Boost Capacitor Deterioration Detection in Injection Control Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing injection control devices using aluminum electrolytic capacitors face challenges in accurately determining capacitor deterioration before the electrolytic solution composition changes and the self-healing function is lost, leading to inefficiencies in boost power management.
Innovation Solution
The injection control device employs a boost controller and voltage monitors to detect voltage jumps and count them against threshold values, determining capacitor deterioration based on Equivalent Series Resistance characteristics, allowing for timely intervention before significant degradation occurs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If an aluminum electrolytic capacitor is used as the boost capacitor, then the device can provide sufficient boost power, but the capacitor deteriorates over time due to electrolytic solution degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection of capacitor deterioration by monitoring voltage jumps during boost switching operations. The control unit counts the number of voltage jumps and compares it against threshold values to detect deterioration before the capacitor fails completely, enabling preventive maintenance and avoiding sudden power failures.
2Productivity
If the capacitor deterioration is not detected timely, then the device operates normally, but power management inefficiencies occur when deterioration is significant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control unit continuously monitors the number of voltage jumps during boost operations and adjusts its determination of capacitor health based on this feedback. The detected deterioration state feeds back into the control logic to trigger appropriate responses, enabling timely intervention before significant degradation affects power management efficiency.
3Measurement precision
If voltage jump detection is implemented, then capacitor deterioration can be detected, but the detection system adds complexity to the control device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the capacitor's own electrical characteristics (voltage jumps during normal boost operation) as the detection signal. The existing boost switching operations serve dual purposes: providing power and generating detection signals. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate external testing equipment or additional sensors, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity while achieving accurate deterioration detection.
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
This approach enables accurate and timely detection of boost capacitor deterioration, preventing power management inefficiencies and extending the device's operational lifespan by triggering necessary adjustments or replacements.
Implementation Method 1
The injection control device charges a boost capacitor by performing a boost switching control of a boost switch, and supplies a boost power from a battery power source
Implementation Method 2
determining capacitor deterioration based on Equivalent Series Resistance characteristics
Data Source
AI summary
An injection control device includes: a boost controller charging a boost capacitor by performing a boost switching control of a boost switch, and supplying a boost power from a battery power source; and a boost voltage monitor monitors a boost voltage. The boost controller measures a number of times of when the boost voltage becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined value due to a boost current flowing into the boost capacitor, causing a jump of the boost voltage during a time between a start and stop of boosting, and determines deterioration of the boost capacitor by comparing the measured number of times (i.e., the number of jumps) with a predetermined number of times.