predetermined or calibratable number 410, the pressure gain test can close the IMV and evaluate the pressure gain since initiation.If the distributor pressure has not risen to or above a predefined or calibratable threshold of 420, the pressure boost test may log a pump fault condition. If, as in . Fig. As shown in Figure 4, if the distributor pressure has risen to or above the specified or calibratable threshold of 420, the pressure boost test can log normal pump operation. If, at any time during the pressure boost test, the distributor pressure rises above a calibrated threshold, the pressure boost test can be aborted.

[0035] With reference to Fig. Figure 5 illustrates Graph 500, which depicts certain aspects of a pump event identification method that can be used in conjunction with a series of pump event diagnostic examples in conjunction with Procedure 222 of Procedure 200. Graph 500 plots Curve 504, which indicates the calculated distributor pressure as a function of the motor position (EPS tooth count); Curve 501, which indicates the slope of Curve 504; Curve 502, which indicates a confirmation signal for an increasing slope; Curve 503, which indicates a confirmation signal for a shallow slope; Pulses 505, which indicate increasing pressure measurement or log events; and Pulses 506, which indicate shallow pressure measurement or log events.

[0036] It should be noted that decoding a signal using derivation analysis allows for the identification of individual pump elements. The pumping angular duration indicates the stroke of a pump element and / or the amount of fluid in the pump element. A common pump failure occurs when the piston of an element becomes stuck and no longer moves. The pressure rise can also be affected by factors outside the pump, particularly leaks in high-pressure systems, such as injectors leaking into a fuel drain. Obtaining and utilizing information on both the pressure rise per pump and the pumping angular duration allows for better pinpointing of pump failures. This can help prevent falsely identifying pump failures due to reasons unrelated to the pump or its operation, such as high-pressure leaks.Accordingly, combinations of pressure rise and duration data can be used for improved diagnostics, which can help narrow down the type of pump failure. It should also be noted that the rising confirmation curve 502 and the flat confirmation curve 503 can be used to establish or provide confirmation conditions for the evaluation of curve 501, which are effective in attenuating or rejecting signal noise and preventing false transitions due to random signal noise.

[0037] As illustrated in curve 503, a pumping event is characterized by a period of rising pressure with flat (or largely flat) pressure before and after. The present method makes it possible to identify and measure such pressure rises. The pressure slope indicated by curve 501 can be evaluated relative to a predetermined or calibratable threshold to identify two modes in the crank angle range (also known as the EPS tooth range): rising pressure (e.g., when curve 501 is above a rising threshold) and flat pressure (e.g., when curve 501 is below the flat pressure threshold).

[0038] A minimum crank angle range period of a rising-to-flat and flat-to-rising transition can be defined as a predefined or calibratable value. This minimum period can be used to ignore or filter out deviations where a pressure transition does not last longer than the minimum threshold. For example, at time 510, a rising pressure gradient is detected if the value of curve 501 exceeds a threshold for a rising pressure gradient. Subsequently, a rising pressure gradient associated with pulse 505 is logged. If, as in Fig. Figure 5 illustrates that if the increasing pressure gradient continues to be detected over time (520), the increasing pressure gradient is considered validated and can be maintained.

[0039] At time 530, a flat pressure slope is detected if the value of curve 501 falls below a threshold for a flat pressure slope. A flat pressure slope 506 is then logged. If, as in Fig. Figure 5 illustrates that if the flat pressure gradient continues to be detected over time (540), the flat pressure gradient is considered validated and can be maintained.

[0040] A range of values ​​can be stored, which are used when logging measurements according to the method of Fig. 5. These include, for example, a vector for the start of pumping, a vector for the end of pumping, a vector for the start of pumping pressure, and a vector for the end of pumping pressure. Once the pressure reaches a calibrated pressure and the motor reaches a calibrated speed, the number of teeth at the start of the pressure rise and the pressure, as well as the number of teeth at the end of the pressure rise and the pressure, can be recorded in the respective vectors. If a rising edge is not detected within a calibratable number of teeth after the start of pumping of the previous cylinder element, an entry in the start and end of pumping vectors can be skipped and left at a previously entered value.The pumping duration can be calculated for each valid pumping event (end tooth - start tooth, taking revolutions into account) and stored in a pumping duration vector (using an initial value to identify invalid pumping events). The pressure rise can be calculated similarly for each valid pumping event. Pressure and tooth count events can be assigned sequentially to pump elements for a predefined or calibratable number of pump elements. The first pumping event can be defined as the first pump element, regardless of the actual pump configuration. If no rising edge is detected on a single pump cylinder element during the calibration phase, the remaining processing can be skipped and a failure with a no-pump event recorded.

[0041] Once either the distributor pressure reaches a calibrated threshold or a crank timer expires, the test should be terminated and the IMV should reset the flow to zero. The mean pressure rise and pressure rise time (in teeth) for each pump cylinder element are calculated. If the difference in mean pressure rise or pressure rise time between pump cylinder elements exceeds the calibrated thresholds (two thresholds), a fault condition is detected. A fault condition is also detected if the standard deviation of the pressures associated with individual pump cylinder elements exceeds a calibrated threshold.If a calibratable number of pressure steps on a single pump cylinder element falls below a calibratable threshold for "zero pumping" or is identified as invalid, a failure with a non-pump event is detected.

[0042] It should be noted that the following are related to Fig.Method 5 described is an example of a method for identifying pressure differences corresponding to individual pump cylinder elements. Once such information has been identified, a series of analyses and diagnoses can be carried out, including, for example, comparing or evaluating average pressure increases for multiple pump elements over multiple pumping events and comparing or evaluating multiple pressure increases for multiple pumping events for a single pump element. Furthermore, a range of statistics, including deviations, weighted averages, and other statistics that may be of interest to a person skilled in the art, can be used. Moreover, as noted above, such analyses and diagnoses can be carried out by or in conjunction with step 222 of Method 200.

[0043] As illustrated by this detailed description, the present disclosure considers several and different aspects and embodiments, including but not limited to the following exemplary embodiments.A first exemplary embodiment is a method for testing an engine's fuel pump, the method comprising: starting the engine with a starter motor; preventing fuel injection into the engine simultaneously with starting; opening an inlet metering valve to supply fuel to the fuel pump simultaneously with starting and preventing; measuring the fuel pressure at or downstream of an outlet of the pump simultaneously with starting, preventing, and opening; diagnosing a condition of the pump in response to the measurement; and terminating the starting and either (a) releasing fuel injection and allowing the engine to start or (b) and allowing the engine to stop.

[0044] A second exemplary embodiment includes the features of the first exemplary embodiment, wherein the diagnosis includes performing a pressure intensification test to evaluate whether a minimum net fuel pressure increase is achieved during a test duration.

[0045] A third exemplary embodiment includes the features of the first exemplary embodiment, wherein the diagnosis includes performing a pressure test to evaluate one or more individual pumping events associated with a respective pumping element of the fuel pump.

[0046] A fourth exemplary embodiment includes the features of any one of the first to third exemplary embodiments, wherein the method is carried out during a maintenance event outside of operation.

[0047] A fifth exemplary embodiment includes the features of the fourth exemplary embodiment, wherein the method is carried out to test a newly installed fuel pump.

[0048] A sixth exemplary embodiment includes the features of any one of the first to third exemplary embodiments, wherein the method is carried out during an engine start-up event within the operation.

[0049] A seventh exemplary embodiment is a system comprising: an engine system including a fuel supply system which includes a fuel pump and a starter motor operatively coupled to the engine, and an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to perform the following operations: starting the engine with a starter motor; preventing fuel injection into the engine concurrently with starting; opening an inlet metering valve to supply fuel to the fuel pump concurrently with starting and preventing; measuring the fuel pressure at or downstream of an outlet of the pump concurrently with starting, preventing, and opening; diagnosing a condition of the pump in response to the measurement; and terminating starting and either (a) releasing fuel injection and allowing the engine to start or (b) and allowing the engine to stop.

[0050] An eighth exemplary embodiment includes the features of the seventh exemplary embodiment, wherein the ECU configured to perform the diagnostic process includes the ECU being configured to perform a pressure intensification test to evaluate whether a minimum net fuel pressure increase is achieved during a test duration.

[0051] A ninth exemplary embodiment includes the features of the seventh exemplary embodiment, wherein the ECU configured for the diagnostic process includes the ECU being configured to perform a pressure test in order to evaluate one or more individual pumping events associated with a respective pumping element of the fuel pump.

[0052] A tenth exemplary embodiment includes the features of any one of the seventh to ninth exemplary embodiments, wherein the ECU is operatively coupled with an external diagnostic tool.

[0053] An eleventh exemplary embodiment includes the features of any one of the seventh to ninth exemplary embodiments, wherein the fuel system is a high-pressure fuel system with a common distributor and the pump is a high-pressure pump.

[0054] A twelfth exemplary embodiment includes the features of any of the seventh to ninth exemplary embodiments and includes a fuel distributor configured to receive pressurized fuel from the pump and a pressure sensor configured to measure the fuel pressure of the fuel distributor.

[0055] A thirteenth exemplary embodiment is a device for testing an engine's fuel pump, the device comprising: a non-transient storage medium configured to store instructions executable by a processor to perform the following actions: starting the engine with a starter motor; preventing fuel injection into the engine simultaneously with starting; opening an inlet metering valve to supply fuel to the fuel pump simultaneously with starting and preventing; measuring the fuel pressure at or downstream of a pump outlet simultaneously with starting, preventing, and opening; diagnosing a condition of the pump in response to the measurement; and terminating starting and either (a) releasing fuel injection and allowing the engine to start or (b) and allowing the engine to stop.

[0056] A fourteenth exemplary embodiment includes the features of the thirteenth exemplary embodiment, wherein the act of diagnosing comprises performing a pressure intensification test to evaluate whether a minimum net fuel pressure increase is achieved during a test duration.

[0057] A fifteenth exemplary embodiment includes the features of the thirteenth exemplary embodiment, wherein the act of diagnosing comprises performing a pressure test to evaluate one or more individual pumping events associated with a respective pumping element of the fuel pump.

[0058] A sixteenth exemplary embodiment includes the features of any one of the thirteenth to fifteenth exemplary embodiments, wherein the instructions are configured to operate during a maintenance event outside of service.

[0059] A seventeenth exemplary embodiment includes the features of the sixteenth exemplary embodiment, wherein the instructions are configured to test a newly installed fuel pump.

[0060] An eighteenth exemplary embodiment includes the features of any one of the thirteenth to fifteenth exemplary embodiments, wherein the instructions are configured to be operated during an engine start-up event within the deployment.

[0061] A nineteenth exemplary embodiment includes the features of any one of the thirteenth to fifteenth exemplary embodiments, wherein the device includes an internal engine electronic control unit (ECU).

[0062] A twentieth exemplary embodiment includes the features of any one of the thirteenth to fifteenth exemplary embodiments, wherein the device comprises an internal engine electronic control unit (ECU) in combination with a diagnostic tool outside the ECU.

[0063] Although exemplary embodiments of the disclosure have been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the preceding description, these are to be considered illustrative and not limiting, it being understood that only certain exemplary embodiments have been shown and described and that protection is claimed for all changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the claimed inventions. It is understood that the use of words such as preferred, more preferably, or more preferred, as used in the preceding description, indicates that the feature so described may be desirable, but may not be necessary, and embodiments lacking this feature may be considered to be within the scope of the invention, the scope being defined by the following claims.When reading the claims, it should be noted that the use of words such as "a", "an", "at least a", or "at least a section" does not imply that the claim is limited to only one subject matter, unless expressly stated otherwise in the claim. When the phrase "at least a section" and / or "a section" is used, the subject matter may include one section and / or the entire subject matter, unless expressly stated otherwise. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 63 / 485,546

[0001]

Claims

[1] Method for testing a fuel pump of an engine, the method comprising: Starting the engine with a starter motor; Preventing fuel injection into the engine at the same time as starting; Opening an inlet metering valve to supply fuel to the fuel pump simultaneously with starting and preventing the engine from overheating; Measuring the fuel pressure at or downstream of a pump outlet simultaneously with starting, preventing, and opening; Diagnosing a condition of the pump in response to measurement; and Terminating the starting process and either (a) releasing fuel injection and allowing the engine to start or (b) and allowing the engine to stop. [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the diagnosis comprises performing a pressure intensification test to evaluate whether a minimum net fuel pressure increase is achieved during a test duration. [3] Method according to claim 1, wherein the diagnosis comprises performing a pressure test to evaluate one or more individual pumping events associated with a respective pumping element of the fuel pump. [4] Method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the method is carried out during a maintenance event outside of operation. [5] Method according to claim 4, wherein the method is carried out to test a newly installed fuel pump. [6] Method according to one of claims 1-3, wherein the method is carried out during an engine start-up event within the operation. [7] System, comprehensive: an engine system comprising a fuel supply system, which includes a fuel pump, a starter motor operatively coupled to the engine, and an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to perform the following operations: Starting the engine with a starter motor; Preventing fuel injection into the engine at the same time as starting; Opening an inlet metering valve to supply fuel to the fuel pump simultaneously with starting and preventing the engine from overheating; Measuring the fuel pressure at or downstream of a pump outlet simultaneously with starting, preventing, and opening; Diagnosing a condition of the pump in response to measurement; and Terminating the starting process and either (a) releasing fuel injection and allowing the engine to start or (b) and allowing the engine to stop. [8] System according to claim 7, wherein the ECU configured to perform the diagnostic process comprises that the ECU is configured to perform a pressure boost test to evaluate whether a minimum net fuel pressure increase is achieved during a test duration. [9] System according to claim 7, wherein the ECU configured for the diagnostic process comprises that the ECU is configured to perform a pressure test in order to evaluate one or more individual pumping events associated with a respective pumping element of the fuel pump. [10] System according to one of claims 7-9, wherein the ECU is coupled to an external diagnostic tool. [11] System according to one of claims 7-9, wherein the fuel system is a high-pressure fuel system with a common distributor and the pump is a high-pressure pump. [12] System according to one of claims 7-9, comprising a fuel distributor configured to receive pressurized fuel from the pump and a pressure sensor configured to measure the fuel pressure of the fuel distributor. [13] Device for testing a high-pressure fuel pump of an engine, the device comprising the following: a non-transient storage medium configured to store instructions that can be executed by a processor to perform the following actions: Starting the engine with a starter motor; Preventing fuel injection into the engine at the same time as starting; Opening an inlet metering valve to supply fuel to the fuel pump simultaneously with starting and preventing the engine from overheating; Measuring the fuel pressure at or downstream of a pump outlet simultaneously with starting, preventing, and opening; Diagnosing a condition of the pump in response to measurement; and Terminating the starting process and either (a) releasing fuel injection and allowing the engine to start or (b) and allowing the engine to stop. [14] Device according to claim 13, wherein the act of diagnosing comprises performing a pressure intensification test to evaluate whether a minimum net fuel pressure increase is achieved during a test duration. [15] Device according to claim 13, wherein the diagnostic action comprises performing a pressure test to evaluate one or more individual pumping events associated with a respective pumping element of the fuel pump. [16] Device according to one of claims 13-15, wherein the instructions are configured to operate during a maintenance event outside of use. [17] Device according to claim 16, wherein the instructions are configured to test a newly installed fuel pump. [18] Device according to one of claims 13-15, wherein the instructions are configured to be operated during an engine start event within the deployment. [19] Device according to one of claims 13-15, wherein the device comprises an internal motor electronic control unit (ECU). [20] Device according to one of claims 13-15, wherein the device comprises an internal engine electronic control unit (ECU) in combination with a diagnostic tool outside the ECU.

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