Dual-Coil Ignition System for Continuous Spark Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-charge ignition systems for lean air-fuel mixtures in internal combustion engines face issues with spark interruption during recharge periods, leading to misfire, increased fuel consumption, and emissions, particularly under high turbulences, and require additional components like step-down converters.

Innovation Solution

The ignition system eliminates the step-down converter stage by using switches Q1 and Q2 to control the primary and secondary currents, limiting the maximum input current and maintaining a constant energy level in the transformers, thereby providing a continuous spark without additional components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a step-down converter stage is used to limit maximum input current, then current limiting is achieved, but device complexity increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent limitingVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the step-down converter stage from the ignition system, removing the transistor switch and diode components while maintaining current limiting functionality through alternative control mechanisms that reduce overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The ignition coils are designed to perform multiple functions: they serve as both the energy storage inductors and the current limiting elements, eliminating the need for separate step-down converter components by making the existing components multi-functional

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Duration of action of moving object

If multi-charge ignition systems are used to increase spark duration, then spark energy output is improved, but spark interruption occurs during recharge periods leading to misfire

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespark durationVSAvoidignition continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention implements a coupled-multi-charge operation mode where two ignition coils work in coordinated alternation, ensuring that one coil is always in the discharge phase while the other charges, thereby eliminating gaps in spark generation and maintaining continuous ignition during high turbulence conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses periodic switching between two ignition coils with precisely timed charge and discharge cycles, creating a continuous sequence of sparks that maintains ignition continuity while allowing each coil sufficient recharge time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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

This solution reduces the number of components, enhances the stability of the ignition system, and minimizes misfires, resulting in improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions by maintaining a consistent energy delivery to the spark plug.

Implementation Method 1

The voltage and wound on a common core K1 forming a first transformer and secondary windings L3, L4 wound on another common core K2 are forming a second transformer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

provide a continuous spark, such as a multi-spark plug ignition system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical discharge: Electric Spark

Data Source

PatentEP2876298B1Method and apparatus to control an ignition system with two coils for one spark plug
Publication Date: 2025.01.08 DELPHI INT OPERATIONS LUXEMBOURG SARL
  • EP2876298B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2876298B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2876298B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

An ignition system including a spark plug control unit adapted to control at least two stages comprising a first transformer (T1) including a first primary winding (L1) inductively coupled to a first secondary winding (L2); a second transformer (T2) including a second primary winding (L3) inductively coupled to a second secondary winding (L4); said control unit enabled to simultaneously energize and deenergize primary windings (L1, L3) by simultaneously switching on and off two corresponding switches (Q1, Q2) to maintain a continuous ignition fire, wherein means to implement operation is based solely on selective switching of switches Ql and Q2.