LPG Engine Control Unit Signal Generation for Dual-Fuel Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing cost and complexity of dual-fuel cars using liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and gasoline are increased due to the requirement of multiple components like vaporizers, mixers, and control units, making the design and production process cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
An integrated system where the LPG engine control unit generates gas fuel injection signals based on gasoline fuel injection signals, directly injecting LPG into the fuel tank's combustion chamber, simplifying engine design and reducing manufacturing costs by sharing control units and using a CAN communication module for proportional constant transmission and pulse signal reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a vaporizer, mixer, and separate LPG control unit are used, then LPG can be properly vaporized and mixed with air, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the LPG control unit functions with the existing gasoline engine control unit. The ECU generates both gasoline injection signals and LPG injection signals, eliminating the need for a separate LPG control unit. The controller integrates multiple functions including fuel injection control, ignition control, and LPG-specific control in a single unit, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable combustion.
Solution Approach 2:
The engine control unit is designed to perform multiple functions: controlling gasoline injection, controlling LPG injection, managing ignition timing, and monitoring various sensor inputs. This multi-functional approach allows a single control unit to replace what would traditionally require separate dedicated controllers for each function, reducing overall system complexity.
2Temperature
If a vaporizer and mixer are installed, then LPG vaporization and mixing is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vaporization and mixing functions from the fuel delivery system and relocates them to occur directly in the combustion chamber. By injecting LPG in liquid form directly into the cylinder where it vaporizes and mixes with air during the compression stroke, the patent eliminates the need for separate vaporizer and mixer components, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of the conventional approach where LPG is vaporized before injection (in a vaporizer), the patent inverts the sequence by injecting liquid LPG directly into the combustion chamber where it vaporizes in situ. This inversion eliminates the need for pre-vaporization equipment and simplifies the overall system architecture.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple control units are used for LPG and gasoline, then fuel injection control is precise, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the LPG fuel injection control functionality into the existing gasoline ECU. The controller generates injection signals for both gasoline and LPG injectors using the same control unit, maintaining precise fuel injection control while eliminating the need for a separate LPG control unit, thereby reducing manufacturing cost.
4Adaptability or versatility
If separate LPG control unit is used, then LPG injection control is independent, but the engine design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The ECU is designed with universal control capabilities that can independently manage both gasoline and LPG injection systems. The controller contains separate injection control logic for each fuel type while operating as a single integrated unit, providing the adaptability of independent control without the complexity of separate control units.
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 allows for easier engine modification, reduces manufacturing costs, and simplifies the manufacturing process of dual-fuel cars by generating gas fuel injection signals from gasoline signals, directly injecting LPG into the combustion chamber, thereby streamlining the design and production.
Implementation Method 1
generates gas fuel injection signals based on a gasoline fuel injection signal
Implementation Method 2
supplies LPG in the liquid form to a gas injector by using a fuel pump
Implementation Method 3
the LPG is sprayed through the gas injector to a cylinder, and the sprayed LPG is mixed with air to be vaporized
Implementation Method 4
When the LPG in liquid form is vaporized, the fuel and air can be easily mixed so that combustibility can increase
Implementation Method 5
using a CAN communication module for proportional constant transmission and pulse signal reception
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is method and apparatus for supplying fuel of LPG car having LPI system. More particularly, the present invention generates a gas fuel injection signal based on a gasoline fuel injection signal and directly injects LPG fuel within a fuel tank to a combustion chamber using the generated gas fuel injection signal to drive an engine. Therefore, an engine can be easily changed, the manufacturing cost of a duel car of LPG and gasoline can be reduced, and the manufacturing process thereof can be simplified.