Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Control via Road Ahead Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanically driven low-pressure pumps in fuel systems often provide engines with fuel that is not optimally matched to their needs, leading to inefficient fuel consumption, reduced service life of components, and increased operating costs, particularly due to mechanical regulation based on engine speed rather than actual fuel requirements.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine a future working point for the engine based on information about the road ahead, allowing for independent control of low-pressure circuit fuel pumps to optimize fuel supply, using a control unit with a determination unit and pump operating unit to manage fuel pressure and flow, thereby ensuring the engine receives the precise amount of fuel needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanically driven low-pressure pump is used, then the pump structure is simple and reliable, but the fuel supply amount cannot be optimized to match actual engine needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanically driven pump system with an electrically driven pump system that can be independently controlled by the engine control unit. This substitution allows the pump to be decoupled from engine speed, enabling precise control of fuel supply amount based on actual engine needs rather than mechanical coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from engine speed (mechanical coupling) to electrically controllable pump operation. The ECU can independently adjust pump operation parameters such as duty cycle, voltage, or current to optimize fuel supply amount according to actual engine requirements, transforming the system from speed-proportional to demand-based control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a pressure regulator is added to circulate superfluous fuel, then fuel circulation during engine braking is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the pressure regulator component from the fuel system. By using an electrically controlled pump with independent control capability, the system eliminates the need for mechanical pressure regulators and fuel circulation mechanisms, simplifying the overall system while maintaining the ability to handle superfluous fuel during engine braking.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrically controlled pump serves multiple functions: it can precisely control fuel supply during normal operation, handle superfluous fuel during engine braking, and provide optimized fuel delivery across various operating conditions. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate pressure regulators and circulation systems.
3Stress or pressure
If fuel is pumped at high pressure during low engine speed, then fuel delivery pressure is sufficient, but the fuel may not ignite properly and the engine may not start
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the electrically driven pump, allowing the ECU to adjust pump operation in real-time based on engine conditions. During low-speed starting, the ECU can modulate pump duty cycle or voltage to provide appropriate pressure without excessive force, and during acceleration or load changes, it can rapidly increase fuel delivery. This dynamic responsiveness ensures proper fuel ignition and engine starting reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention proposes a method and a system for control of a low-pressure circuit in a fuel system, of a vehicle, which circuit is arranged to provide the vehicle' s engine with fuel from at least one fuel tank via a pressure change system. The system according to the present invention comprises a determination unit adapted to making a determination of a future working point for the engine. The determination unit is adapted to basing this determination on information about a section of road ahead. The system comprises also a pump operating- unit adapted to operating at least one controllable fuel pump which is part of the low- pressure circuit. The pump operating unit is adapted to basing this operation on the future working point.