Fuel Supply Unit Control Module for Carburetor Idle Speed

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fuel supply systems for internal combustion engines, particularly carburettors, face challenges in efficiently managing the air-fuel ratio due to environmental conditions and power consumption, with existing throttle position sensors unable to distinguish between part throttle and idle states, leading to high costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A fuel supply unit with a control module that includes a throttle position sensor, a fuel valve, and an air valve, where at least one valve is only powered when changing state, using solenoid-type valves to control the air-fuel mixture, allowing for adjustable fuel supply and reduced power consumption, eliminating the need for a battery or generator.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If solenoid valves are used to control fuel supply for adjusting air-fuel ratio, then fuel consumption and emissions are reduced, but manufacturing cost and assembly time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel consumptionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the engine's own operational states (throttle position, engine speed) to automatically control fuel supply timing and amount through the solenoid valve, eliminating the need for external manual adjustment or additional sensing systems. The control module leverages existing sensor data to drive the fuel valve, making the system self-regulating and reducing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The solenoid valve operates in periodic cycles, opening and closing based on detected engine conditions rather than remaining continuously open or closed. This periodic operation allows precise control of fuel delivery timing, optimizing combustion efficiency and reducing emissions while maintaining simple valve hardware design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Adaptability or versatility

If solenoid valves are used to control fuel supply, then air-fuel ratio adjustment is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair-fuel ratio adjustmentVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control module serves multiple functions: it reads throttle position from the sensor, determines engine operating state (idle, part throttle, full throttle), controls the solenoid valve timing, and adjusts fuel supply amount. This multi-functionality is achieved within a single integrated control unit, avoiding the need for separate control circuits and reducing overall system complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the throttle position sensor, control logic, and fuel valve control into an integrated control module that works with the existing carburetor assembly. The solenoid valve is incorporated into the fuel supply system rather than being a separate additive component, reducing the number of discrete parts and simplifying system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If conventional throttle position sensor is used, then full throttle detection is achieved, but part throttle and idle states cannot be distinguished

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethrottle position detectionVSAvoidstate discrimination capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static throttle position detection (only full throttle) to dynamic multi-state detection by combining throttle position data with engine speed information. The control module continuously evaluates changing operational parameters to distinguish between idle, part throttle, and full throttle states, enabling adaptive fuel control across all operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control module uses feedback from the throttle position sensor and engine speed sensor to continuously determine the current operating state and adjust fuel supply accordingly. This closed-loop approach allows the system to accurately distinguish between different throttle states and make real-time adjustments to maintain optimal air-fuel ratio across varying operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Reliability

If fuel valve is powered continuously, then reliable control is achieved, but power consumption increases especially at idle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The solenoid valve is energized only during specific periods when fuel injection is required, rather than being continuously powered. The control module activates the valve in synchronized pulses with the engine cycle based on detected operating conditions, achieving reliable fuel control while minimizing power consumption during idle and other low-demand states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the engine's own operational characteristics (idle detection through throttle position and speed sensing) to automatically control power delivery to the fuel valve. When idle conditions are detected, the system self-regulates by reducing or eliminating power to the solenoid valve, eliminating the need for separate power management circuits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 solution enables a fuel supply system with low fuel and power consumption, allowing for efficient engine operation and reduced production costs, while maintaining the ability to adjust the air-fuel mixture for optimal performance across varying conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a fuel valve (60) for controlling the fuel supply to the main air passage (3), wherein at least one valve is only powered when changing state, in particular wherein the fuel valve (60) is of solenoid type

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

A digital type of hall sensor (32) is provided and being arranged to generate one of two possible signal values depending on whether it is actuated by said magnet or not actuated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHall effect: Hall Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2268911B1Fuel supply unit
Publication Date: 2017.01.04 HUSQVARNA AB
  • EP2268911B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2268911B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2268911B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A fuel supply unit (1) is provided e.g. a carbu rettor or a low pressure injection system of an internal combustion engine. The fuel supply unit (1) include s a main air passage (3), which has a throttle valve (8, 9) mount ed therein and the throttle valve (8, 9) includes a throttle shaft (8 ) extending between two to one another opposite located shaft sides (6, 7). A control module (2) for th e fuel supply (2) is mounted to one (7) of the shaft sides (6, 7), which control modul e (2) includes throttl e position detecting means (30; 300) for monitoring the position of the throttle valve (8, 9), and fuel valve means (60) for controlling th e fuel supply to the main air passage (3). Also, an ignition system is provided which is able to control the ignition timing with respect to status of the at least one of the means (30; 300, 40, 60, 100) in the control module (2) in order to at least control the idle speed of the engine. The ignition system further being arranged to power at least one of the means (30; 300, 40, 60, 100) of the control module (2).