Fuel injector control module with unidirectional dampening

Abstract

Fluid in a chamber, through which a fuel control armature is moving, is used to dampen armature vibrations. This dampening effect is achieved by forming a passage through which the fluid flows as the actuator moves to a steady state position. This passage may be implemented in a control module for controlling fuel delivery in a fuel injector. The control module includes a control module housing defining the cavity. The armature is disposed at least partially within the cavity. The armature affects the flow of fuel in the injector by changing the area of a fuel port through which fuel passes. The fluid passage is formed as the armature moves towards a contact wall defining the cavity.

1 - 24 . (canceled)  
     
     
         25 . A method of controlling a flow of fuel in a fuel injector comprising: 
 moving at least a portion of an armature in a cavity containing fluid;    changing an opening area of a fuel port through the movement of the armature, thereby affecting the flow of fuel;    forming a fluid passage for passing fluid between the armature and a wall defining the cavity as the armature moves towards the wall, the fluid passage formed by moving a dampener sleeve extending from the armature in a direction of armature motion, the dampener sleeve defining at least one notch;    contacting the wall with the dampener sleeve;    increasing fluid pressure as the fluid passage forms; and    dampening armature vibration through the increasing fluid pressure.    
     
     
         26 . A method of controlling a flow of fuel in a fuel injector comprising: 
 moving at least a portion of an armature in a cavity containing fluid;    changing an opening area of a fuel port through the movement of the armature, thereby affecting the flow of fuel;    forming a fluid passage for passing fluid between the armature and a wall defining the cavity as the armature moves towards the wall, the fluid passage formed by capping a portion of a channel formed in the wall;    increasing fluid pressure as the fluid passage forms; and    dampening armature vibration through the increasing fluid pressure.    
     
     
         27 . A method of controlling a flow of fuel in a fuel injector as in  claim 26  wherein capping a portion of the channel comprises contacting the wall with a sleeve extending from the armature.  
     
     
         28 . A method of controlling a flow of fuel in a fuel injector comprising: 
 moving at least a portion of an armature in a cavity containing fluid;    changing an opening area of a fuel port through the movement of the armature, thereby affecting the flow of fuel;    forming a fluid passage for passing fluid between the armature and a wall defining the cavity as the armature moves towards the wall, the fluid passage formed by narrowing a gap between the armature and a dampener shim extending from the wall;    increasing fluid pressure as the fluid passage forms; and    dampening armature vibration through the increasing fluid pressure.    
     
     
         29 . A method of controlling a flow of fuel in a fuel injector as in  claim 28  wherein the armature has a compression side facing the wall and wherein the dampener shim defines an opening facing the compression side, the opening smaller than the compression side.  
     
     
         30 . A method of controlling a flow of fuel in a fuel injector as in  claim 29  further comprising contacting a valve stop between the armature and the wall to prevent the gap from closing.  
     
     
         31 . A method of controlling a flow of fuel in a fuel injector comprising: 
 moving at least a portion of an armature in a cavity containing fluid;    changing an opening area of a fuel port through the movement of the armature, thereby affecting the flow of fuel;    forming a fluid passage for passing fluid between the armature and a wall defining the cavity as the armature moves towards the wall, the fluid passage formed by narrowing a gap between a shoulder on the armature and a dampener sleeve fixed within the cavity;    increasing fluid pressure as the fluid passage forms; and    dampening armature vibration through the increasing fluid pressure.    
     
     
         32 . A method of controlling a flow of fuel in a fuel injector as in  claim 31  further comprising contacting a valve stop to prevent the gap from closing.