Patent ID: 6192855
Filing Date: 2001-02-27
Classification: F02D,Y02T

Abstract:
A method of controlling the operation of a fuel injector of a fuel system using a control system of the type comprising an accelerometer associated with an engine having a cylinder associated with the injector, the accelerometer being arranged to sense vibrations of the engine and generating an output signal, and further comprising monitor means arranged to monitor the output signal of the accelerometer to detect vibrations of the engine, the method comprising applying a drive pulse to the injector to cause a pilot injection of fuel, using the monitor means and the accelerometer to determine whether or not the application of the drive pulse results in combustion in the cylinder, modifying the duration of the drive pulse to determine the minimum pulse length which must be applied to the injector to cause combustion, and calculating a ratio of the output signal of the accelerometer during a period in which commencement of combustion is expected to occur and that during a period in which combustion does not occur, and using the ratio to determine whether too much fuel is being delivered.