Dual Ignition Coil Control for Precise Spark Timing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ignition systems in gasoline vehicles face difficulties in controlling ignition timing and discharge period of the spark plug according to engine operational conditions, leading to inefficient energy generation and potential issues like knocking and reduced fuel economy.
Innovation Solution
An ignition coil control system and method that utilize two ignition coils and an ignition controller to adjust discharge current based on a step pulse signal from the engine control unit, allowing for precise control of ignition timing by charging and discharging the coils in synchronization with the signal, ensuring efficient spark discharge between the center and ground electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional single ignition coil is used, then the device complexity is low, but the control precision of ignition timing and discharge period is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The single ignition coil is divided into two separate ignition coils (first ignition coil and second ignition coil), each capable of independent control. This segmentation allows precise control of ignition timing and discharge period by independently managing the charging and discharging timing of each coil, thereby resolving the contradiction between control precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ignition controller dynamically adjusts the charging and discharging timing of the two ignition coils based on a step pulse signal with varying voltage levels. By making the control system dynamic and adaptive to different engine operational conditions, the system achieves high precision ignition timing control while maintaining reasonable device complexity through intelligent control strategies.
2Power
If the ignition coil charges for longer duration, then the discharge current amount increases, but the ignition timing control precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The ignition controller employs periodic charging and discharging cycles of the two ignition coils, synchronized with the step pulse signal. By controlling the duration and timing of each charge-discharge cycle, the system can deliver sufficient discharge current while maintaining precise ignition timing control, as each coil's discharge is precisely timed rather than continuously charged.
Solution Approach 2:
The ignition controller performs preliminary charging of the ignition coils before the required discharge moment. By anticipating the need for discharge and pre-charging the coils to appropriate levels based on the step pulse signal timing, the system ensures sufficient discharge current is available exactly when needed, without requiring excessive charge duration that would compromise timing precision.
3Reliability
If the discharge current amount is increased, then the ignition energy is sufficient, but the fuel economy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuously providing excessive discharge current, the system uses partial action by controlling two ignition coils to discharge at different times and durations based on the step pulse signal. This ensures sufficient ignition energy is delivered only when and where needed, avoiding unnecessary energy consumption and improving fuel economy while maintaining reliable ignition.
Solution Approach 2:
The ignition controller dynamically changes the discharge current parameters (amount, duration, timing) of the two ignition coils based on the step pulse signal voltage levels and engine operational conditions. By adapting the discharge parameters to actual needs rather than using fixed high-current discharge, the system maintains sufficient ignition energy while minimizing energy loss and improving fuel economy.
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, improves discharge efficiency, prevents knocking, and enhances engine output and fuel economy by ensuring consistent and sufficient ignition energy delivery, even under varying engine conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a first ignition coil including a primary coil and a secondary coil; a first switch that selectively electrically connects the primary coil of the first ignition coil; a second ignition coil including a primary coil and a secondary coil; a second switch that selectively electrically connects the primary coil of the second ignition coil; a spark plug generating spark discharge by a discharge current generated in the first ignition coil and the second ignition coil
Data Source
AI summary
An ignition coil control system includes: a first ignition coil; a second ignition coil; a spark plug generating spark discharge by a discharge current generated in the first ignition coil and the second ignition coil; and an ignition controller that controls spark discharge of the electrode by adjusting an amount and duration of the discharge current of the first ignition coil and the second ignition coil based on a step pulse signal including different voltages transmitted from an engine control unit (ECU).