Fuel Injector Control Using PWM Boosted Voltage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fuel injector control systems in internal combustion engines face challenges in efficiently managing the power application to fuel injectors, leading to incomplete closure before the next injection event and potential over-powering issues, which affect fuel injection precision and engine performance.

Innovation Solution

A fuel injector control system utilizing a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal with a duty cycle less than 100% and a predetermined frequency, along with a boosted voltage, to control the fuel injector's opening and closing, ensuring precise current profiles and target periods for efficient fuel injection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If continuous power is applied to the fuel injector, then the fuel injector remains open, but the injector cannot close completely before the next injection event

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinjector open durationVSAvoidinjector closure completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic pulsed power signals to the fuel injector instead of continuous power. The controller delivers short duration power pulses that open the injector for the required injection period, then removes power to allow complete closure. This periodic action pattern enables the injector to both remain open during injection and close completely between injections, resolving the contradiction between open duration and closure completeness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Ease of operation

If excessive power is applied to the fuel injector, then the injector opens fully, but unnecessary power consumption occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinjector opening effectivenessVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial power action by delivering power pulses of precisely controlled duration and magnitude. Instead of applying excessive continuous power, the controller provides just enough power for the required time period to achieve complete fuel injection. This partial action approach ensures the injector opens fully and injects all required fuel while minimizing power consumption by stopping power delivery once injection is complete.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Use of energy by moving object

If power is removed early from the fuel injector, then power consumption is reduced, but the injector does not have sufficient time to close completely

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidinjector closure time
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The controller implements periodic power delivery with precise timing control. Power is applied in pulses that duration is calculated to achieve complete fuel injection, then power is removed for a controlled period allowing the injector to close completely before the next injection event. This periodic action with optimized pulse duration reduces power consumption while ensuring sufficient closure time through proper pulse spacing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic 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 approach allows for precise control of fuel injection, ensuring the fuel injector is fully open within a target period and efficiently manages power application, improving engine performance by maintaining optimal fuel injection precision and reducing unnecessary power consumption.

Implementation Method 1

A fuel injector control system utilizing a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal with a duty cycle less than 100% and a predetermined frequency, along with a boosted voltage, to control the fuel injector's opening and closing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentUS10590882B2Fuel injector control systems and methods
Publication Date: 2020.03.17 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
  • US10590882B2 patent drawing
  • US10590882B2 patent drawing
  • US10590882B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An injector driver module includes: a first node that is connected to a first terminal of a fuel injector; a first switch configured to, when closed, connect a first potential of a battery to the first node; a second switch configured to, when closed, connect a second potential that is greater than the first potential to the first node; a second node that is connected to a second terminal of the fuel injector; and a third switch configured to, when closed, connect a ground potential to the second node. A switch control module is configured to, starting at a target injecting timing for a fuel injection event of the fuel injector: maintain the third switch closed; and switch the second switch using a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal having (i) a duty cycle that is less than 100 percent and (ii) a predetermined frequency.