Valve controller systems and methods and fuel injection systems

Abstract

The present invention is a fuel injection system having one or more fuel injectors and an electronic control system therefore. The preferred fuel injector has a double magnetic latching solenoid three-way or four-way spool valve that controls the flow of a working fluid that is used to control the discharge of fuel into the combustion chamber or intake manifold of an engine through the nozzle of the injector. The control system provides actuating current pulses to each of the solenoids to actuate and latch the solenoids to effect initiation and termination of the injection. Disclosed are control systems that provide a snap action in one or both actuating directions of the valve by electromagnetically retaining the valve in the latched condition until the force in the actuated solenoid builds to a high level, and then releasing the valve for higher acceleration to the actuated position. Also disclosed is an exemplary control system that senses the arrival of valve at the actuated position so that the actuating current pulse can be terminated as soon as possible so as to allow a strong current pulse drive, but of low total energy, for fast actuation of a relatively small valve. Other embodiments, features and uses of the invention are disclosed.