Heated Fuel Injector Control via Single-Line Data Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closed-loop temperature control systems for heater elements in heated fuel injectors face challenges in accurately determining temperature feedback signals due to ground shift errors, which are exacerbated by additional wires or complex digital communication methods, increasing system cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a single-line data connection for two-way communication, where a voltage source outputs a heater enable signal and a variable current sink indicates temperature values, allowing simultaneous transmission of both signals on the same line, thereby minimizing ground shift errors and maintaining system simplicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a separate signal ground wire is provided to minimize ground shift errors, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heater enable signal and temperature feedback signal onto a single data line, eliminating the need for separate signal ground wiring. The controller and heated fuel injector share the same data line for bidirectional communication, reducing wiring complexity while maintaining measurement precision through proper signal conditioning and isolation techniques.
2Measurement precision
If digital signal communication techniques are used to avoid ground shift errors, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex digital communication hardware with a simplified analog signal-based approach. Instead of using digital protocols that require additional transceivers and processing logic, the system uses voltage-level signaling on a single data line to convey both heater enable commands and temperature feedback, reducing electronic hardware complexity while maintaining communication accuracy.
3Device complexity
If a single-line data connection is used for two-way communication, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication function into distinct signal modes: heater enable command transmission and temperature feedback transmission occur at different times on the same data line. The controller detects these different signal modes by monitoring voltage levels and timing, allowing accurate temperature feedback to be conveyed over a single wire without interference from the heater control signals.
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 enables accurate closed-loop temperature control of heater elements in heated fuel injectors with reduced system complexity and cost by using a single-line data connection for both heater enable state and temperature feedback, effectively addressing ground shift issues and maintaining system efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The voltage source is configured to output a heater enable signal on the single-line data connection. The heater enable signal has a voltage value indicative of a heater enable state.
Implementation Method 2
The variable current sink is configured to draw a current value from the single-line data connection. The current value is indicative of a temperature value related to the heated fuel injector.
Implementation Method 3
a heater element (12) thermally coupled to a heated fuel injector (14)
Implementation Method 4
a thermistor (16) electrically coupled to the heated fuel injector (14) and the controller (20)
Data Source
AI summary
A system, heated fuel injector, and controller for closed-loop temperature control of a heated fuel injector having simultaneous two-way data communication over a single-line data connection. The system includes a voltage source to output a heater enable signal and a variable current sink configured to draw a current value indicative of a temperature value related to the heated fuel injector. The heater signal and the current value are simultaneously present on the single-line data connection. The configuration reduces the effect of ground shift on the accuracy of determining a feedback signal from the heated fuel injector. The feedback signal is a temperature value related to the heated fuel injector and is indicated by a current value. Because the feedback signal is a current value, the feedback signal is generally immune from being influenced by ground shift between the controller and the heated fuel injector.