Single injector, single point fuel injection system

Abstract

A flow regulating device for use in a single-point control electronic fuel injection system. The flow regulating device receives a discrete, pressurized fuel pulse or charge from a fuel injector and extends its time duration over the charge cycle period to approximate a continuous flow. The extended fuel charge is provided to an atomizer for mixture with air preparatory to being drawn into an engine intake manifold. In one embodiment of the invention, the flow regulating device includes a constant pressure valve together with a restricted flow passage. The pressure setting of the valve is below the pressure at which the discrete fuel charge is emitted from the injector, and the restricted passage has an orifice dimension smaller than that of the injector nozzle. In another embodiment of the invention, the flow regulating device takes the form of a pair of parallel connected constant pressure valves together with restricted flow passages. One constant pressure valve has a first pressure setting below the pressure in which the discrete fuel charge is emitted from the injector. The other constant pressure valve has a relatively higher pressure setting, but below that of the injector. The pair of constant pressure valves and passages cooperatively function to extend fuel charge duration in both high and low engine operating speeds.