Lighting device for simulating an ignition spark using a spark plug
By integrating an LED into the spark gap of a spark plug with metallurgical bonds, the decorative spark plug achieves a safe, realistic ignition simulation with authentic appearance and versatility for diverse uses.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SCHMIEMANN GUNNAR DIPL.-ING
- Filing Date
- 2026-02-17
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-21
AI Technical Summary
Existing decorative spark plugs either lack an integrated light source or require high voltage for a realistic spark simulation, making them unsafe for public use and lacking authenticity.
Integrating a semiconductor light element (LED) directly into the spark gap between the center and ground electrodes, using the spark plug's electrical architecture as a current path, and securing the LED with metallurgical bonds for low-voltage operation and authentic appearance.
Achieves a safe, realistic ignition spark simulation with authentic appearance and vibration resistance, suitable for various decoration scenarios.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
[0001] Lighting device for simulating an ignition spark using a spark plug.
[0002] The invention relates to a lighting device which uses a conventional spark plug as a supporting and electrically conductive element to optically simulate an ignition spark by means of a semiconductor lighting element (LED) (4).
[0003] Previous decorative items in the automotive sector that use spark plugs mostly use them merely as a mechanical holder or base for external light sources.
[0004] Also known are replicas of spark plugs made of plastic that function as lights.
[0005] Integrating the light source directly into the spark plug's functional area (the spark gap) by utilizing its technical architecture is not known. Furthermore, generating a genuine spark requires life-threatening high voltage, which makes its use as a decorative item in public spaces or living areas difficult or impossible.
[0006] The invention is based on the problem of creating an optically realistic simulation of an ignition spark on a real spark plug that can be operated with safe low voltage and fully retains the authentic appearance of the spark plug.
[0007] This problem is solved by positioning a semiconductor light element (LED) (4) directly in the spark gap between the center electrode (3) and the ground electrode (1) of the spark plug.
[0008] Special features of the invention: 1. Electrical connection: The existing electrical architecture of the spark plug is used as a current path. Energy is supplied via the terminal bolt and the center electrode (3) to one pole of the LED (4) and via the metallic housing (ground) (1) to the complementary pole of the LED (4). 2. Connection technology: The LED (4) is electrically and mechanically connected to the electrodes via a metallurgical bond. This can be achieved by soldering, welding (especially spot welding), or by using electrically conductive adhesives (conductive adhesives) (5). The choice of method allows the LED (4) to be securely fixed in the narrow spark gap while simultaneously establishing electrical contact via the solid components of the spark plug. 3. Control: In an extended version, one or more of these lighting devices are connected to a control unit (6). This can be implemented as an oscillator circuit (e.g., ring oscillator) or a microcontroller to control the lighting behavior (e.g., frequency, duration, and intensity) in such a way as to imitate a realistic ignition process – even in engine-specific firing sequences. Benefits achieved: Safety: Operation with low voltage (e.g. 3V to 12V). Authenticity: Preserving the original spark plug aesthetics without visible external cables in the cylinder head area. Versatility: The material-bonded connection (gluing / soldering / welding) achieves permanent vibration resistance, enabling use in various decoration scenarios.
[0009] An embodiment of the invention is described with reference to the Fig. 1 to Fig. 2 explained.
[0010] They show: Fig. 1 Lighting device and control unit Fig. 2 Detailed view of the lighting device: ground electrode, center electrode, semiconductor light element (LED) Reference symbol list 1 Spark plug housing / ground electrode 2 Insulator 3. Center electrode 4 Semiconductor light source (LED) 5 Electrical connection (conductive adhesive / solder / weld point) 6 Control unit / battery 7 Electrical connection
Claims
Lighting device for simulating an ignition spark, characterized in that a conventional spark plug serves as a housing and electrical conductor, wherein at least one semiconductor lighting element (LED) is arranged in the spark gap between the center electrode and the ground electrode, which is electrically connected to the said electrodes. Lighting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrical contacting of the semiconductor lighting element is carried out using the original current paths of the spark plug (connecting bolt / center electrode and spark plug housing / ground electrode). Lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the semiconductor lighting element is attached to the electrodes by means of an electrically conductive material connection (e.g. conductive gluing, soldering or welding). Lighting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lighting device is connected to a control unit which regulates the power supply in such a way that the lighting behavior of the LED imitates the optical appearance of a periodic ignition spark. A decorative arrangement comprising at least one or a plurality of lighting devices according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit is configured to rhythmically control a single lighting behavior or - in the case of a plurality of lighting devices - a firing sequence typical for internal combustion engines (e.g. single-cylinder clocking, in-line, V or boxer configuration).