Distributed architecture ignition system
The distributed architecture ignition system addresses the challenge of achieving high primary drive voltages and safety by using local control units and twisted-pair cables for communication, resulting in efficient and safe operation with reduced energy loss.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- アルトロニックエルエルシー
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-07
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-23
AI Technical Summary
Existing ignition systems face limitations in achieving higher primary drive voltages while using low-voltage cable wiring, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns due to high current switching and undesirable energy transfer.
A distributed architecture ignition system with local control units and a central control unit, utilizing twisted-pair cables for communication, allows for local voltage boosting within the ignition coil assemblies, enabling higher primary drive voltages while maintaining low-voltage cabling, thus reducing energy loss and enhancing safety.
The system achieves higher primary drive voltages up to 1800VDC, minimizing energy loss and improving safety by distributing low-voltage cabling, enabling efficient and controlled electrical paths, and allowing for local signal processing and decision-making.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001]
[0001] This disclosure relates generally to power electronics, and more particularly to an ignition system that can be used in a combustion engine.
Background Art
[0006] One embodiment of the system according to this teaching includes, but is not limited to, an ignition system comprising a central control unit. An ignition coil assembly (or a number of assemblies) comprises an ignition transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding, and a local control unit. The local control unit is adapted to adjust the ignition timing of the ignition transformer and generate a spark in a spark device (e.g., connected in series with the secondary winding of the ignition transformer) to ignite the fuel-air mixture in the engine cylinder. The central control unit communicates electronically with the local control unit to monitor the ignition transformer.
[0007]
[0007] In one embodiment, the local control unit boosts the final primary drive in the coil assembly, thereby providing a higher primary drive voltage while using low-voltage cable wiring to the central control unit.
[0008]
[0008] In one embodiment, the central control unit supplies 50V or less to the ignition coil assembly, which boosts the final primary drive voltage to 400V or more.
[0009]
[0009] In one embodiment, the ignition coil assembly includes a power supply for boosting the final primary drive within the coil assembly.
[0010]
[0010] In one embodiment, the central control unit communicates electronically with the local control unit via a twisted-pair cable.
[0011]
[0011] In one embodiment, the twisted pair cable includes an Ethernet cable.
[0012]
[0012] In one embodiment, the local control unit increases the voltage of the primary drive input in the coil assembly.
[0013]
[0013] In one embodiment, the spark device includes a spark plug.
[0014]
[0014] In one embodiment, the system has one or more additional ignition coil assemblies. Each of the one or more additional ignition coil assemblies has a control unit adapted to adjust the ignition timing of the associated ignition transformer.
[0015]
[0015] In one embodiment, the ignition coil assembly includes at least one sensor, and a local control unit adjusts the ignition timing based on the measurement value sensed by the sensor. A central control unit communicates electronically with the local control unit via a twisted-pair cable.
[0016]
[0016] One embodiment of the method according to this teaching includes, but is not limited to, a method for controlling an ignition system. A central control unit is provided. An ignition coil assembly is provided having an ignition transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding, and a local control unit. The ignition timing of the ignition transformer is adjusted by the local control unit, and a spark device (connected, for example, to the secondary winding of the ignition transformer) generates a spark to ignite the fuel-air mixture in the engine cylinder.
[0017]
[0017] In one embodiment, the local control unit is monitored by the central control unit.
[0018]
[0018] One embodiment of the ignition coil assembly according to this teaching includes, but is not limited to, an ignition transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding, and a central unit adapted to adjust the ignition timing of the ignition transformer and generate a spark in a spark device to ignite the fuel-air mixture in the engine cylinder. The control unit is adapted to electronically communicate with a central control unit that monitors the ignition transformer.
[0019]
[0019] In one embodiment, the ignition coil assembly includes a power supply for boosting the final primary drive within the coil assembly, thereby providing a higher primary drive voltage while using low-voltage cable wiring to a central control unit.
[0020]
[0020] In one embodiment, the ignition coil assembly includes at least one measurement value, and the local control unit adjusts the ignition timing based on at least one measurement value.
[0021]
[0021] In one embodiment, the ignition coil assembly includes at least one sensor for sensing at least one measurement value.
[0022]
[0022] In one embodiment, at least one measurement includes the position data of the engine's crankshaft.
[0023]
[0023] One embodiment of the engine ignition system according to the teachings includes, but is not limited to, an engine having a plurality of cylinders, each of which has an associated assembly according to the teachings of the present invention. A central control unit electronically communicates with each associated assembly via twisted-pair cables.
[0024]
[0024] In one embodiment, the central control unit receives diagnostic measurements of a first assembly of the related assemblies and modifies the operation of at least a second assembly of the related assemblies based at least in part on the diagnostic measurements.
[0025]
[0025] In one embodiment, the ignition coil assembly includes at least one measurement (for example, including a sensor, or can be received from another measurement source such as a sensor on the cylinder), and the control unit adjusts the ignition timing based on the measurement. A central control unit electronically communicates with the ignition coil assembly control unit via a twisted-pair cable.
[0026]
[0026] Other embodiments of the system and method are described in detail below and are part of this teaching.
[0027]
[0027] To better understand the present embodiment, as well as other and further aspects of the present embodiment, reference is made to the accompanying drawings and detailed description, and the scope of the invention is set forth in the appended claims.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0028] [Figure 1]
[0028] A diagram showing an embodiment of a system according to the teachings of the present invention. [Figure 2]
[0029] A diagram showing another embodiment of a system according to the present teachings. [Figure 3]
[0030] A diagram showing the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2 incorporated into engine ignition control.
Modes for Carrying Out the Invention
[0029]
[0031] Hereinafter, the present teachings will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings showing embodiments of the present invention. The following description is presented for illustrative purposes only and the present teachings should not be limited to these embodiments. Any computer configuration and architecture that meet the speed and interface requirements may be suitable for implementing the systems and methods of the embodiments of the present invention.
[0030]
[0032] In compliance with the law, the present teachings are described in more or less specific terms with respect to structural and methodological features. However, it should be understood that the systems and methods disclosed herein include preferred forms of carrying out the present teachings, and thus the present teachings are not limited to the specific features shown and described.
[0031]
[0033] For purposes of illustration and not limitation, specific details of a particular architecture, interface, technique, etc. are described so as to be fully understood. Details of well-known devices, circuits, and methods are omitted so as not to obscure the description with unnecessary details.
[0032]
[0034] A “computing system” can provide the functions relating to this instruction. A computing system may include software running on computer-readable media that can be logically identified (not necessarily physically) for specific functions (e.g., function modules). A computing system may include any number of computers / processors that can communicate with each other over a network. A computing system may communicate electronically with a data store (e.g., a database) that stores control and data information. The form of the computer-readable media may include, but is not limited to, disks, hard drives, random-access memory, programmable read-only memory, or any other media that a computer can read.
[0033]
[0035] In general, all terms used in the claims should be interpreted according to their ordinary meanings in the art unless expressly defined otherwise herein. All references to elements, apparatus, components, means, steps, etc., should be broadly interpreted as references to at least one example of an element, apparatus, component, step, etc., unless expressly stated otherwise. The steps of any method disclosed herein do not need to be performed in the exact order disclosed unless expressly stated otherwise. The use of “first,” “second,” etc., with respect to different features / components of this disclosure is intended solely to distinguish one feature / component from other similar features / components and is not intended to assign any order or hierarchy to the features / components.
[0034]
[0036] To help the Patent Office and any reader of the patent granted in this application interpret the attached claims, please note that neither the attached claims nor any claim elements are intended to exercise Section 112(f) of the U.S. Patent Act unless the terms “means for” or “steps for” are expressly used in any particular claim.
[0035]
[0037] Numerical ranges specified by endpoints include all numbers within that range (for example, 1-5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, etc.). When a range of values is described as being "greater than" or "less than" a specific value, that value is also included in the range.
[0036]
[0038] Any direction referred to herein, such as “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “upper side,” “lower side,” “upward,” and “downward,” as well as other directions and orientations, are described herein as clearly with reference to the drawings and do not limit the actual device or system, or the use of the device or system. Many of the devices, articles, or systems described herein may be used in many directions and orientations.
[0037]
[0039] References made in this disclosure or its review process are made with due care. No reference (whether in the disclosure statement or elsewhere) should be construed as acknowledging that the cited reference is qualified prior art or from a field similar to or directly applicable to this instruction.
[0038]
[0040] This instruction includes distributed architecture ignition systems, which may, but are not limited to, be based on improved capacitive discharge technology in which the ignition coil assembly is integrated with control and power electronics. Such configurations offer many advantages, including, but are not limited to, improved packaging, signal processing, control, and miniaturization.
[0039]
[0041] In one embodiment, each of the one or more ignition coil assemblies (e.g., ignition transformer and electronics) has its own control unit. A central control unit (e.g., ECU) can electronically communicate with these "smart" ignition coils. The connection may be provided using a communication cable, such as a 4-pair CAT5e / 6 cable (e.g., Ethernet cable), but is not limited to this. In this way, the primary drive of the ignition coil can be made "local" to the coil, but can be monitored by the central control unit.
[0040]
[0042] The presence of a local control unit (also known as a distributed control unit) provides many new and improved features compared to conventional systems. Such features include a distributed architecture, local primary drive, local signal processing, and local decision-making. It also provides the ability to integrate additional electronics into the ignition coil. For example, sensors such as temperature sensors and acceleration sensors may be added, though these are not limited to these.
[0041]
[0043] Those skilled in the art will understand that various sensors can be employed locally on the coil to measure temperature (e.g., inside the coil) and acceleration (e.g., also inside the coil). Sensors can also be employed to act as "signal processing and digitization" points. This allows, for example, a user to connect cylinder-based sensors (e.g., pressure diagnostics within a cylinder) to the coil electronics instead of performing wire connections to a central control unit.
[0042]
[0044] Referring here to Figure 1, a diagram of one embodiment of the system 100 according to this teaching is shown. A central control unit 102 (e.g., an electronic control unit or ECU) may provide a central connection point for the ignition system 100. While central control units are known in the art, the central control unit 102 according to this teaching may provide supervision and control logic for distributed control units (e.g., monitoring, high-level control, data and ignition strategy provision, etc.) as will be understood by those skilled in the art. The central control unit 102 may also provide some or all of the power supply (e.g., a first stage), though not limited to this.
[0043]
[0045] Each ignition coil assembly 104 may have its own control logic, including a (distributed / local) control unit. In this way, control and / or monitoring of at least a portion of the ignition transformer may be performed locally at the ignition transformer.
[0044]
[0046] The ignition coil assembly 104 may include, but is not limited to, a power supply (e.g., a second stage), a capacitive discharge ignition driver, an ignition transformer, and an engine diagnostic interface. Those skilled in the art will understand the various functions that can be incorporated into the ignition coil assembly 104 in accordance with this teaching.
[0045]
[0047] Each ignition coil assembly 104 can communicate with a central control unit 102 via one or more communication links 106 (e.g., bus, cable, etc.). In one embodiment, the link / bus comprises standardized twisted-pair cable (e.g., Category 5 or 6), but as will be understood by those skilled in the art, any wire / cable capable of meeting the communication requirements between the central control unit and the distributed control units can be used.
[0046]
[0048] Having local control electronics for the ignition coil offers numerous advantages. In this way, each coil can operate independently or semi-independently and effectively, responding quickly to local conditions for a specific application.
[0047]
[0049] One benefit of this instruction is the minimization of cabling between individual coils (e.g., cylinders) and the central control module. For example, signals can be processed locally in the coils, thus reducing the number of conductors required for coordination and serial communication with the central unit.
[0048]
[0050] Another benefit is that the control electronics within the coil enable shorter, more controlled electrical paths in both the power and measurement circuits. This reduces, but is not limited to, the effects of undesirable energy transfer (e.g., loss W=(IR)I or "I2R loss") and stray capacitance.
[0049]
[0051] Furthermore, another benefit of distributed architectures is the ability to provide a higher primary drive voltage while maintaining low-voltage cabling. The primary drive voltage of a typical capacitive discharge (CDI) ignition coil may be in the range of 100-400 VDC (pulse) due to practical limitations such as the insulation rating of the cabling and personnel safety. However, as those skilled in the art will understand, a higher primary drive voltage can be advantageous, such as reduced current switching and miniaturization of the magnetic circuit. For example, it is possible to achieve a higher primary drive voltage while maintaining low-voltage cabling by distributing a lower voltage at 48 VAC and boosting it locally to the final primary drive within the coil assembly. Therefore, this teaching can provide voltages higher than those found in known systems.
[0050]
[0052] Voltages much higher than 400V were impractical due to the limitations of normal wiring practices (for example, 480VAC 3-phase may be the highest voltage an electrician would typically see). However, using this teaching, low voltages can be distributed and used to charge capacitors up to much higher voltages, such as 600-900VDC, and even 1200-1800VDC, though not limited to these. The benefit of distributing low voltages is that the distributed low voltages (e.g., less than 100V, less than 75V, less than 50V, 48V, etc.) remain "touch safe," regardless of the boosted primary voltage (e.g., 400VDC, 500VDC, 600VDC, 700VDC, 800VDC, 900VDC, 1000VDC, 1100VDC, 1200VDC, 1300VDC, 1400VDC, 1500VDC, 1600VDC, 1700VDC, 1800VDC, etc.). For example, 48V may be touch safe, while 200VDC may be dangerous.
[0051]
[0053] Voltage boosting is known in the art and can be provided in an ignition coil assembly, for example, by an AC-DC or DC-DC power supply. In another example, auxiliary transformers and / or diodes may be used, but are not limited to these.
[0052]
[0054] Referring to Figure 2, another embodiment of the system 200 according to this teaching is illustrated. As shown, a central control unit 202 (e.g., an ECU or CPU) electronically communicates with at least one ignition coil assembly 204. In this example, the communication is via a twisted-pair cable 206, but as those skilled in the art will understand, any cable that can satisfy the communication requirements (e.g., wireless control and monitoring) may be used.
[0053]
[0055] In this specification, a single ignition coil assembly 204 may be illustrated and referred to, but multiple ignition coil assemblies 204 may be connected to a central control unit 202. The disclosed functions apply when multiple ignition coil assemblies 204 (e.g., one or more for each engine cylinder) are present, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.
[0054]
[0056] The central control unit 202 may have a microcontroller 208 (e.g., a processor, memory, input / output, etc.). The microcontroller 208 can control and monitor the operation of one or more ignition coil assemblies 204. In a preferred embodiment, at least some functions are distributed to the ignition coil assemblies 204 in accordance with this teaching, so the central control unit 202 may have supervision, monitoring, and control functions.
[0055]
[0057] Those skilled in the art will understand the various supervisory, monitoring, and control functions that may be incorporated into this teaching. For example, such functions may include reading engine crankshaft position data and instructing the coils at the appropriate timing for ignition. In another example, functions may include, but are not limited to, monitoring diagnostic data from cylinders and adjusting one or more other cylinders in response. Diagnostic data may be used to monitor engine performance, such as engine stability or speed / torque fluctuations. Diagnostic data may include, but are not limited to, data from the cylinder being analyzed (e.g., the left engine bank having a higher voltage than the right engine bank).
[0056]
[0058] In one embodiment, the central control unit 202 may supply a low-voltage power supply 210 (e.g., touch-safe voltage, 48V, etc.) to the ignition coil assembly 204. The central control unit 202 may have an electronic communication interface 212 for communicating with the ignition coil assembly 204 (e.g., receiving and transmitting communication signals). The central control unit 202 may provide control signals 214 for controlling and / or monitoring aspects of the ignition coil assembly 204. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the central control unit 202 may have various functions implemented in hardware and / or software for interacting with the ignition coil assembly 204.
[0057]
[0059] Each ignition coil assembly 204 may have a microcontroller 216 (e.g., a processor, memory, input / output, etc.). In this way, at least part of the control operations can be performed "locally" to the ignition coil assembly 204. This may include, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, spark generation (e.g., a bitstream of pulses directed toward the switch) and diagnostic measurements (e.g., primary and / or secondary currents and voltages).
[0058]
[0060] The ignition coil assembly 204 may have a primary drive power supply 218. The ignition coil assembly 204 may have an electronic communication interface 220 (for communicating with, for example, a central control unit 202 or other ignition coil assemblies). The ignition coil assembly 204 may have an ignition transformer 222 and a driver (i.e., a controllable switch / "output stage" for ignition). The ignition coil assembly 204 may have an engine diagnostic signal 224. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the ignition coil assembly 204 may have various functions implemented in hardware and / or software for interacting with other parts of the system, such as the central control unit 202, and for controlling the ignition transformer 222 (for example, for adjusting ignition timing).
[0059]
[0061] Referring to Figure 3, embodiments of Figures 1 and 2 incorporated into engine ignition control are illustrated. As shown, a control unit 301 (e.g., central) may electronically communicate with one or more ignition control assemblies 304, 306. Each assembly may include a control unit 304 (e.g., local) and an ignition coil 306. Communication between the central control unit 301 and the “local” control units 304, 304', 304'' may be carried out via one or more communication links 302, 302', 302''. Each assembly may transmit energy to spark plugs 308, 308', 308''. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the spark plugs may further drive the crankshaft in the engine 310 (e.g., one or more spark plugs in each engine cylinder).
[0060]
[0062] While this teaching has described specific embodiments, it should be understood that this teaching is not limited to these disclosed embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recall many modifications and other embodiments to which the present invention relates and which are intended and included in this disclosure. The scope of this teaching is intended to be determined by the appropriate interpretation and composition of its legal equivalents, as understood by those skilled in the art based on the disclosures and accompanying drawings herein. [Explanation of symbols]
[0061] 100 Ignition System 102 Central Control Unit 104 Ignition Coil Assembly 200 Systems 202 Central Control Unit 204 Ignition Coil Assembly 206 Twisted Pair Cable 208 Microcontrollers 210 Low Voltage Power Supply 212 Electronic communication interface 214 Control signals 216 Microcontrollers 218 Primary drive power supply 220 Electronic communication interface 222 Ignition transformer 224 Engine diagnostic signals 301 Control Unit 302, 302', 302'' communication links 304, 304', 304'' control unit 306, 306', 306'' ignition coil 308, 308', 308'' Spark Plugs 310 engine
Claims
1. A first ignition coil assembly comprising: a first ignition transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding; and a first local control unit adapted to adjust the ignition timing of the first ignition transformer to generate a spark in a first spark device to ignite the fuel-air mixture in a first engine cylinder; A second ignition coil assembly comprising: a second ignition transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding; and a second local control unit adapted to adjust the ignition timing of the second ignition transformer to generate a spark in a second spark device to ignite the fuel-air mixture in a second engine cylinder; A central control unit that electronically communicates with the first and second local control units for monitoring the first and second ignition transformers, An ignition system equipped with [the following features].
2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first ignition coil assembly boosts the final primary drive within the first ignition coil assembly, thereby providing a higher primary drive voltage while using low-voltage cable wiring to the central control unit.
3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the first ignition coil assembly includes a power supply for boosting the final primary drive.
4. The central control unit supplies 50V or less to the first ignition coil assembly. The system according to claim 2, wherein the first ignition coil assembly boosts the final primary drive voltage to 400V or more.
5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the central control unit communicates electronically with the first local control unit via a twisted-pair cable.
6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the twisted-pair cable includes an Ethernet cable.
7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first spark device includes a spark plug.
8. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a third ignition coil assembly having a third ignition transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding, and a third local control unit adapted to adjust the ignition timing of the third ignition transformer to generate a spark in a third spark device to ignite a fuel-air mixture in a third engine cylinder.
9. The engine and An engine system comprising the ignition system described in claim 1.
10. The first ignition coil assembly includes at least one measurement, The first local control unit adjusts the ignition timing based on the at least one measured value. The system according to claim 1, wherein the central control unit communicates electronically with the first local control unit via a twisted-pair cable.
11. A method for controlling an ignition system, To provide a first ignition coil assembly comprising a first ignition transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding, and a first local control unit, To provide a second ignition coil assembly comprising a second ignition transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding, and a second local control unit, The first local control unit adjusts the ignition timing of the first ignition transformer, and the first spark device generates a spark to ignite the fuel-air mixture in the first engine cylinder. The second local control unit adjusts the ignition timing of the second ignition transformer, and the second spark device generates a spark to ignite the fuel-air mixture in the second engine cylinder. The central control unit monitors the first ignition transformer and the second ignition transformer. Methods that include...
12. The first ignition coil assembly includes at least one measurement, The first local control unit adjusts the ignition timing based on the at least one measured value. The method according to claim 11, wherein the central control unit communicates electronically with the first local control unit via a twisted-pair cable.
13. A first ignition coil assembly, A second ignition coil assembly is provided, The first ignition coil assembly is, A first ignition transformer equipped with a primary winding and a secondary winding, The system comprises a first local control unit adapted to adjust the ignition timing of the first ignition transformer and generate a spark in the first spark device to ignite the fuel-air mixture in the first engine cylinder, The first local control unit is adapted to communicate electronically with a central control unit that monitors the first ignition transformer. The second ignition coil assembly is, A second ignition transformer equipped with a primary winding and a secondary winding, The system comprises a second local control unit adapted to adjust the ignition timing of the second ignition transformer and generate a spark in the second spark device to ignite the fuel-air mixture in the second engine cylinder, The second local control unit comprises a plurality of ignition coil assemblies, each adapted to electronically communicate with the central control unit that monitors the second ignition transformer.
14. Multiple ignition coil assemblies according to claim 13, wherein the first ignition coil assembly includes a power supply for boosting the final primary drive within the first ignition coil assembly, thereby providing a higher primary drive voltage while using low-voltage cable wiring to the central control unit.
15. The first ignition coil assembly includes at least one measurement, The plurality of ignition coil assemblies according to claim 13, wherein the first local control unit adjusts the ignition timing based on the at least one measured value.
16. The plurality of ignition coil assemblies according to claim 15, wherein the first ignition coil assembly includes at least one sensor for sensing the at least one measured value.
17. The plurality of ignition coil assemblies according to claim 15, wherein the at least one measurement includes engine crankshaft position data.
18. An engine having a plurality of cylinders, wherein each of the plurality of cylinders is associated with one of the plurality of ignition coil assemblies described in claim 13, The aforementioned central control unit, An engine ignition system equipped with the following features.
19. The system according to claim 18, wherein the central control unit receives diagnostic measurements of the first ignition coil assembly and modifies the operation of the second ignition coil assembly based at least in part on the diagnostic measurements.
20. The first local control unit increases the primary drive voltage in the first ignition coil assembly, The system according to claim 18, wherein the central control unit communicates electronically with the first local control unit via a twisted-pair cable.