Engine Injector Control Voltage Boost Phase Power Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control devices for internal combustion engines experience high power loss and reduced efficiency due to rapid voltage changes in the boost phase, leading to increased wear and cooling requirements.
Innovation Solution
A control device that manages injector or gas valve voltage levels by maintaining a relatively low boost voltage greater than zero volts during the boost phase, allowing it to remain longer and reducing power loss, and adjusting voltage levels between low and high hold phases to match supply voltage, thereby minimizing power consumption and extending device and injector life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the voltage at the injector changes between almost zero volts and a high boost voltage in the boost phase, then the injector can be opened effectively, but the power loss increases and the boost current drops quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static two-level voltage control (0V and high boost voltage) to a dynamic multi-level voltage control system. The control device now uses at least three different voltage levels including an intermediate voltage level, allowing gradual voltage adjustment during the boost phase. This dynamic voltage modulation maintains effective injector opening while reducing power loss and preventing rapid boost current drops.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by introducing an intermediate voltage level between the zero voltage level and the high boost voltage level. This creates a stepped voltage progression (0V → intermediate voltage → high boost voltage) that modifies the electrical parameters during the boost phase. The intermediate voltage level reduces the voltage differential stress, thereby decreasing power loss while maintaining sufficient current to open the injector effectively.
2Speed
If the voltage changes rapidly between zero volts and high boost voltage, then the injector opens quickly, but the cooling requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic voltage control with intermediate levels allows the system to achieve injector opening without the extreme rapid voltage transition from 0V to high boost voltage. The stepped voltage application (through intermediate levels) maintains opening speed while reducing the thermal shock and continuous high-power dissipation that would increase cooling requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic or pulsed voltage application through intermediate levels during the boost phase. Instead of a single abrupt voltage jump, the voltage is applied in controlled steps or pulses, which reduces continuous high-power dissipation and associated heat generation, thereby lowering cooling requirements while maintaining effective injector operation.
3Reliability
If the boost voltage is always high, then the injector opens reliably, but the device complexity and cooling system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the voltage parameter from a constant high boost voltage to a variable multi-level voltage sequence. By using intermediate voltage levels strategically during the boost phase, the system maintains reliable injector opening while reducing the duration and intensity of high-voltage application. This reduces overall power dissipation and heat generation, allowing for simpler cooling system design.
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 reduces power loss, enhances system efficiency, prolongs device and injector lifespan, and decreases cooling needs, potentially eliminating additional cooling requirements.
Implementation Method 1
the voltage present at the injector changes between different voltage levels in a boost phase of the control and also in a hold phase of the control
Data Source
AI summary
Control device of an internal combustion engine, namely, for controlling injectors or gas valves of a fuel supply system of the internal combustion engine, wherein the control device controls each injector for opening the same such that the voltage present at the respective injector changes between different voltage levels in a boost phase of the control as well as in a hold phase of the control, and wherein the control device controls the respective injector in the boost phase such that after reaching a defined boost current level the voltage present at the respective injector changes between a relatively low boost voltage level which is greater than zero volts and a relatively high boost voltage level which is greater than a supply voltage of the control device.