Abstract: Multiplexed phased array sonar systems and methods for consumer fishfinders are described herein. In one embodiment a single curved transmit transducer and an array of receive transducers are provided, and in an embodiment the signals from the receive transducers are multiplexed, which greatly reduces the data load, allowing for the achievement of the near real time, high resolution imagery in a size and price point that enables this technology to be employed in a consumer fish finder.

Abstract: A sonar imaging system, that includes a control head with a user interface and a display unit for displaying a sonar-generated image, is provided. A sonar transducer assembly is coupled to the control head and configured to transmit sonar data to the control head. The sonar data is used to generate the sonar-generated image. The sonar transducer assembly includes a first side scan acoustic sonar element that transmits a sonar beam. The sonar transducer assembly further includes a plurality of sonar beam receiving elements. Each receiving element is arranged to receive a portion of the return beam from the first side scan acoustic sonar element. Each of the plurality of sonar beam receiving elements is configured to identify both a depth and a lateral distance of an underwater object relative to the position of the sonar transducer assembly.

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 injector includes a piezoelectric actuation mechanism and a sensor configuration to measure the condition of the actuation mechanism as well as an associated fuel rail. The sensor configuration includes a piezoelectric sensor with an output signal with significantly reduced distortion that accurately reflects control signals provided to the piezoelectric actuation mechanism.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a fuel injector system and method in which the timing of events in during period of fuel injection of a piezoelectric-actuated fuel injector are estimated based on sensed forces within the injector. The force sensor is positioned between a piezoelectric actuator and a hydraulic link assembly mechanically coupled with the piezoelectric actuator, and the force sensor operable to output a signal corresponding to forces between the piezoelectric actuator and the hydraulic link assembly. From information contained in the sensor output signal, timing in the injection period of at least one fueling characteristic based can be estimated to allow for adjusting fuel injector characteristics to compensate for variations affecting fuel injection, such as manufacturing tolerances, environmental conditions, and deterioration/wear.

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 injector includes a piezoelectric actuation mechanism and a sensor configuration to measure the condition of the actuation mechanism as well as an associated fuel rail. The sensor configuration includes a piezoelectric sensor with an output signal with significantly reduced distortion that accurately reflects control signals provided to the piezoelectric actuation mechanism.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a fuel injector system and method in which the timing of events in during period of fuel injection of a piezoelectric-actuated fuel injector are estimated based on sensed forces within the injector. The force sensor is positioned between a piezoelectric actuator and a hydraulic link assembly mechanically coupled with the piezoelectric actuator, and the force sensor operable to output a signal corresponding to forces between the piezoelectric actuator and the hydraulic link assembly. From information contained in the sensor output signal, timing in the injection period of at least one fueling characteristic based can be estimated to allow for adjusting fuel injector characteristics to compensate for variations affecting fuel injection, such as manufacturing tolerances, environmental conditions, and deterioration/wear.

Abstract: An improved structure for use in a sensor includes an electrically conductive sensing element that provides improved durability in corrosive environments (ethanol, gasoline, etc.). A substrate may be formed using either ceramic or an anodized carrier of aluminum. In either case, the substrate presents an electrically insulating surface layer on which an electrically conductive sensing element may be formed. The conductive element is formed by thick film aluminum ink printing the desired shape (and thickness) of the element on the substrate, then firing the resulting structure. Thereafter, the entire structure, now with aluminum conductive elements, is anodized in order to form a protective and electrically insulative coating of a desired thickness. Another structure includes a base element or trace comprising an alloy of silver and palladium. An aluminum trace overlays the base element, and is thereafter anodized throughout its thickness to provide a protective layer.