Solenoid Valve Current Drive Impedance Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Combustion engines with solenoid valves face challenges in accurately timing current delivery due to fluctuations in temperature, pressure, and component aging, leading to inefficiencies in combustion processes.
Innovation Solution
A current driving system comprising a pre-driver, signal generator, and measurement unit that controls a transistor coupled to a solenoid valve, using a small signal to measure impedance changes and adjust current flow for precise timing, thereby improving combustion efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional current control is used for solenoid valve, then the system is simple, but timing accuracy deteriorates due to parameter fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement of the solenoid valve's impedance characteristics before actual current control. The measurement unit captures the electrical impedance at different states (closed, opening, open) and stores this data for use during combustion cycles, enabling accurate timing control without real-time complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement unit continuously monitors the electrical impedance of the solenoid valve and provides feedback to the control unit. This feedback enables the system to detect valve state changes and adjust current timing accordingly, maintaining timing accuracy despite parameter fluctuations in temperature, pressure, and aging
2Productivity
If precise timing control is implemented, then combustion efficiency improves, but measurement and control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses electrical impedance as an intermediary parameter to indirectly measure solenoid valve state. Instead of directly measuring mechanical position or flow, the system measures electrical properties (impedance, resistance, inductance) which change predictably with valve state, simplifying the measurement task while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system exploits changes in electrical parameters (impedance, resistance, inductance) of the solenoid coil as the valve transitions between states. By monitoring these parameter changes, the system can determine valve position and timing without complex mechanical sensors, improving combustion efficiency through precise control
3Measurement precision
If real-time parameter monitoring is added, then timing accuracy improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement and control operations are performed periodically at key moments in the combustion cycle rather than continuously. The system measures impedance at critical transitions (valve closing, opening) and adjusts current delivery timing accordingly, achieving precise timing control while minimizing energy consumption through targeted, periodic measurements rather than continuous monitoring
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 system enables accurate and efficient timing of solenoid valve operations, enhancing combustion efficiency by accounting for impedance changes and other parameter fluctuations, leading to improved engine performance.
Implementation Method 1
The transistor inducts electric power into the solenoid valve when the transistor is switched on
Implementation Method 2
a solenoid valve (12) having an electrical input (126) and to drive current into the solenoid valve (12)
Data Source
AI summary
A current driving system for a solenoid valve is described herein. In an embodiment, the current driving system comprises a pre-driver to control a control input of a transistor coupled to an electrical input of a solenoid valve. The transistor inducts electric power into the solenoid valve when the transistor is switched on.The current driving system further comprises a signal generator to produce a small signal and to output the small signal to the electrical input of the solenoid valve. The electric power being supplied by the small signal into the solenoid valve is substantially smaller than the electric power being supplied by the transistor when the transistor is switched on. The current driving system further comprises a measurement unit to measure a response to the small signal at the electrical input of the solenoid valve.