Single-Driver Fuel Injector Control for Dual Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel injectors with multiple electronically-controlled valves increase cost and complexity due to the need for multiple drive circuits and control modules, leading to increased failure points and costs.
Innovation Solution
A fuel injector drive system that includes a first and second electronically-controlled valve, actuated simultaneously by a single injector driver through a series or parallel electrical connection, reducing the need for multiple drive circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple electronically-controlled valves are used in a fuel injector, then fuel injection control precision is improved, but the number of drive circuits and control modules increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electronically-controlled valves (first solenoid valve for pressurization and second solenoid valve for injection) into a single fuel injector assembly that shares a common drive circuit. This merging approach allows precise control of multiple valves while reducing the overall number of drive circuits and control modules required in the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive circuit is designed with multi-functionality to control different valves at different times. The same drive circuit can activate the first solenoid valve for fuel pressurization and later activate the second solenoid valve for fuel injection, making a single circuit perform multiple functions that previously required separate circuits.
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate control modules are used to coordinate fuel injection events, then control accuracy is improved, but the number of failure points and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functionality into a single control module that manages all fuel injection events for multiple cylinders. By consolidating control functions and using a single drive circuit per injector that can sequentially control multiple valves, the system reduces the number of separate control modules from potentially 32 (for a 16-cylinder engine) to a much smaller number, thereby reducing failure points while maintaining control accuracy through programmed timing sequences.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two drive circuits are used per fuel injector, then valve control flexibility is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single drive circuit employs periodic action by sequentially activating different valves at different times. The circuit first activates the pressurization valve, waits for fuel pressurization, then activates the injection valve. This time-sequenced periodic control provides the same operational flexibility as having two simultaneous drive circuits, but with reduced hardware complexity and cost.
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
Reduces the number of required drive circuits and control modules, lowering costs and improving reliability by allowing a single driver to control multiple valves efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid valve actuates an injection valve to inject the pressurized fuel
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel injector drive system may include a fuel injector having a first electronically-controlled valve and a second electronically-controlled valve. The fuel injector drive system may include a fuel injector driver configured to supply current to the first electronically-controlled valve and the second electronically-controlled valve simultaneously to actuate the first electronically-controlled valve and the second electronically-controlled valve. The fuel injector drive system may also include an injection valve configured to inject fuel when the first electronically-controlled valve and the second electronically-controlled valve are actuated.