Electronic Fuel Control System for Carburetor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing carburetor systems face challenges in providing consistent fuel supply across varying engine conditions, leading to acceleration problems and engine performance issues due to inertia, machining inaccuracies, temperature, pressure, and vibration, resulting in lean or rich fuel mixtures.

Innovation Solution

An electronic fuel control system with adjustable idle and high-speed fuel circuits, controlled by a motor-driven actuator and sensors, allowing automatic adjustment of fuel flow based on engine operating parameters, and an override for manual reset.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual adjustment of fuel flow is made to compensate for acceleration problems, then fuel supply during acceleration improves, but engine performance deteriorates at other operating conditions due to over-supply

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel supply consistencyVSAvoidengine performance stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts fuel flow parameters based on real-time operating conditions (idle speed, throttle position, engine load) rather than using fixed manual adjustments. The electronic control unit continuously modifies fuel delivery to match actual engine demands, preventing both under-supply during acceleration and over-supply at other conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback from sensors monitoring engine operating parameters (idle speed sensor, throttle position sensor, engine load) to automatically adjust fuel flow. This closed-loop control eliminates the need for manual trial-and-error adjustments and maintains optimal fuel delivery across all operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If factory setting is adjusted by end user to compensate for altitude and temperature conditions, then engine performance at specific conditions improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental condition adaptationVSAvoidcarburettor machining accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system electronically adjusts fuel delivery parameters (flow rate, timing, distribution) based on sensed environmental conditions (altitude, temperature, pressure) rather than requiring physical reconfiguration of carburettor components. This maintains manufacturing precision while achieving environmental adaptability through software-based parameter modification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms with an electronic control system that uses sensors and actuators to automatically adapt fuel delivery to environmental conditions, eliminating the need for precision mechanical reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If electronic control system automatically adjusts fuel flow, then engine performance stability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine operation stabilityVSAvoidcontrol system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic control unit serves multiple functions: it processes signals from various sensors (idle speed, throttle position, engine load), calculates optimal fuel delivery parameters, and controls fuel injection timing and quantity. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a single integrated controller.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic control unit acts as an intermediary between sensor inputs and fuel delivery execution, translating raw sensor data into precise control signals for the fuel injection system. This intermediary layer simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing control logic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Ensures stable engine operation by dynamically adjusting fuel flow to match changing conditions, preventing over-supply and under-supply issues, thereby improving engine performance and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

an actuator operable to automatically adjust at least one adjustment members... the actuator comprising a motor, a first lever driven by the motor, a second lever driving the at least one adjustment member, and a link connecting the first and second levers together

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentEP2503136B1Electronic fuel control system

Publication Date: 2020.12.16 BARCAROLE

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AI summary

The present invention is concerned with an electronic fuel control system including a carburettor having a throttle bore, a fuel chamber, and at least one fuel circuit extending between the fuel chamber and the throttle bore and controlled by an adjustment member such as a needle, the control system further including an actuator operable to automatically adjust the adjustment member in response to one or more engine operating parameters.