Dual Ignition Coil Timing Control via Pulse Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ignition systems in gasoline vehicles face challenges in accurately controlling the discharge period of spark plugs according to engine operational conditions, affecting ignition timing and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A method involving two ignition coils controlled by pulse signals from an engine control unit, where the first coil is charged and discharged synchronously with the first pulse signal, and the second coil is charged and discharged after a delay, allowing for precise control of ignition timing by overlapping discharge periods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a single ignition coil is used to generate spark discharge, then the structure is simple, but the ignition timing and discharge period cannot be accurately controlled according to engine operational conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveignition timing control precisionVSAvoidignition coil system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single ignition coil is divided into two separate ignition coils (first ignition coil and second ignition coil). Each coil can be independently controlled by separate pulse signals, allowing precise control of ignition timing and discharge period. The first coil responds to the first pulse signal while the second coil responds to the second pulse signal, enabling accurate timing control according to engine operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ignition coil system is made dynamically controllable by introducing separate pulse signals with adjustable timing and duration. The control unit can dynamically adjust the ignition timing by controlling when each coil is charged and discharged based on real-time engine operational conditions, making the system adaptable to varying requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the discharge period of spark plug is extended to improve ignition efficiency, then the ignition efficiency improves, but the risk of knocking increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveignition efficiencyVSAvoidknocking
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The spark discharge process is segmented into two separate discharge events from two different ignition coils. This allows the total ignition energy to be distributed across two controlled discharges rather than one extended discharge, maintaining high ignition efficiency while preventing knocking through precise timing control of each individual discharge event.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses periodic pulse signals to control the charging and discharging of the ignition coils. By adjusting the period and timing of these pulse signals, the system can optimize the discharge timing to achieve efficient ignition while avoiding conditions that cause knocking.

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 approach enables accurate control of ignition timing, improving discharge efficiency and preventing knocking, thereby enhancing engine output and fuel economy, even under varying operational conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a high voltage current generated by an ignition coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

charging the first ignition coil when the first pulse signal is on; discharging the first ignition coil when the first pulse signal is off

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS11378055B1Method of controlling ignition coil
Publication Date: 2022.07.05 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD
  • US11378055B1 patent drawing
  • US11378055B1 patent drawing
  • US11378055B1 patent drawing

AI summary

An ignition coil control method may include receiving first pulse signal and second pulse signal following the first pulse signal by a delay time transmitted from an engine control unit; charging the first ignition coil when the first pulse signal is on; charging the second ignition coil when a predetermined time period elapses from a time at which the first pulse signal is on; discharging the first ignition coil when the first pulse signal is off; discharging the second ignition coil when a maintaining time of the first pulse signal from a time at which the second ignition coil is charged; when the second pulse signal is on, charging the first ignition coil for a dwell time and then discharging the first ignition coil; and charging the second ignition coil for the dwell time and then discharging the second ignition coil when a predetermined time period elapses from a time at which the second ignition coil is discharged.