Capacitive Discharge Ignition Microcontroller Data Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Light-duty internal combustion engines without a separate battery pose challenges for diagnostic data collection and programming, as they rely on manual starting and lack a dedicated power source for electronic ignition control systems, making it difficult to access and analyze engine operation data for diagnostic purposes.
Innovation Solution
A spark ignition engine system utilizing a capacitive discharge ignition system with a microcontroller that stores and communicates engine data via a separate data connection, powered by a distinct connection, allowing for data acquisition and reprogramming through an intermediary computing device connected to the kill switch terminals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate battery is added to power the microcontroller for data collection and programming, then the diagnostic capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The kill switch connector is designed to serve dual purposes: its primary function of stopping the engine and a secondary function of providing power and data connections for diagnostic operations. The same physical connector and wiring harness are used for both engine control and diagnostic communication, eliminating the need for separate battery and communication hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the power connection and data connection into a single integrated connector system that interfaces with the existing kill switch terminals. This merging of functions allows the microcontroller to be powered and programmed through the same connection points used for engine shutdown control.
2Device complexity
If the kill switch connector is used for both engine control and diagnostic communication, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of engine control may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system is segmented into distinct power and data connection points that are electrically separate but physically integrated. The power connection supplies voltage to the microcontroller, while the data connection provides communication pathways, allowing independent operation of each function without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The kill switch connector acts as an intermediary element that bridges the engine control system and the diagnostic system. It provides a controlled interface that allows external devices to communicate with the microcontroller without directly interfering with the engine's primary control functions.
3Loss of information
If a separate data connection is implemented for communicating engine data, then the data acquisition capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The data connection is implemented as a multi-purpose communication interface that serves both diagnostic data acquisition and programming functions. The same connection pathway is used for reading engine operation data from memory and for writing programming data to the microcontroller, eliminating the need for separate communication channels.
Data Source
AI summary
A spark ignition engine system for communicating data includes a capacitive discharge ignition system using a microcontroller for controlling the spark ignition of a light-duty internal combustion engine; a memory device communicated with the microcontroller, wherein the micro-controller obtains engine data from the light-duty internal combustion engine and stores the engine data or software using the memory device; and a powering connection and a separate data connection that are electrically connected to different pins of the microcontroller, wherein the powering connection supplies power to the microcontroller while engine data or software is communicated via the data connection.