Fuel Injector Pull-In Duration for Lower Solenoid Power Draw
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling fuel injectors in internal combustion engines do not effectively manage power draw, which can lead to excessive power consumption and potential damage to power sources.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for controlling fuel injectors by determining a pull-in duration based on engine conditions, applying current to move a valve member, and reducing the current to a keep-in level after the duration, using pull-in duration maps to optimize power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous high current is applied to the valve solenoid to ensure reliable valve actuation, then the reliability of fuel injection is improved, but the power consumption increases and may exceed power source limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using pulsed current instead of continuous current. A high current pulse is applied only during the brief period needed to actuate the valve (when fuel pressure is highest), and then the current is reduced or interrupted. This timing-based approach ensures reliable valve opening only when necessary, significantly reducing overall power consumption while maintaining injection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action by applying high current to the solenoid in advance of the actual injection event, specifically when fuel pressure is at its maximum. This timing ensures the valve is actuated reliably during the most favorable pressure conditions, allowing the system to use lower currents for the remainder of the injection cycle, thereby reducing power consumption.
2Speed
If high current is applied to the valve solenoid to ensure rapid valve response, then the speed of valve actuation is improved, but the power source may exceed its power limit
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action by delivering high current in short, timed pulses only when rapid valve actuation is actually needed (at the start of injection when fuel pressure is maximum). The current is then reduced or interrupted for the remainder of the injection event, preventing the power source from being continuously overloaded while maintaining the necessary actuation speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the skipping principle by rushing through the high-power phase as quickly as possible. The high current is applied only for the brief duration needed to overcome valve spring force and fuel pressure, then the system skips to a lower current state. This minimizes the time the power source is subjected to high demand, preventing sustained overload.
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
Reduces power draw, enhancing efficiency and safety by minimizing power consumption and preventing overheating of electrical components.
Implementation Method 1
applying current to a valve solenoid to move the valve member of the fuel injector to a closed position
Data Source
AI summary
In one instance, disclosed herein is a method for controlling a fuel injector of an engine system, the method comprising: determining, based on an engine condition of the engine system, a pull-in duration for the fuel injector during which current is applied to move a valve member away from a resting position; applying a current to a valve solenoid to move the valve member of the fuel injector to a closed position for the determined pull-in duration; and after the determined pull-in duration, reducing the current applied to the valve solenoid to a keep-in level.