Diesel Fuel Pump Cold Start Control via Temperature Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fuel pumps for diesel engines face challenges in starting reliably at low temperatures due to increased fuel viscosity, leading to potential false starts and inadequate fuel delivery, as they do not account for temperature-dependent viscosity changes.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a temperature sensor system within the control electronics allows for selection of temperature-dependent start programs, utilizing existing temperature sensors and ohmic resistance measurements to determine fuel temperature and adjust current intensity, ensuring reliable start-up and operation even at low temperatures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a standard start program is used for fuel pump operation, then the fuel pump can operate efficiently at normal temperatures, but it fails to deliver adequate fuel at low temperatures due to increased fuel viscosity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel delivery reliabilityVSAvoidtemperature adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control system dynamically selects between a standard start program and a low-temperature start program based on detected fuel temperature. This dynamic adaptation ensures the fuel pump operates with appropriate current intensity and timing for the current thermal conditions, resolving the contradiction between efficient normal operation and reliable cold-temperature starting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes operational parameters (current intensity, pulse duration, timing) based on fuel temperature. The low-temperature start program modifies these parameters to provide higher current intensity and extended pumping duration, enabling the fuel pump to overcome increased fuel viscosity at low temperatures while maintaining efficient operation at normal temperatures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If temperature-dependent control is implemented, then reliable fuel delivery at low temperatures is achieved, but additional temperature sensors and control complexity are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecold-start reliabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit performs multiple functions: it manages the fuel pump operation, detects fuel temperature (using existing sensors or ohmic resistance measurements), and selects appropriate start programs. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate temperature sensing systems, achieving cold-start reliability without significantly increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control system uses existing components (temperature sensors already present in the electronic components or ohmic resistance measurements of the electric motor) to determine fuel temperature. This self-service approach allows temperature-dependent control without requiring additional dedicated temperature sensors, maintaining simplicity while achieving reliable cold-temperature operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If higher current intensity is used during low-temperature starting, then fuel pump start-up reliability is improved, but energy consumption and motor stress increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestart-up reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The low-temperature start program uses extended periodic pumping actions with higher current intensity only during the critical start-up phase. After successful fuel delivery is established, the system transitions to normal operation with standard current levels. This periodic high-intensity approach ensures reliable cold-temperature starting while minimizing overall energy consumption and motor stress.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 solution ensures consistent and reliable fuel delivery to the internal combustion engine by optimizing start programs based on fuel viscosity, protecting the electric motor and control electronics, and reducing the risk of false starts, without the need for additional temperature sensors.

Implementation Method 1

The electronic control system is connected to a temperature sensor system that is present in it and is designed as a temperature sensor, in order to determine the temperature of the fuel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature sensing:

Implementation Method 2

an electric motor for driving the pump stage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

the pump stage is designed as a displacement pump

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDisplacement pumping: Pump

Data Source

PatentEP3058205B1Method and apparatus for controlling a fuel pump
Publication Date: 2021.03.31 VITESCO TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
  • EP3058205B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a fuel pump (3) for diesel fuel which has different start programmes for supplying an electric motor (4) driving a pump step (5). Selection takes place in accordance with the temperature of the fuel and the frequency of false starts. As a result, the fuel pump (3) has a high degree of operational reliability.