Deactivating GDI Fuel Pump for Friction Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internal combustion engines face challenges in optimizing fuel delivery systems between port fuel injection (PFI) and gasoline direct injection (GDI) modes, as existing systems do not efficiently transition between modes to reduce emissions and improve fuel economy while minimizing frictional losses.
Innovation Solution
A fuel delivery system with deactivating GDI fuel pump assemblies that can selectively transition between activated and deactivated modes, allowing the engine to operate in PFI or GDI modes based on engine conditions, including engine start, variable speed/load, and cylinder deactivation modes, using a controller to manage the operation of PFI and GDI injectors and pumps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fuel pumps are continuously operated to ensure fuel supply, then fuel delivery reliability is improved, but frictional losses and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel pump system transitions from static continuous operation to dynamic selective operation. The deactivating fuel pump assembly can be mechanically engaged or disengaged based on operating conditions, allowing the system to adapt between active fuel pumping and inactive states to minimize energy losses during low-demand operations while maintaining reliability when needed.
2Use of energy by moving object
If GDI mode is used to improve fuel economy, then fuel efficiency is improved, but emissions control becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel injection system is segmented into separate PFI and GDI modes with dedicated fuel rails and injectors for each. This segmentation allows the controller to selectively activate only the necessary fuel delivery system for current operating conditions, simplifying emissions control by using the appropriate mode (PFI for low-load, GDI for high-load) rather than managing a complex hybrid system continuously.
3Power
If multiple fuel pump assemblies are activated to provide peak performance, then power output is improved, but system complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system activates only the necessary number of fuel pump assemblies based on current power demand. During peak performance conditions, multiple pumps are activated to meet high fuel flow requirements. During normal or low-demand operations, fewer pumps or single pumps are activated, reducing system complexity and energy consumption while maintaining adequate fuel supply.
4Device complexity
If PFI mode is used to simplify fuel delivery, then system complexity is reduced, but fuel economy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel delivery system is designed with multi-functionality to perform both PFI and GDI operations using shared components where possible (fuel tank, low-pressure pump, controller). The system can universally handle different fuel delivery modes by activating appropriate components (PFI injectors or GDI injectors, deactivating or activating high-pressure pumps), achieving good fuel economy through GDI when needed while maintaining simplified architecture through shared components.
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel delivery system for a vehicle having an engine configured to selectively operate between a port fuel injection (PFI) mode and a gasoline direct injection (GDI) mode includes a PFI fuel rail having a plurality of PFI injectors configured to supply fuel to the engine during the PFI mode, a GDI fuel rail having a plurality of GDI injectors configured to supply fuel to the engine during the GDI mode, a first GDI fuel supply line fluidly coupled to the GDI fuel rail, a first deactivating GDI fuel pump assembly disposed on the first GDI fuel supply line. The first deactivating GDI fuel pump assembly is configured to selectively transition between an activated mode and a deactivated mode.