Electromagnetic Actuator Control for Engine Fuel Pump Noise Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing electromagnetic actuators in internal combustion engines produce noise due to the cyclical impacts of the control rod and anchor against the magnetic armature, which is difficult to reduce without compromising actuation efficiency, especially in varying engine conditions.
Innovation Solution
A control unit that adjusts the duration of the electric current pulse to the electromagnetic actuator, using a Peak&Hold command, to minimize kinetic energy at impact, with progressive reduction in pulse duration based on parameters like battery voltage and engine speed, and monitors fuel pressure to ensure actuation completeness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If the electromagnetic actuator uses a conventional control current waveform, then the actuation efficiency is maintained, but the noise produced by impacts against the magnetic armature increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using a two-phase control current waveform (peak phase and hold phase) that is applied periodically to the electromagnetic actuator. The peak phase provides high current to rapidly move the control rod, while the hold phase maintains lower current to hold the position, reducing impacts during the periodic actuation cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temporal parameters of the control current by dividing it into distinct phases (peak and hold) with different durations and intensities. This parameter change allows the system to achieve both rapid actuation and reduced impact noise by controlling the current profile over time rather than using a constant waveform.
2Reliability
If the control current duration is extended to ensure complete actuation, then actuation reliability improves, but the kinetic energy at impact increases producing more noise
Solution Approach 1:
The control current is applied in periodic phases: a short peak phase that provides the necessary kinetic energy for actuation, followed by a hold phase that maintains the position without adding excessive kinetic energy. This periodic structure ensures complete actuation while limiting impact noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The peak phase of the control current is applied preliminarily to build up the necessary kinetic energy and move the control rod to the target position. Once the actuation is complete, the hold phase maintains the position without contributing to impact noise, thus separating the energy-building phase from the noise-generating phase.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the control system uses complex algorithms to minimize impact kinetic energy, then noise reduction improves, but the computational load and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex real-time algorithms, the patent employs a predetermined periodic control current waveform with fixed peak and hold phases. This simplifies the control system while still achieving noise reduction by relying on the structured temporal pattern rather than complex computational adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The optimal control current parameters (peak duration, hold duration, current magnitudes) are determined preliminarily through design and calibration. This eliminates the need for complex real-time computational adjustments, reducing system complexity while maintaining the ability to minimize impact kinetic energy through the pre-optimized waveform structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Significantly reduces noise produced by the high-pressure pump while maintaining actuation efficiency, particularly in low-load and slow-running conditions, without affecting vehicle performance or increasing computational load.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnet, which is designed to move the control rod to the passive position by magnetically attracting a ferromagnetic anchor
Implementation Method 2
The electromagnetic actuator includes a spring, which holds the control rod in the active position
Data Source
AI summary
Method to control an electromagnetic actuator of an internal combustion engine, in particular for a fuel pump of a direct-injection system; wherein the electromagnetic actuator is controlled by an electric current pulse of the Peak&Hold type, i.e. subdivided into a peak phase and a hold phase; the method includes acquiring the initial duration of the peak phase, during which a peak control current is to be supplied to the electromagnetic actuator to control the movement of a component of the electromagnetic actuator moving towards a position defined by a limit stop; and determining the duration of the peak phase by progressively decreasing the initial duration of the peak phase by a first change.