Abstract: The present disclosure provides a fuel injector for an internal combustion engine with a fuel injector body having a valve chamber, a first conduit in fluid communication with the valve chamber for a first flow of fuel having a first pressure, and a second conduit in fluid communication with the valve chamber for a second flow of fuel having a second pressure. The fuel injector further includes a valve member configured to move between the first conduit and the second conduit. Additionally, an actuator of the fuel injector is configured to move the valve member during a fuel injection cycle. The fuel injector is configured to operate in at least three modes.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a fuel injector including a magnetostrictive actuator that is capable of precise control of a needle or nozzle valve element. The magnetostrictive actuator is direct-acting on the nozzle valve element, which extends into the magnetostrictive actuator, providing a compact fuel injector configuration that may provide rate-shaping of a fuel injection event.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a fuel injector for an internal combustion engine with a fuel injector body having a valve chamber, a first conduit in fluid communication with the valve chamber for a first flow of fuel having a first pressure, and a second conduit in fluid communication with the valve chamber for a second flow of fuel having a second pressure. The fuel injector further includes a valve member configured to move between the first conduit and the second conduit. Additionally, an actuator of the fuel injector is configured to move the valve member during a fuel injection cycle. The fuel injector is configured to operate in at least three modes.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a fuel injector including a magnetostrictive actuator that is capable of precise control of a needle or nozzle valve element. The magnetostrictive actuator is direct-acting on the nozzle valve element, which extends into the magnetostrictive actuator, providing a compact fuel injector configuration that may provide rate-shaping of a fuel injection event.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a fuel injector for an internal combustion engine with a fuel injector body having a valve chamber, a first conduit in fluid communication with the valve chamber for a first flow of fuel having a first pressure, and a second conduit in fluid communication with the valve chamber for a second flow of fuel having a second pressure. The fuel injector further includes a valve member configured to move between the first conduit and the second conduit. Additionally, an actuator of the fuel injector is configured to move the valve member during a fuel injection cycle. The fuel injector is configured to operate in at least three modes.

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 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.