Solenoid Intake Valve Control for High-Pressure Fuel Pump Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-pressure fuel supply pumps with normally-open solenoid-actuated intake valves generate impact noise during the opening movement, particularly at lower engine speeds, due to the need for precise adjustment of deceleration pulse timing and amplitude, which is challenging given variations in engine speed, temperature, and individual valve properties.
Innovation Solution
A method and control apparatus that gradually decrease the control current applied to the solenoid-actuated intake valve after an initial closure period, allowing the magnetic force to balance with the biasing force, thereby smoothly guiding the valve to the open position without impact noise, independent of specific operating conditions or valve properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a deceleration pulse is applied to reduce impact noise during intake valve opening, then noise is reduced, but precise adjustment of timing and amplitude is required which increases control complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control current parameter from a simple deceleration pulse to a multi-stage current profile with different phases (initial current, reduced current, and optional third current). This parameter transformation allows noise reduction without requiring precise timing and amplitude adjustments, as the multi-stage current naturally guides the valve through a controlled opening sequence that minimizes impact forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies an initial control current before the valve opening to prepare the magnetic field and gradually build magnetic force. This preliminary action allows the valve to begin opening smoothly under controlled magnetic attraction rather than sudden mechanical release, preventing impact noise without requiring complex real-time adjustments during the opening event.
2Reliability
If control current is continuously applied to keep intake valve closed during delivery period, then fuel pressure control is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic control current application with distinct active and inactive periods. During the delivery period when fuel pressure maintenance is critical, the solenoid receives control current to keep the valve closed. During other periods, particularly during intake when the valve naturally opens, the control current is reduced or eliminated. This periodic action maintains reliability during critical phases while reducing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent leverages the natural biasing force of the intake valve (spring or hydraulic pressure) to assist in keeping the valve closed during certain periods, reducing the burden on the solenoid. The solenoid only needs to provide additional magnetic force when critical pressure control is needed, allowing the valve's own mechanical and hydraulic properties to do much of the work, thereby reducing energy consumption.
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 noise generation during the opening movement of the intake valve, ensuring smooth operation across varying conditions without requiring precise adjustments, thus minimizing impact noise and energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
the solenoid-actuated intake valve is configured to be closed or kept closed by means of magnetic force
Implementation Method 2
being configured to be biased into a first direction towards a first stop position of the intake valve by means of a biasing force
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for controlling a high-pressure fuel supply pump configured to supply pressurized fuel to an internal combustion engine, the solenoid-actuated intake valve 120 being configured to be biased into a first direction towards a first stop position of the intake valve by means of a biasing force and being configured to be displaced against the biasing force into a second direction opposite to the first direction towards a second stop position of the intake valve by means of magnetic force and to be kept at the second stop position by means of magnetic force, and the method comprising applying control current to the solenoid-actuated intake valve 120 for displacing the intake valve into the second direction to the second stop position and for keeping the intake valve at the second stop position during a first time period ΔT0, ΔT1 by means of magnetic force; and applying control current to the solenoid-actuated intake valve 120 in a second time period ΔT2 after the first time period ΔT0, ΔT1 during a movement of the solenoid-actuated intake valve 120 from the second stop position into the first direction. The present invention is characterized in that applying control current to the solenoid-actuated intake valve 120 during the second time period ΔT2 comprises gradually decreasing the control current, in particular gradually decreasing the control current down to zero.