Valve Actuator Control for High-Pressure Pump Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-pressure pumps in accumulator-type injection systems of internal combustion engines experience noise and increased wear due to intense stresses during valve opening and closing, particularly under high pressures.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for controlling the valve by determining an expected natural opening time and applying an electrical current to an actuator, reducing the spring force by a predefined value, allowing the valve to open slowly and quietly, with the actuator force corresponding to the reduced spring force, thereby minimizing noise and wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If the valve is subjected to high pressure (2000 bar and greater), then the pump can deliver high fluid pressure, but noise occurs during valve opening and closing
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is activated before the natural opening time to pre-position the pin and reduce the spring force acting on the sealing element. This preliminary action prepares the valve for a controlled opening process, preventing sudden impacts and noise generation during valve operation at high pressures
2Reliability
If the spring force is high, then the valve closes reliably, but wear increases during continuous loading
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator dynamically adjusts the spring force parameter by applying electromagnetic force to the pin. During continuous loading operations, the actuator reduces the spring force by a predefined value compared to the natural spring force, decreasing mechanical stress and wear on the sealing elements while maintaining sufficient closure reliability
3Productivity
If the valve opens quickly, then productivity is improved, but noise and wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is activated at a predetermined time before the natural opening time to gradually reduce the spring force and position the pin. This preliminary action enables the sealing element to lift smoothly from the sealing seat without sudden impacts, achieving quiet operation with reduced wear while maintaining efficient valve opening for productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static spring force to dynamic control by applying actuator force that varies with time. The actuator force is applied within a predefined interval before the natural opening time and maintains a reduced spring force during operation, creating a dynamic balance between productivity requirements and noise/wear reduction
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 solution enables precise and quiet operation of the valve, ensuring reliable and fast opening while reducing wear, with the actuator force adjustment dependent on pressure conditions and temperature, allowing for efficient operation under varying engine conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator (42) with an actuator force (F2) that can counteract the spring force (F1)
Implementation Method 2
a spring (32) with a spring force (F1)
Implementation Method 3
applying an electrical current with a predefined value to the actuator (42)
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed for controlling a valve having a spring with a spring force, an actuator with an actuator force opposing the spring force, and a pin that is actuated by the actuator, a seal element that can be coupled with the pin, and a seal seat, the valve being closed when the seal element sits against the seal seat. The method includes determining an expected natural opening time when the seal element is lifted off the seal seat based on a pressure difference in front and behind the valve, impressing a specified current on the actuator at a point in time within a specified interval prior to the natural opening time, the seal element sitting against the seal seat at the point in time such that the pin contacts the seal element and the actuator force matches the spring force, which is reduced by a specified value.