Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting injection timing of closely spaced multiple injections via a same injector. In one example, during an inter-injection spacing between a first injection and a second injection in a set of multiple injections being lower than a threshold period, an opening time of the second injection in the set of multiple injections may be adjusted based on another opening time of another second injection in a previous set of multiple injections.

Abstract: An injection control device includes a control IC that obtains, as sample data, a time change of a voltage generated when a fuel injection valve is driven, and determines a valve closing timing at which injection of fuel from the fuel injection valve is stopped by calculating a degree of variation from the sample data of the voltage. Further, the control IC changes the calculation of the degree of variation when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

Abstract: An alignment system includes an optical sensor device that may be inserted into a passage of a body that is located between a fuel injector and a combustion chamber of an engine cylinder. The body is shaped to transmit fuel ejected from a spray hole in a fuel injector into the combustion chamber of the engine cylinder. The system also includes a controller that may examine output of the optical sensor device and determine whether the passage of the body is aligned with the spray hole of the fuel injector based on the output from the optical sensor device. The controller may change a position of one or more of the body or the fuel injector responsive to determining that the passage of the body is not aligned with the spray hole of the fuel injector.

Abstract: A method for ascertaining the movement of an armature of an electric intake valve, an electrical variable of the electric intake valve being controlled to predefined values with the aid of a two-position controller, a characteristic point in time of the movement of the armature being ascertained based on the switching behavior of the two-position controller.

Abstract: A method of determining the nature of a fault in the operation of a hydraulic fuel injector includes sending an actuation pulse to an actuator of the injector, the actuation pulse being above the minimum drive pulse of the injector. The method also includes analyzing a signal from an accelerometer of the injector to determine if there is a high frequency vibration component subsequent to the end of the activation pulse. The method also includes determining the functionality of a needle control valve of the injector dependent on the outcome of analyzing the signal from the accelerometer.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting injection timing of closely spaced multiple injections via a same injector. In one example, during an inter-injection spacing between a first injection and a second injection in a set of multiple injections being lower than a threshold period, an opening time of the second injection in the set of multiple injections may be adjusted based on another opening time of another second injection in a previous set of multiple injections.

Abstract: A method is described for controlling the metering of fuel. A feature, which characterizes the switching point in time of a valve, is ascertained based on a measured signal curve. The feature is fed as an actual variable to a controller. A criterion of the feature is ascertained, the controller taking the criterion of the feature into account.

Abstract: A stroboscope with an integral optical reflective sensor, which can be removable or fixed, contains a light emitting source, a light sensitive receiver, a pulse conditioning circuit, a stroboscope circuit, a blanking circuit, and a stroboscope light source. The light emitting source projects a light beam to a reflective target. The reflected light beam from the reflective target is detected by the light sensitive receiver. The pulse conditioning circuit generates a set of electrical pulses coincident with the reflected light beam which are sent to the stroboscope circuit. Depending on the signal received by the stroboscope circuit, the stroboscope light source is triggered. The blanking circuit prevents false triggering of the stroboscope light source by introducing a time delay. The time delay is applied when the stroboscope light source is switched on and for a finite time after the stroboscope light source is switch off.

Abstract: In a method for operating a valve, e.g., a fuel injector of an internal combustion engine in a motor vehicle which is activated with the aid of an actuator, the actuator is activated using a control variable which has a predetermined control period. The control period is formed as a function of a setpoint value for a closing delay time of the valve which characterizes a time difference between an end of the control period and a closing point in time of the valve.

Abstract: A system and method is provided to analyze an intermediate pressure signal portion between an end of an injection event signal portion and a start of a subsequent injection event signal portion. The analysis is simplified by identifying a plurality of single cycle windows and calculating a single value, such as a mean or a median, for each of the windows. An intermediate portion single value is determined by averaging the single values for each of the windows. The intermediate portion single value may then be used to identify pumping events or leakage errors that occur during the intermediate pressure signal portion that affect further analysis of the intermediate pressure signal portion.

Abstract: A surge chamber configured for releasably connecting a fuel injector to a fuel injection testing machine in an adjustable manner to accommodate the various fuel injector orientations produced by different manufacturers. The apparatus generally comprises a surge chamber receiving a quick connect assembly that is connected to a coupler adapted to connect to the fuel injector being tested. The chamber comprises a swivel cap that permits rotation of the chamber about its longitudinal axis. Such rotation may be desirable where the fuel injection inlet does not connect to the fuel injector at a 90-degree angle, or where the configuration of the fuel injection testing machine requires the injector to be oriented at a certain angle to properly engage a spray chamber.

Abstract: An injection valve includes a valve needle preventing a fluid flow out of an injection nozzle in a closing position and enabling the fluid flow of the injection nozzle apart from the closing position. Furthermore the injection valve includes an electro-magnetic actuator unit being designed to actuate the valve needle. The actuator unit is activated according to a predetermined activation signal with a given activation period for effecting a fluid flow out of the injection nozzle. An actuator unit voltage characteristic is captured at least over a period of time during which the valve needle could reach the closing position. A noise part of the actuator unit voltage characteristic is determined and a closing time representing a time when the valve needle reaches the closing position is determined depending on the noise part of the captured actuator voltage characteristic.

Abstract: A direct injection, solenoid fuel injector includes at least one current sensing function capable of detecting a current draw of the solenoid and a controller function. The controller is capable of determining a fully open time of the direct fuel injector solenoid based on the application of a slope inflection filter and a slope discrimination filter to a derivative of the current draw.

Abstract: This disclosure provides system and method that can determine hydraulic start of injection (SOI) in engines using an in-cylinder pressure sensor. The system and method determine apparent heat release rate (AHRR) curve data for the cylinder from the pressure information provided by the in-cylinder pressure sensors, and the hydraulic SOI from the derivative of the AHRR curve data. The system and method provide diagnostic, control and/or compensation opportunities for fuel injector operation in high pressure fuel rail engine systems without use of expensive or complex fuel injector components.

Abstract: In a method for individually correcting injection quantities and/or times (mf1, mf2, mf . . . ; ti1, ti2, ti . . . ) in particular for a ballistic operating range of a fuel injector (1, 2, . . . ), a quantity deviation of an actual injection quantity (mf1, mf2, mf . . . ) from a nominal injection quantity (mfnom) of the fuel injector (1, 2, . . . ) during operation of the fuel injector (1, 2, . . . ) is determined, and a typical injection characteristic (fup1, fup2, fup . . . ) of the fuel injector (1, 2, . . . ) is adapted to a nominal injection characteristic (fupnom) based on the quantity deviation. Furthermore, a controller, in particular an engine controller may implement the above method.

Abstract: A method for determining the actual start of injection is performed by an actuating device for a piezo fuel injection valve and includes the following steps. First, a test injection is carried out with such a short actuation duration that a start of shut-off takes place at a time so early that the nozzle needle does not reach the open end position. Said time is predefined by the actuation and is therefore precisely known. Next, the closing time of the nozzle needle is then determined by measurement and evaluation of an electrical variable of the piezo direct drive. Once the closing time and the time of the start of shut-off are known, the actual start of injection is calculated back from the closing time via the start of shut-off. This permits an adequately precise determination of the actual injection quantity in almost every operating state of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A method for determining a closing time of a valve having a coil drive, in particular a direct injection valve for an engine of a motor vehicle, has the steps: (a) switching off a current flow through a coil (L_inj) of the coil drive, so that the coil (L_inj) is depowered, (b) capturing a time curve (110) of a voltage induced in the non-powered coil (L_inj), wherein the induced voltage is generated by decaying eddy currents in a magnetic circuit of the coil drive and by a motion of the armature relative to the coil (L_inj), (c) evaluating the captured time curve (110) of the voltage induced in the coil (L_inj), and (d) determining the closing time based on the evaluated time curve (110). A corresponding device and a computer program for determining the closing time of a valve with a coil drive can be provided accordingly.

Abstract: A method for determining an opening behavior of a combustion engine fuel injector having a coil drive includes: applying to a coil of the coil drive an electrical test excitation that is weaker than an electrical standard excitation applied to the coil during normal operation of the engine, such that an opening position of the fuel injector is achieved at a point at which the coil drive is not in magnetic saturation; measuring the chronological progression of an electrical variable of the coil; determining a first point in time at which the fuel injector reaches its opening position under the influence of the electrical test excitation, based on the measured chronological progression of the electrical variable, and determining a second point in time at which the fuel injector would reach its opening position under the influence of the electrical standard excitation, based on the determined first point in time.

Abstract: A method is provided for estimating a hydraulic dwell time between a first injection pulse and a second injection pulse performed by a fuel injector of an internal combustion engine. The method includes, but is not limited to determining a value of an electric dwell time between the first injection pulse and the second injection pulse, estimating a value of an injector closing delay between an instant in which an electric closing command of the first injection pulse is generated and an instant in which the fuel injector closes, estimating a value of an injector opening delay between an instant in which an electric opening command of the second injection pulse is generated and an instant in which the fuel injector opens, and calculating a value of the hydraulic dwell time as a function of the electric dwell time value, of the injector closing delay value and of the injector opening delay value.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining a time duration for an electric actuation of a valve which has a coil drive, in particular of a direct-injection valve for an internal combustion engine. The method may include a deactivation of a current flow through a coil of the coil drive, such that the coil is in a currentless state, a detection of a time profile of a voltage induced in the currentless coil, a determination of the closing time of the valve on the basis of the detected time profile, and a determination of a time duration of the electric actuation of the valve for a future injection process on the basis of the determined closing time. A corresponding device and a computer program for carrying out the described method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for determining a position of a lock element of an injection valve for an internal combustion engine includes moving the lock element in the direction of a locked position in a closing movement in order to lock the injection valve, subsequently measuring a closure time at which the lock element arrives in the locked position, determining a time difference between the closure time and a preceding starting time of the closing movement, and determining, based on the time difference, a position which the lock element has assumed at the starting time of the closing movement.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for monitoring the state of a piezoelectric injector of the fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine, the piezoelectric injector having a piezoelectric actuator and a nozzle needle that can be moved by said piezoelectric actuator. The piezoelectric injector can be operated in a partial-stroke mode and a full-stroke mode. In the partial-stroke mode, the curve of an electrical parameter over time is recorded, the maximum value of the curve is determined, a constant parameter value that arises after the presence of the maximum value is determined, the duration between the presence of the maximum value and the reaching of the constant parameter value is determined, the difference between the maximum value and the constant parameter value is determined, and conclusions about the state of the piezoelectric injector are drawn on the basis of the determined duration and the determined difference.

Abstract: This disclosure provides system and method that can determine hydraulic start of injection (SOI) in engines using an in-cylinder pressure sensor. The system and method iteratively perform a wavelet transform on a signal based on the pressure information provided by the in-cylinder pressure sensors to determine a detail coefficient corresponding to a frequency band containing frequencies of pressure pulsations excited from a fuel jet injected into the cylinder. Hydraulic SOI is determined at the timing when the amplitude of the determined detail coefficient satisfies a predetermined threshold. The system and method provide diagnostic, control, and/or compensation opportunities for fuel injector operation in high pressure fuel rail engine systems without use of expensive or complex fuel injector components.

Abstract: A fuel injection feedback system comprises a light source disposed inside a fuel injector, an optical sensor disposed inside the fuel injector, and a computing device electronically connected to the optical sensor. The light source is a device configured to emit light capable of being reflected by cavitation. The light source could be disposed on or within the needle or nozzle of the fuel injector, or at a variety of other locations inside the fuel injector. The optical sensor is configured to detect an intensity of light caused by receiving light reflected from cavitation occurring inside the fuel injector.

Abstract: Over a diesel engine's lifetime, engine efficiency may be reduced and some of this may be attributable to sulfur deposit accumulation in the engine. A method for controlling operation of a diesel engine operating on a fuel is provided. The method may include adjusting an injection of fuel to the engine in response to a sulfur content of the fuel.

Abstract: A method for selecting a procedure for determining the injection time of individual injection operations of a fuel injector, which may be supplied with pressurized fuel via a feed line, includes activating the fuel injector using various known activation durations in the vicinity of a predefined operating point of the fuel injector; detecting the pressure curve over time in the feed line for a number of injection operations; evaluating the detected pressure curves over time using at least two different procedures for determining the injection time from the particular pressure curve; determining the correlation between the determined injection times and the particular activation period; selecting the procedure with the highest correlation.

Abstract: An apparatus of estimating fuel injection state of a fuel injection system have at least three injectors. The first and second injectors have fuel pressure sensors respectively. The third injector has no fuel pressure sensor. The apparatus detects an injected cylinder waveform to the first injector when the first injector injects fuel. The apparatus detects a first non-injected cylinder waveform to the second injector when the first injector injects fuel. The apparatus calculates correlations between the injected cylinder waveform and the first non-injected cylinder waveform. The apparatus acquires a second non-injected cylinder waveform detected by the first or second fuel pressure sensor when the third injector injects fuel. The apparatus estimates fuel injection state injected from the third injector based on the second non-injected cylinder waveform and the correlations.

Abstract: A method for detecting error-containing components of a piezo-injector in an internal combustion engine fuel-injection system is disclosed. The piezo-injector has a piezoelectric actuator and an injection needle driven thereby, and is configured for operation in a partial-stroke mode and a full-stroke mode. First, the internal combustion engine is brought to a defined operational point. Then, the time for the injector needle to strike its stop when said injector needle is opened, as well as the time for the injector needle to strike its needle seat again when said injector needle is closed, are measured. The measured times are compared to normal values determined at the test stand. Parameter(s) for the fuel-injection system are calculated, using different calculation models, and the results are stored. Finally, the calculated parameters of the different calculation models are compared to norm values determined at the test stand, and compared to one another.

Abstract: A method for determining the opening point in time of a control valve having a coil drive of an indirectly driven fuel injector for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle may include: detecting the time curve of the current intensity of a current flowing through the coil drive, determining a current integral with respect to the detected current intensity as a function of the time and starting from a defined initial time, and determining a time at which the current integral reaches at least a predefined current integral reference value, wherein the determined time is the opening point in time of the control valve. A corresponding device and a computer program for determining the opening point in time of a control valve of an indirectly driven fuel injector are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for monitoring the state of a piezoelectric injector of the fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine, the piezoelectric injector having a piezoelectric actuator and a nozzle needle that can be moved by said piezoelectric actuator. The piezoelectric injector can be operated in a partial-stroke mode and a full-stroke mode. In the partial-stroke mode, the curve of an electrical parameter over time is recorded, the maximum value of the curve is determined, a constant parameter value that arises after the presence of the maximum value is determined, the duration between the presence of the maximum value and the reaching of the constant parameter value is determined, the difference between the maximum value and the constant parameter value is determined, and conclusions about the state of the piezoelectric injector are drawn on the basis of the determined duration and the determined difference.

Abstract: A voltage spike generated by the collapse of the magnetic field in a fuel injector coil is stored in a capacitor and sent to an engine control unit at a correct time regardless of when the magnetic field in the injector coil actually collapses.

Abstract: Over a diesel engine's lifetime, engine efficiency may be reduced and some of this may be attributable to sulfur deposit accumulation in the engine. A method for controlling operation of a diesel engine operating on a fuel is provided. The method may include adjusting an injection of fuel to the engine in response to a sulfur content of the fuel.

Abstract: A fuel injector diagnostic is disclosed. In one example, the diagnostic can determine if that amount of fuel injected or the timing of start of injection is degraded. Thus, the fuel injector diagnostic method can distinguish between different types of injector degradation.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining a time duration for an electric actuation of a valve which has a coil drive, in particular of a direct-injection valve for an internal combustion engine. The method may include a deactivation of a current flow through a coil of the coil drive, such that the coil is in a currentless state, a detection of a time profile of a voltage induced in the currentless coil, a determination of the closing time of the valve on the basis of the detected time profile, and a determination of a time duration of the electric actuation of the valve for a future injection process on the basis of the determined closing time. A corresponding device and a computer program for carrying out the described method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for adapting the operation of emission-relevant control devices of a vehicle in a predetermined driving mode having a shorter expected duration that a duration of a preferred test cycle may include several steps. A first step may include determining whether the vehicle has reached the predetermined driving mode. A second step may include diagnosing at least one parameter associated with operation of at least one of the emission-relevant control devices. A third step may include comparing the at least one parameter with a setpoint range or a setpoint value. A fourth step may include carrying out at least a first section of an adaptation for the operation of the at least one emission-relevant control devices. The first section of the adaptation may include optimizing at least one of a plurality of operating points of the at least one emission-relevant control devices.

Abstract: A method for selecting a procedure for determining the injection time of individual injection operations of a fuel injector, which may be supplied with pressurized fuel via a feed line, includes activating the fuel injector using various known activation durations in the vicinity of a predefined operating point of the fuel injector; detecting the pressure curve over time in the feed line for a number of injection operations; evaluating the detected pressure curves over time using at least two different procedures for determining the injection time from the particular pressure curve; determining the correlation between the determined injection times and the particular activation period; selecting the procedure with the highest correlation.

Abstract: Over a diesel engine's lifetime, engine efficiency may be reduced and some of this may be attributable to sulfur deposit accumulation in the engine. A method for controlling operation of a diesel engine operating on a fuel is provided. The method may include adjusting an injection of fuel to the engine in response to a sulfur content of the fuel.

Abstract: An apparatus of estimating fuel injection state of a fuel injection system have at least three injectors. The first and second injectors have fuel pressure sensors respectively. The third injector has no fuel pressure sensor. The apparatus detects an injected cylinder waveform to the first injector when the first injector injects fuel. The apparatus detects a first non-injected cylinder waveform to the second injector when the first injector injects fuel. The apparatus calculates correlations between the injected cylinder waveform and the first non-injected cylinder waveform. The apparatus acquires a second non-injected cylinder waveform detected by the first or second fuel pressure sensor when the third injector injects fuel. The apparatus estimates fuel injection state injected from the third injector based on the second non-injected cylinder waveform and the correlations.

Abstract: An ECU executes a program including: a control to advance or retard the fuel injection timing by a prescribed value; determining whether the torque output variation of an engine exceeds a threshold torque output variation; and determining the fuel injection timing to be abnormal if the torque output variation of the engine is equal to or below the threshold torque output variation.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to determine individually and accurately an ignitability index value and an evaporativity index value of a fuel. A fuel injection valve (12) for which a fuel injection direction is set such that fuel is directed toward a cylinder wall surface (54) is included. An air-fuel ratio (a first air-fuel ratio) of an exhaust gas and a crank angular velocity (a first crank angular velocity) during combustion associated with fuel injection at a first after injection timing T1 are acquired. An air-fuel ratio (a second air-fuel ratio) of the exhaust gas and a crank angular velocity (a second crank angular velocity) during combustion associated with fuel injection at a second after injection timing T2 that is retarded from the first after injection timing T1 are acquired.

Abstract: This disclosure provides system and method that can determine hydraulic start of injection (SOI) in engines using an in-cylinder pressure sensor. The system and method determine apparent heat release rate (AHRR) curve data for the cylinder from the pressure information provided by the in-cylinder pressure sensors, and the hydraulic SOI from the derivative of the AHRR curve data. The system and method provide diagnostic, control and/or compensation opportunities for fuel injector operation in high pressure fuel rail engine systems without use of expensive or complex fuel injector components.

Abstract: Disclosed is both an apparatus and method for quantifying an injection event of a fuel injector, including both multiple pulse and single pulse injection events. Typically, the fuel injector is a common rail injector. The apparatus includes a pressure chamber for isolating a portion of the injection pressure for reducing pressure waves and reflections which can create “noise” in the detection of an injection pressure. The invention further includes determining the precise start and end times of injection using cavitation created by the injection event by determining the intensity of light within a spray chamber.

Abstract: In a method and a device for dynamically determining a segment for an angular spread, fuel is injected into an internal combustion engine and the useful injection range (IRu) and/or the relative position of the segment comprising the angular spread, in which a fuel injection can be carried out especially during a multiple injection, are variable. A corresponding adaptation of the useful injection range (IRu) can advantageously trigger a subsequent injection impulse, as required, for example, for a regeneration module of a diesel particle filter. The adaptation is carried out according to an operating parameter, for example according to the rotational speed gradient.

Abstract: A fuel injector diagnostic is disclosed. In one example, the diagnostic can determine if that amount of fuel injected or the timing of start of injection is degraded. Thus, the fuel injector diagnostic method can distinguish between different types of injector degradation.

Abstract: A method for determining a closing time of a valve having a coil drive, in particular a direct injection valve for an engine of a motor vehicle, has the steps: (a) switching off a current flow through a coil (L_inj) of the coil drive, so that the coil (L_inj) is depowered, (b) capturing a time curve (110) of a voltage induced in the non-powered coil (L_inj), wherein the induced voltage is generated by decaying eddy currents in a magnetic circuit of the coil drive and by a motion of the armature relative to the coil (L_inj), (c) evaluating the captured time curve (110) of the voltage induced in the coil (L_inj), and (d) determining the closing time based on the evaluated time curve (110). A corresponding device and a computer program for determining the closing time of a valve with a coil drive can be provided accordingly.

Abstract: A method and a device for monitoring a fuel injection system are described. A manipulated variable is modified by a certain amount. A first value of a measured variable is detected prior to the modification and at least a second value is detected after the modification. An error is detected when the first value and/or the at least second value deviate from an expected value.

Abstract: A diagnostic system includes a temperature derivative module and a heater use module. The temperature derivative module determines a derivative of a temperature of one of a fluid of an engine of a vehicle and a component of the engine measured by a temperature sensor after a vehicle startup event. The heater use module selectively indicates that an engine heater was used before the vehicle startup event based on the derivative.

Abstract: A method and apparatus determine the fuel injection on-time to accurately meter fuel injected directly into the combustion chamber of a gaseous fuelled internal combustion engine. The fuel injection on-time is determined by interpolating between values retrieved from two of a plurality of predetermined look-up tables, which each define fuel injection on-time as a function of gaseous fuel rail pressure and fuelling amount. Each table corresponds to a fixed value of a third parameter that correlates to in-cylinder pressure.

Abstract: A fuel injector diagnostic is disclosed. In one example, the diagnostic can determine if that amount of fuel injected or the timing of start of injection is degraded. Thus, the fuel injector diagnostic method can distinguish between different types of injector degradation.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to determine individually and accurately an ignitability index value and an evaporativity index value of a fuel. A fuel injection valve (12) for which a fuel injection direction is set such that fuel is directed toward a cylinder wall surface (54) is included. An air-fuel ratio (a first air-fuel ratio) of an exhaust gas and a crank angular velocity (a first crank angular velocity) during combustion associated with fuel injection at a first after injection timing T1 are acquired. An air-fuel ratio (a second air-fuel ratio) of the exhaust gas and a crank angular velocity (a second crank angular velocity) during combustion associated with fuel injection at a second after injection timing T2 that is retarded from the first after injection timing T1 are acquired.