Electrically controlled fluid system with ability to operate at low energy conditions

US6997159B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Caterpillar Inc. · US

Inventors

• Alan R. Stockner · Metamora, US
• Rene Schulz · Rabenau, DE
• Olaf Ohligschlaeger · Herdorf, DE
• Ronald D. Shinogle · Peoria, US
• Bernhard Kirsch · Mandelbachtal, DE
• Clifford E. Cotton, III · Pontiac, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 21, 2003
• Grant date: Feb 14, 2006
• Expiry date: Jan 23, 2024

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F02D2250/31
• WIPO field: Engines, pumps, turbines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Electrically controlled fuel injection systems should be able to operate at low voltage. In order to operate an electrically controlled fuel injection system at low voltage, the voltage available to an electrical actuator is monitored. The electrical actuator is coupled to a valve positioned within a passageway in which high pressure actuation fluid flows to and from an hydraulically actuated device, such as a fuel injector and/or an engine brake. If the voltage available to the electrical actuator falls below a predetermined voltage, the pressure differential across the valve is reduced. Although the principal application of the present invention is in the fuel injection system, the present invention has application in any electrically controlled fluid system at low voltage.