Fuel Injector Coil Drive Parameter Characterization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel injectors with coil drives experience variations in injection volume due to electrical, magnetic, and mechanical tolerances, leading to differences in chronological opening and closing responses, which become significant as injection times shorten, necessitating precise characterization of individual fuel injectors for optimal operation.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for ascertaining parameter values for fuel injectors with coil drives by conducting multiple measurements to determine maximum current values, time curves of current intensity and movement, and differential curves, allowing for precise determination and adaptation of drive parameters to ensure accurate fuel injection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple measurements with increasing current values are performed to determine saturation points and eddy current characteristics, then measurement precision and parameter determination accuracy are improved, but measurement time and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary characterization measurements during manufacturing or initial setup to determine saturation current values, eddy current characteristics, and optimal current profiles. These pre-determined parameters are then stored and used during normal operation, eliminating the need for repeated time-consuming measurements while maintaining high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies voltage pulses with progressively increasing current values until saturation is detected, then stops. This partial action approach determines all necessary parameters (saturation point, eddy current characteristics) without performing excessive measurements beyond what is needed, optimizing the balance between measurement completeness and time efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If voltage pulses are applied until saturation current is reached to characterize the fuel injector, then complete parameter determination is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback from current measurements to detect when saturation is reached. By continuously monitoring the current response and identifying the saturation point, the system stops applying voltage pulses at the optimal moment. This feedback mechanism ensures complete parameter determination while preventing excessive energy consumption from unnecessary continued pulsing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies voltage pulses only until saturation is detected, then terminates further pulsing. This partial action approach provides sufficient information for complete characterization without the excessive energy consumption that would result from continuing to apply high current pulses beyond saturation.
3Manufacturing precision
If individual fuel injector characterization is performed for each injector, then injection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and calibration effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables fuel injectors to self-characterize through automated measurement procedures. The system automatically performs measurements, determines parameters (saturation current, eddy current characteristics, optimal current profiles), and stores them without requiring manual intervention or complex calibration equipment. This self-service approach maintains high injection accuracy while reducing calibration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the complex physical characteristics of each fuel injector into a small set of key parameters (saturation current value, eddy current characteristics, optimal current profile). By changing the representation from complex physical variations to simplified parameter sets, the system achieves high injection accuracy while reducing calibration effort and simplifying subsequent control operations.
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 adaptation of fuel injector operation by identifying saturation points, eddy current characteristics, and optimal current profiles, improving injection accuracy and reducing variations between injectors, thus optimizing fuel injection volumes and reducing energy waste.
Implementation Method 1
fuel injector having a coil drive for moving the closing element
Implementation Method 2
detecting a time curve of the current intensity (112, 114) of a current flowing through the coil drive
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to injection valves. The teachings thereof may be embodied in various valves, fuel injectors, and methods for controlling valves. An example method for setting operational parameters of a fuel injector may include: determining a measurement-specific maximum current value; applying a voltage pulse to the coil drive of the fuel injector; detecting a time curve of the current intensity of a current flowing through the coil drive; ending the voltage pulse when the detected current intensity reaches the maximum current value; and storing the time curve of the detected current intensity. The method may include generating a plurality of differential curves each based on two stored time curves of the detected current intensity for successive measurements; determining a peak current for driving the actuator of the fuel injector based at least in part on the plurality of differential curves; and operating the coil at the determined peak current.