Abstract: A system and method for is provided to determine a fuel flow cutout delay between transmitting a signal to stop a fuel flow to a fuel accumulator of a fuel system and the actual stop of fuel flow to the fuel accumulator. The fuel flow cutout delay is used to determine when pressure data from a sensor associated with the fuel accumulator is unaffected by fuel flow to the fuel accumulator.

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: A system and method for is provided to determine a fuel flow cutout delay between transmitting a signal to stop a fuel flow to a fuel accumulator of a fuel system and the actual stop of fuel flow to the fuel accumulator. The fuel flow cutout delay is used to determine when pressure data from a sensor associated with the fuel accumulator is unaffected by fuel flow to the fuel accumulator.

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: A system and method are provided for estimating an instantaneous EGR mass flow rate corresponding to a flow rate of exhaust gas through an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) conduit fluidly coupled between an exhaust manifold and an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine with an EGR cooler positioned in-line with the EGR conduit. An operating position of the engine is monitored, and the instantaneous EGR mass flow rate is estimated at each of a plurality of fixed increments of the engine position based on EGR cooler outlet temperature, intake manifold pressure and a pressure differential across a flow restriction disposed in-line with the exhaust gas conduit between the EGR cooler and the intake manifold.

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: A system and method are provided for estimating an instantaneous EGR mass flow rate corresponding to a flow rate of exhaust gas through an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) conduit fluidly coupled between an exhaust manifold and an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine with an EGR cooler positioned in-line with the EGR conduit. An operating position of the engine is monitored, and the instantaneous EGR mass flow rate is estimated at each of a plurality of fixed increments of the engine position based on EGR cooler outlet temperature, intake manifold pressure and a pressure differential across a flow restriction disposed in-line with the exhaust gas conduit between the EGR cooler and the intake manifold.