Fuel Injector Driver Resistive Short Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel injection systems fail to detect resistive short-to-ground faults, leading to unintended actuation of fuel injectors and potential engine component damage due to the inability to differentiate between direct and resistive short-circuiting.
Innovation Solution
A fault detection system that includes a state detection module, a pull-up module with a pull-up resistor, and an output module to determine if the injector driver circuit is inactive and selectively apply a pull-up voltage, comparing the intersection voltage with a reference voltage to detect resistive short-to-ground faults.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fault detection methods are used, then direct short-to-ground faults can be detected, but resistive short-to-ground faults cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from simple presence/absence of short circuit to measuring the actual resistance value. By introducing a pull-up resistor and measuring the voltage divider ratio, the system can detect resistive faults that traditional binary detection methods miss. The state detection module measures resistance values to differentiate between direct shorts (near 0 ohms) and resistive shorts (higher resistance values).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pull-up resistor as an intermediary component to enable resistance measurement. This pull-up resistor creates a voltage divider circuit with the fuel injector, allowing the state detection module to measure the resistance value indirectly through voltage measurement. This intermediary enables the detection of resistive faults without directly measuring current or voltage in a way that would interfere with normal operation.
2Device complexity
If multiple fuel injectors share electrical connections, then system complexity is reduced, but fault propagation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fault detection function by introducing individual state detection modules for each fuel injector group. Each module independently monitors the resistance of its associated injectors, allowing localized fault detection without affecting other groups. This segmentation enables precise fault isolation while maintaining the shared electrical connection structure for normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the state detection module that continuously monitors resistance values and provides information to the controller. When a resistive short is detected, the feedback mechanism allows the controller to take corrective action (such as disabling affected injectors) while maintaining normal operation of unaffected components. This feedback loop maintains system reliability despite shared electrical connections.
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
Effectively detects resistive short-to-ground faults, preventing over-fueling and untimely fueling, thereby reducing the risk of engine component damage while maintaining normal system operation.
Implementation Method 1
determining an intersection voltage at a point between the pull-up resistor and the low-side output. The method further includes comparing the intersection voltage to a predetermined reference voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A method of detecting a resistive short-to-ground fault in an injector driver circuit is disclosed. The method includes determining if the injector driver circuit is in an inactive state and providing a pull-up resistor configured for connection to a low-side output of at least one fuel injector. The method further includes selectively enabling a pull-up voltage across the pull-up resistor only when the injector driver circuit is in the inactive state and determining an intersection voltage at a point between the pull-up resistor and the low-side output. The method further includes comparing the intersection voltage with a predetermined reference voltage. The method further includes disabling the injector driver circuit if the short-to-ground fault is detected at the low-side of the fuel injectors.