Fuel Injector Control Using Throttle Coupler Pressure Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel systems with electronic fuel injectors are complex and costly, requiring multiple sensors and high-pressure pumps, making them unsuitable for a wide range of engine applications.
Innovation Solution
A charge forming device with a throttle body, throttle valve, coupler, and actuator, featuring a flexible coupler with anti-rotation features and a pressure sensor to control fuel injection based on pressure changes, reducing the need for high-pressure pumps and complex sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a high-pressure fuel system with electronic fuel injectors is used, then precise fuel delivery is achieved, but system complexity and cost increase due to multiple sensors and high-pressure pumps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the high-pressure pump and multiple sensors from the fuel system, replacing them with a simplified atmospheric pressure system that uses natural suction during intake stroke to deliver fuel, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining fuel delivery precision through timing control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive high-pressure pumps and multiple sensors with simpler, lower-cost components including a single pressure sensor and atmospheric pressure fuel delivery mechanism, reducing overall system cost while achieving adequate fuel injection precision
2Extent of automation
If a high-pressure fuel system with multiple sensors is used, then fuel injection control is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the single pressure sensor perform multiple functions: detecting cylinder pressure for fuel injection timing control, monitoring combustion events, and providing data for engine management decisions, thereby achieving advanced automated fuel injection control without the cost of multiple specialized sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system using the pressure sensor to monitor in-cylinder pressure conditions and automatically adjust fuel injection timing and duration based on real-time pressure readings, achieving precise automated fuel injection control with minimal sensor input
3Productivity
If oxygen sensors and high-pressure pumps are included, then fuel system performance is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of oxygen sensing, pressure monitoring, and fuel injection control into a single integrated pressure sensing and control system, eliminating the need for separate oxygen sensors and high-pressure pump components while maintaining overall fuel system performance
Data Source
AI summary
In at least some implementations, a charge forming device includes a body that has a throttle bore, a throttle valve associated with the throttle bore, a coupler and an actuator. The throttle has a valve head received within and movable relative to the throttle bore, and a valve shaft to which the valve head is coupled. The coupler is connected to the valve shaft and carries or includes a sensor element. And the actuator has a drive shaft coupled to the coupler so that rotation of the drive shaft is transmitted to the coupler and the valve shaft.