Piston Pump Control for Noise Reduction in Small Engines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small cylinder-capacity combustion engines, such as motorcycle and lawnmower engines, experience noise disturbances due to the rapid movement of piston pumps during engine starting phases, as the return spring moves the piston rapidly without sufficient fuel pressure resistance, leading to audible noise that persists until engine noise is established.
Innovation Solution
A method for managing a piston pump using a vehicle computer to control the solenoid and return spring, where the piston is moved to its high position after a predetermined period, and the solenoid control is suspended once the fuel pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold, limiting the pump's operating period and minimizing noise generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the return spring stiffness is predetermined to move the piston when fuel pressure is below a threshold, then pressure regulation is incorporated into the pump, but the piston strikes the solenoid or cylinder rapidly generating noise disturbance
Solution Approach 1:
The pump operates in periodic cycles during the starting phase, alternating between active pumping phases and pause phases. The control unit activates the solenoid for a first duration to pressurize fuel, then deactivates it for a second duration to allow pressure maintenance. This periodic operation reduces continuous noise generation while ensuring adequate fuel pressurization before engine start.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the pump operation mode based on real-time pressure feedback. The control unit monitors fuel pressure and adapts the solenoid activation duration accordingly, transitioning from continuous operation to periodic operation as pressure thresholds are reached. This dynamic control optimizes the balance between pressurization effectiveness and noise reduction.
2Reliability
If the pump operates continuously during the starting phase to pressurize fuel, then fuel pressurization is ensured, but the noise disturbance remains audible for a significant length of time
Solution Approach 1:
The pump operates in periodic cycles during the starting phase, alternating between active pumping phases and pause phases. The control unit activates the solenoid for a first duration to pressurize fuel, then deactivates it for a second duration to allow pressure maintenance. This periodic operation reduces continuous noise generation while ensuring adequate fuel pressurization before engine start.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the compressed fuel itself as a cushioning element during the pause phases. The pressurized fuel in the compression chamber maintains pressure without requiring continuous pump operation, allowing the system to 'serve itself' during intervals when the pump is inactive, thereby reducing noise duration while maintaining reliability.
3Productivity
If the piston moves rapidly to its high position striking the solenoid core, then the intake phase is completed quickly, but noise disturbance is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The pump operates in periodic cycles during the starting phase, alternating between active pumping phases and pause phases. The control unit activates the solenoid for a first duration to pressurize fuel, then deactivates it for a second duration to allow pressure maintenance. This periodic operation reduces continuous noise generation while ensuring adequate fuel pressurization before engine start.
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
The method effectively ensures fuel pressurization while reducing noise during engine starting phases by detecting the pressure threshold through current intensity measurements, thereby minimizing the pump's operating time and noise production.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid positioned at the upper end of the guide in order to move the piston upward during the intake phase
Implementation Method 2
a return spring allowing the piston to be moved downward during the compression phase when the solenoid ceases to control the movement of the piston
Implementation Method 3
a piston slidably mounted in said guide in order to form a fuel compression chamber
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for managing a piston pump using a computer of a vehicle, the pump including a guide, a piston slidably mounted in the guide, and a solenoid, suitable for moving the piston, the method including, as long as the fuel pressure in the compression chamber of the pump is below a predetermined pressure threshold, a step of the computer controlling the solenoid in order to move the piston to its high position, and a step of the computer detecting that the predetermined pressure threshold has been exceeded when the current value, measured after a predetermined period, is greater than or equal to a predetermined reference value so that the computer ceases to control the solenoid.