Fuel Injection Fault Localization via Feature Comparison

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current fault localization methods for gasoline fuel injection systems are time-consuming and imprecise, as system error codes do not directly point to the defective component, requiring extensive analysis to identify and replace the causative component.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a series of tests that generate features, comparing them to predetermined combinations to precisely localize faults, including low-pressure and high-pressure tests, pressure measurements, and evaluation of pressure gradients to identify deviations and patterns associated with specific faults, allowing for accelerated and simplified fault analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If system error codes are stored in error memory for fault diagnosis, then fault information is captured, but the fault localization remains imprecise and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefault information captureVSAvoidfault analysis time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The fault diagnosis process is segmented into multiple discrete test steps (first test step, second test step, third test step) that systematically isolate different components. Each test step generates specific features that are compared against predetermined combinations, breaking down the complex diagnosis into manageable segments that progressively narrow down the fault location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Predetermined feature combinations are established in advance and stored in memory, allowing for rapid comparison with actual test results. The system performs preliminary setup by pre-defining what feature patterns correspond to specific faults, eliminating the need for complex real-time analysis and significantly reducing diagnosis time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If multiple test steps are performed to generate features for fault identification, then fault localization precision is improved, but the complexity of the diagnostic process increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefault localization precisionVSAvoiddiagnostic process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes operational parameters systematically through different test steps, varying pump operations, valve states, and measurement conditions to generate distinct feature patterns. By changing parameters in a controlled sequence and comparing results against predetermined combinations, the system achieves precise fault localization while maintaining a structured, manageable process complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If pressure measurements and gradient evaluations are performed to minimize system tolerance influence, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the number of measurements and processing steps increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure measurement accuracyVSAvoiddiagnosis speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex mechanical fault detection methods with electronic pressure sensing and computational analysis. By using electronic pressure sensors to continuously monitor pressure and its gradients, combined with computational comparison against predetermined feature combinations, the system achieves high measurement accuracy while maintaining fast diagnosis speed through automated electronic processing rather than manual mechanical inspection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables precise and rapid fault localization in gasoline engine injection systems by generating and comparing features to identify faults effectively, simplifying the analysis process and minimizing the influence of system tolerances.

Implementation Method 1

measuring at least one pressure in the injection system and the features include the deviation of a measured pressure from a predetermined target value

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure measurement:

Data Source

PatentEP2432983B1Fault localisation in a fuel injection system
Publication Date: 2013.09.25 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP2432983B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2432983B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A method for localizing faults in a fuel injection system includes performing a plurality of tests, wherein each test generates one or more characteristics, and identifying a fault in the fuel injection system by comparing the characteristics with specified characteristic combinations. Each characteristic combination is assigned to a fault in the fuel injection system.