Boat Propulsion Fuel Pump Controller for Shortage Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing boat propulsion devices face issues with detecting fuel shortages, leading to over-lean air-fuel ratios and misfiring, which can cause the catalyst in the exhaust pipe to overheat, requiring additional sensors like fuel pressure sensors for detection.
Innovation Solution
A boat propulsion device with a fuel tank, fuel path, fuel pump, and controller that detects fuel shortages based on variations in the load on the fuel pump, eliminating the need for a dedicated fuel pressure sensor by using a controller programmed for fuel pressure feedback control and empty-fuel condition detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fuel pressure sensor is used to detect fuel shortage, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel pump serves dual functions: both fuel delivery and fuel shortage detection. The controller monitors the fuel pump's power consumption to detect fuel level, eliminating the need for separate detection sensors. This self-service approach resolves the contradiction by using existing components for multiple purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel pump is designed to perform both its primary function of delivering fuel and the secondary function of detecting fuel shortage conditions. By monitoring the electrical power consumed by the fuel pump, the system can determine fuel levels without adding dedicated detection hardware, thus achieving multi-functionality.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If fuel shortage detection is implemented, then catalyst overheating is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing fuel pump and controller are utilized for fuel shortage detection, avoiding the need for additional detection devices. The controller already monitors fuel pump operation, so it can also detect fuel levels by monitoring power consumption, preventing catalyst overheating without increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously monitors the power consumption of the fuel pump and uses this feedback information to detect fuel shortage conditions. When fuel level drops and causes increased power consumption, the controller identifies this as a fuel shortage and takes appropriate action to prevent catalyst overheating.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fuel pressure feedback control is added, then fuel supply stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller monitors the power consumption of the fuel pump and adjusts fuel supply based on detected fuel levels. When fuel shortage is detected through power consumption monitoring, the controller reduces engine rotation speed to prevent misfiring and catalyst damage, providing feedback-based fuel supply stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller performs both fuel pressure feedback control and fuel shortage detection using the same power consumption monitoring mechanism. This self-service approach allows the system to maintain fuel supply stability while preventing catalyst overheating without requiring separate control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A boat propulsion device includes an engine, a fuel tank, a fuel path, a fuel pump, and a controller. The engine includes a fuel injection device. The fuel tank includes a fuel storage region configured to store fuel. The fuel path is connected to the fuel injection device and the fuel tank. The fuel pump is disposed in the fuel path and is configured to discharge the fuel stored in the fuel storage region to the fuel injection device. The controller is configured and/or programmed to control a load on the fuel pump. The controller is configured and/or programmed to include an empty-fuel condition detector configured to detect that the fuel stored in the fuel storage region has become a predetermined remaining amount or less based on a variation in the load on the fuel pump.