Angela C Moore

US Patent:

20120067329, Mar 22, 2012

Filed:

Sep 17, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/884798

Inventors:

Nadeem Bunni - Cranberry TWP PA, US
Daniel R. Puckett - Peoria IL, US
Jay Venkataraghavan - Dunlap IL, US
Stephen R. Lewis - Chillicothe IL, US
Angela L. Moore - Peoria IL, US

Assignee:

CATERPILLAR INC. - Peoria IL

International Classification:

F02M 51/00

US Classification:

123490

Abstract:

An efficient control wave form is utilized to actuate the solenoids of a fuel system to reduce boost power/energy consumption. The solenoid is initially energized by applying a boost voltage from an electronic controller across a solenoid coil circuit. The electronic controller monitors the current level in the solenoid coil circuit, and changes to a reduced battery voltage when the current level in the solenoid coil circuit reaches a predetermined trigger current. The controller then maintains a pull-in current based upon battery voltage for a pull-in duration that initiates movement of the solenoid armature from an initial air gap position toward a final air gap position. After the pull-in duration, the current level is dropped to a hold in level for the remaining duration of the actuation event. The solenoid may be used for fuel injector control and/or pump control, such as to control fuel injection and pumping events respectively.