Injector Solenoid Valve Closing Time via Logarithmic Coil Voltage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining the closing time of a solenoid valve in injectors suffer from low signal-to-noise ratios and require complex filtering or measurement techniques due to injector tolerances, leading to uneven fuel distribution.

Innovation Solution

Determine the closing time of a solenoid valve by evaluating the logarithmic voltage ratio between the coil voltage and a reference value, using the second derivative of this ratio to identify the inflection point, and employing moving averages to smooth the signal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the second derivative of the voltage signal is used to identify the inflection point, then the closing time can be determined, but the signal-to-noise ratio becomes very low requiring strong filtering or sophisticated measurement techniques

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclosing time determinationVSAvoidsignal-to-noise ratio
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the voltage signal through mathematical operations (integration and logarithmic transformation) to change its parameters. By integrating the voltage signal once and then taking the logarithm, the inflection point becomes a maximum point that is easier to detect with higher signal-to-noise ratio, avoiding the need for second derivative calculations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex measurement techniques and strong filtering requirements with a mathematical transformation approach. Instead of using sophisticated hardware measurement techniques to handle low signal-to-noise ratio, the solution uses signal transformation to convert the detection problem into finding a maximum point in the transformed signal

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If strong filtering is applied to improve signal-to-noise ratio, then measurement accuracy improves, but the complexity of the measurement system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal-to-noise ratioVSAvoidfiltering complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex physical filtering systems with mathematical signal transformation. By integrating the voltage signal and applying logarithmic transformation, the method converts noise-sensitive second derivative detection into maximum point detection in a transformed domain, eliminating the need for complex filtering hardware or algorithms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If injector tolerances are not compensated, then the system is simpler, but uneven fuel distribution occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinjector tolerance compensationVSAvoidfuel distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism by measuring the actual closing time of each injector through voltage signal analysis and using this information to compensate for individual injector tolerances. The method determines the closing time by detecting the maximum point in the integrated and logarithmically transformed voltage signal, providing feedback data that can be used to adjust injection duration and achieve uniform fuel distribution across all injectors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Improves the signal-to-noise ratio and enables a robust, computationally efficient determination of the closing time, reducing measurement inaccuracies and ensuring precise fuel injection.

Implementation Method 1

The injector has a coil to generate a magnetic field, allowing the coil to function as an electromagnet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnet: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

The induced voltage is generated by decaying eddy currents in a magnetic circuit of the coil actuator and by movement of the magnetic armature relative to the coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

The induced voltage is generated by decaying eddy currents in a magnetic circuit of the coil actuator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEddy currents: Eddy Currents

Data Source

PatentEP4237674B1Method for determining a closing time of an injector having a solenoid valve, computer program, control apparatus, internal combustion engine and motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP4237674B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP4237674B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4237674B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for determining a closing time of a solenoid valve of an injector, wherein the closing time is determined by ascertaining a logarithmic voltage ratio between a coil voltage and a reference value for the coil voltage, the coil voltage being a voltage applied to a coil of the solenoid valve.