Fuel Injector Control State Selection Based on Activation Signal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current fuel injector control systems face challenges in efficiently supplying current to fuel injectors due to variations among different engine types and the need for improved diagnostic capabilities, with existing phase-based control methods being limited.

Innovation Solution

A fuel injector control system that uses a controller to implement a predetermined sequence of states for electrical power supply, adjusting based on activation signal characteristics such as signal interrupts and duration, allowing adaptive control and diagnostic capabilities through test parameters related to current and time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional phase-based control is used for fuel injectors, then the control method is simple, but the adaptability to different engine types and conditions is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different engine typesVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic state selection within the fuel injector control system. Instead of using a fixed phase-based control sequence, the system dynamically selects from multiple predefined states (S1-S6) based on real-time characteristics of the activation signal such as duty cycle and pulse width. This allows the control system to adapt to different engine types and operating conditions while maintaining a manageable complexity through predefined state options rather than fully adaptive algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes control parameters by selecting different predefined states (S1-S6) that have distinct electrical power supply characteristics. Each state represents a different combination of current supply patterns, voltage levels, and timing parameters. By changing which state is activated based on the duty cycle and pulse width of the activation signal, the system achieves adaptability across different engine types without requiring complete redesign of the control logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If additional microprocessor intervention and supplemental discrete circuit implementations are added, then diagnostic capabilities improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic capabilitiesVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller is designed to perform multiple functions using a unified state-based control architecture. It simultaneously controls the electrical power supply to the fuel injector, monitors activation signal characteristics, and provides diagnostic capabilities through the same control structure. The predefined states (S1-S6) can be selected not only for normal operation but also for diagnostic modes, eliminating the need for separate discrete diagnostic circuits and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If a predetermined sequence of states is implemented, then control precision improves, but the ability to respond to signal interrupts and varying conditions decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidresponse to activation signal characteristics
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic state selection that responds to real-time characteristics of the activation signal. The controller monitors the duty cycle and pulse width of incoming activation signals and dynamically selects the appropriate predefined state (S1-S6) based on these characteristics. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain precise control through predefined state parameters while simultaneously responding flexibly to varying engine operating conditions and different signal patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3514357B1Fuel injector control including state selection based on a control signal characteristic
Publication Date: 2021.08.11 DELPHI TECH IP LTD
  • EP3514357B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3514357B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3514357B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

An illustrative embodiment of a fuel injector (54) control system (50) includes a driver (62) that is configured to supply electrical power to a fuel injector (54). A controller (54) is configured to control the driver (62) by implementing a predetermined sequence of a plurality of states for an injection cycle. The plurality of states each include parameters for supplying electrical power to the fuel injector (54). The controller (54) selects one of the states to implement as a next one of the states in the sequence based on a characteristic of an activation signal (200) and information indicative of the state corresponding to the characteristic of the activation signal (200)