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
Engineering 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
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.
2Ease of operation
If excessive power is applied to the fuel injector, then the injector opens fully, but unnecessary power consumption occurs
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.
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
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.
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
Data Source
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.


