Novel Approach to Engine Timing through Monitoring Intake Pressure Fluctuations in Small Engines with Applications for Low Cost, Low Invasive Fuel Injection Systems

This paper presents a crankshaft position detection strategy based on intake air pressure fluctuations for small engines. Applications are shown where air pressure is monitored in the air induction system of a single cylinder engine. Since the opening and closing of the intake valve is mechanically linked to the crankshaft, engine timing information can effectively be determined on a synchronous 720° engine cycle in four-stroke applications for the use of timing fuel injection and engine ignition systems.

The goal of this paper is to propose a new, robust, yet simple crankshaft position sensing methodology to be used in fuel injection and ignition systems on small engines. The use of this technology is aimed at offering cost effective technology to help reduce emissions levels emitted from small engines.