Engine Fuel Pump Power Cut for Control Module Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing engine operation control systems face issues where the control module stops functioning due to insufficient electric power generated by the engine, particularly when the engine's driving force decreases, leading to electric power shortages.

Innovation Solution

An operation control system for engines that includes a control module which cuts the electric power supply to the fuel pump when the piston reaches the compression top dead center, ensuring reliable electric power supply to the control module by preventing power distribution during periods of decreased engine power generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electric power is supplied to the fuel pump continuously, then fuel supply is maintained, but the control module may stop operating when generated electric power decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol module operation reliabilityVSAvoidelectric power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The fuel pump is controlled to operate periodically rather than continuously, with its operation synchronized to the engine's power generation cycles. The pump operates during periods when the engine generates sufficient power and stops when power generation decreases, ensuring the control module always has adequate power supply while maintaining fuel supply functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the fuel pump's operation based on real-time engine power generation conditions. The control module monitors the engine's power output and automatically modulates the fuel pump's operation accordingly, creating a dynamic balance between fuel supply requirements and electric power availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If electric power is supplied to multiple electric equipment simultaneously, then all functions operate, but electric power shortage occurs when engine driving force decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectric equipment operation capabilityVSAvoidgenerated electric power

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial action by selectively operating only the necessary electric equipment based on available power. When the engine generates sufficient power, multiple equipment including the fuel pump operate. When power generation decreases, the system reduces operation to essential functions only, preventing power shortage while maintaining adaptability to varying operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS8746198B2Operation control system for an engine and vehicle comprising the same

Publication Date: 2014.06.10 YAMAHA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

An operation control system for an engine having at least one piston includes an engine control unit which drives a fuel pump for supplying fuel to an injector. The engine control unit is configured to perform a control function to cut the electric power supply to the fuel pump when the piston arrives at a position in the vicinity of compression top dead center in the cylinder of the engine.