AC Ignition Coil Spark Timing Control via Waveform Edges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current DC ignition systems face challenges in achieving controllable spark arc duration, variability in cycle-to-cycle combustion, and fuel efficiency, with complex electronic mechanisms and inability to sustain arcs during interruptions.
Innovation Solution
An electronic spark timing control system using an AC ignition coil with a rising and falling edge waveform, powered by a vehicle battery and controlled by an engine control module, which activates and deactivates the spark plug to produce a continuous sinusoidal AC high-voltage spark of predetermined duration, allowing for precise control of spark timing and duration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If DC ignition systems use extended dwell time to charge the coil during cold starting conditions, then the necessary energy in the primary coil is achieved, but the system complexity and response time are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies AC periodic voltage to the primary coil instead of DC charging, allowing the coil to be energized during the AC cycle without requiring extended dwell time. The AC waveform naturally provides periodic energy delivery that achieves necessary coil energy levels rapidly, eliminating the time-consuming DC charging phase while maintaining reliable spark generation during cold starting conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the electrical parameter from DC to AC voltage application on the primary coil. This parameter change allows the ignition system to achieve the necessary magnetic field energy in the coil much faster, as the AC waveform continuously energizes the coil during its positive half-cycles, eliminating the need for extended DC dwell time and enabling rapid response during cold starting
2Measurement precision
If DC ignition systems use semiconductor power switches to control spark timing, then precise timing control is achieved, but the system complexity increases and arc sustainability during interruptions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex semiconductor power switch control mechanism from the ignition system. Instead of using electronic switches to control DC coil charging, the system directly applies AC voltage to the primary coil, extracting the timing control function to a simple AC switching mechanism that maintains precise spark timing while dramatically reducing electronic complexity and improving arc sustainability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention inverts the traditional approach by applying AC voltage to the primary coil instead of using DC voltage with electronic switching. This inversion eliminates the need for complex semiconductor power switches and associated control circuits, while the AC waveform itself provides the timing control through its natural oscillation, simplifying the electronic mechanisms while maintaining precise spark timing
3Ease of manufacture
If DC ignition systems are designed for single short-duration sparks, then the combustion chamber design is simplified, but fuel efficiency and combustion consistency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies continuous AC voltage to the primary coil during the AC cycle, which produces a sustained spark arc at the spark plug rather than a single short-duration discharge. This continuous useful action maintains consistent combustion across cycles, improving fuel efficiency and combustion consistency while the AC waveform's regularity provides inherent timing precision that simplifies combustion chamber design requirements
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise control of spark timing and duration, reducing variability in combustion and improving fuel efficiency, while simplifying the ignition system with direct control over spark arc patterns and eliminating the need for excessive dwell times.
Implementation Method 1
an AC ignition coil connected to the spark plug(s) so as to apply an AC voltage to the spark plug(s)
Implementation Method 2
activate the arc of the spark plug(s) between the rising edge and the falling edge of the electronic spark timing control waveform
Data Source
AI summary
A method of firing at least one spark plug of an internal combustion engine include supplying AC power to the spark plug in which the AC power has a waveform with a rising edge and a falling edge, activating the spark plug during the rising edge of the waveform, and deactivating the spark plug during the falling edge of the waveform. This method further includes connecting an engine control module and a vehicle power supply to at least one AC ignition coil and connecting the AC ignition coil to the spark plug or spark plugs. The firing duration of the AC ignition coil or transformer mirrors a digital square waveform duration from the engine control module.