Systems and methods for ignition coil multiplexing in a pre-chamber system

Abstract

Systems and methods for ignition coil multiplexing in a pre-chamber system are provided. Methods and systems are provided for adjusting multiplexed ignition signals in an engine system based on engine operating conditions, each cylinder of the engine system including a main chamber spark plug and a pre-chamber system. In one example, a method may include multiplexing spark signals to a first spark plug, a second spark plug, a third spark plug, and a fourth spark plug, with the first spark plug coupled to a pre-chamber of a first cylinder, the second spark plug coupled to a pre-chamber of a second cylinder, the third spark plug coupled to a main chamber of the first cylinder, and the fourth spark plug coupled to the main chamber of the second cylinder. In this way, one ignition coil may be used to actuate two different spark plugs coupled to separate cylinders.

Description

technical field [0001] The present description generally relates to methods and systems for an engine having a pre-chamber system. Background technique [0002] Internal combustion engines combust an air / fuel mixture within cylinders to generate torque, which can be used to propel a vehicle. In some such engines, an ignition spark is used to ignite the air-fuel mixture within each cylinder during the compression stroke. For example, each cylinder may include a spark plug for directly igniting the air-fuel mixture within the cylinder. In other examples, the air-fuel mixture within the cylinder may be ignited by a jet of hot gas and flame from a pre-combustion chamber (referred to herein as a pre-chamber). The prechamber may be a walled chamber located in the clearance volume of the cylinder and may contain the spark plug, O 2 Or air injectors as well as fuel injectors. During engine operation, a first air-fuel mixture is introduced into the pre-chamber and a second air-fu...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, including additional spark plugs in each cylinder typically requires twice as many ignition coils, which can increase production and repair costs

For example, additional ignition coils can add cost and complexity to vehicle systems

Additionally, each ignition coil may require a separate communication channel from the vehicle controller, which may increase the amount of controller processing resources used during engine operation

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