Fuel Injector Control Adaptive State Sequencing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current fuel injector control systems face challenges in efficiently managing current supply due to variations among different engine types and the need for sophisticated diagnostic capabilities, with existing phase-based control methods being limited.

Innovation Solution

A fuel injector control system that uses a controller to manage a driver through a predetermined sequence of states with defined test parameters, allowing adaptive control and diagnostic capabilities by determining whether target or diagnostic parameters are met, thereby adjusting the power supply to the fuel injector.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If phase-based control is used for fuel injector current supply, then control simplicity is maintained, but control precision and adaptability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidcontrol precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The injection cycle is divided into multiple discrete states (e.g., state 1, state 2, state 3, etc.), each with specific current targets and test parameters. This segmentation allows precise control of current waveform shape and duration without requiring complex continuous control algorithms, resolving the contradiction between control simplicity and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control system dynamically transitions between different states based on real-time evaluation of test parameters. Each state has adaptive current targets and thresholds that can be modified based on injector performance, allowing the system to maintain precision while using a relatively simple state-machine control structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If additional microprocessor intervention and discrete circuit implementations are added to address diagnostic needs, then diagnostic capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control and diagnostic functions are merged into a unified state-based control architecture. The same state transitions and parameter evaluations used for injection control also serve diagnostic purposes by monitoring current waveform characteristics against predefined thresholds, eliminating the need for separate diagnostic circuits and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The state-based control system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it controls injection timing and duration, monitors injector health through test parameter evaluation, and provides diagnostic information all through the same control structure, making the system multi-functional without adding complexity.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If test parameters with different values are applied to different states, then adaptability to various injector conditions is improved, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to injector variationsVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each state has locally optimized current targets and test parameter thresholds tailored to specific phases of the injection cycle and particular injector conditions. For example, early states may have lower current targets while later states have higher targets, allowing the system to adapt to injector variations without requiring a completely different control strategy for each condition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 approach enables adaptive control over fuel injector power supply, improving engine performance and diagnostic capabilities by customizing current waveform delivery based on predefined states and test parameters, reducing processing load and enhancing diagnostic reporting.

Implementation Method 1

A driver is configured to supply electrical power to a fuel injector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3514358B1Fuel injector control including adaptive response
Publication Date: 2021.10.06 DELPHI TECH IP LTD
  • EP3514358B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3514358B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3514358B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

An illustrative embodiment of a fuel injector (52) control system (50) includes a driver (62) that is configured to supply electrical power to a fuel injector (52). A controller (54) is configured to control the driver (62) according to a predetermined sequence of states for an injection cycle. The plurality of predefined states each include parameters for supplying electrical power to a fuel injector (52). Each of the states has a corresponding plurality of test parameters. At least one of the test parameters is a target parameter for the state. During each of the states, the controller (54) determines whether at least one of the test parameters is met and determines how to control the driver (62) for a subsequent portion of the injection cycle based on which of the test parameters is met.