Electromagnetic Fuel Injector Opening Time Determination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining the opening time of electromagnetic fuel injectors lack precision and are not economically or easily implementable, particularly in controlling fuel injections for small quantities where accurate timing is crucial.

Innovation Solution

A method involving an electronic control unit that determines the opening time by analyzing the voltage and current dynamics of the electromagnetic actuator, using a comparison between actual and test injection scenarios to identify the precise instant of valve opening, thereby establishing the opening time with high accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If progressively increasing energization times are used to determine opening time, then the opening time can be identified, but the method lacks precision and is not economically viable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopening time determination precisionVSAvoidmethod implementation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical detection methods with electrical signal analysis. By monitoring voltage and current signals from the electromagnetic actuator, the system determines valve opening instant without mechanical sensors, achieving high precision while maintaining economic viability and simplicity

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses electrical signals (voltage and current) as intermediaries to detect the valve opening instant. These signals serve as mediators between the electromagnetic actuator's mechanical action and the control unit's measurement, enabling precise determination of opening time through signal analysis rather than direct mechanical measurement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If existing methods are used to determine opening time, then some measurement can be obtained, but the accuracy of fuel injections especially for small quantities is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel injection accuracyVSAvoidopening time information precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the voltage and current signals from the electromagnetic actuator and using this information to precisely determine the valve opening instant. This feedback mechanism provides accurate real-time data about the injection process, enabling precise control of fuel injection timing and quantity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary analysis of the voltage and current signal characteristics to establish the relationship between signal changes and valve opening. By understanding the signal patterns before actual injection, the system can accurately determine the opening instant during operation, improving fuel injection precision for small quantities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 method allows for precise determination of the opening time, enhancing the accuracy of fuel injections, especially for small quantities, and is economically viable as it does not require additional hardware or significant computational resources, thus improving the control of electromagnetic fuel injectors.

Implementation Method 1

the coil of the electromagnetic actuator is energized so as to generate a magnetic field which attracts the movable armature towards the fixed magnetic pole

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

against the elastic force exerted by the closing spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3575583B1Method to determine an opening time of an electromagnetic fuel injector
Publication Date: 2021.06.30 FAB ITAL MAGNETI MARELLI SPA
  • EP3575583B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3575583B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3575583B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Method to determine an opening time (To) of an electromagnetic fuel injector (4); the electromagnetic fuel injector (4) is controlled using a series of progressively increasing energization times (TINJ) of the electromagnetic actuator (14); for each control of the electromagnetic injector (4), the presence or the absence of a closing of the injection valve (15) is detected; the opening time (TO) is identified, which is equal to an intermediate value between the last energization time (TINJ) of the electromagnetic actuator (14) for which the absence of a closing of the injection valve (15) was determined and the first energization time (TINJ) of the electromagnetic actuator (14) for which the presence of a closing of the injection valve (15) was determined.