Engine Run Sensor Antenna for Spark Plug Signal Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine operation detection systems are not compatible with carbureted engines and third-party EFI systems, lacking a readily available signal to determine engine operational state, necessitating a universal detection solution for all engine types.
Innovation Solution
An engine operation detection system that includes an engine run sensor with an antenna-configured signal wire to receive spark plug signals, transforming them into engine on/off condition signals for data acquisition, utilizing a power supply and engine run sensing circuit to output these signals, allowing compatibility with various engine types including carbureted and third-party EFI systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional data gathering systems are used for carbureted engines, then the system cannot obtain engine operational signals, but using alternative detection methods increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the spark plug wire's existing electromagnetic field and signal characteristics to detect engine operation. The detection circuit taps into the natural electrical signals already present in the ignition system, allowing the system to self-diagnose engine state without external sensors or complex additional hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical or contact-based detection methods with electromagnetic field detection. By using an antenna to detect the electromagnetic signals radiated by the spark plug wire, the system achieves engine operation detection without mechanical contact points or complex mechanical sensor assemblies
2Measurement precision
If engine-specific detection systems are designed for different engine types, then detection accuracy improves, but adaptability across engine types decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is designed with universal applicability across carbureted and EFI engines by detecting common electromagnetic signals from the spark plug wire. The same detection circuit and antenna configuration can be used regardless of engine type, as all internal combustion engines with spark ignition produce similar electromagnetic signatures during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system adapts to different engine types by monitoring changes in electrical parameters of the spark plug wire signal rather than relying on engine-specific mechanical characteristics. The detection circuit measures voltage, frequency, or other electrical parameters that vary with engine operation state but remain consistent across different engine designs
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 accurate detection and monitoring of engine operational states across different engine types, facilitating productivity tracking, maintenance scheduling, and efficiency calculations through integration with fleet management systems.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna configured to receive a spark plug signal from the spark plug wire
Data Source
AI summary
An engine operation detection system includes an engine including a spark plug and a spark plug wire, and an engine run sensor including a signal wire including an antenna, the antenna configured to receive a spark plug signal from the spark plug wire, a data acquisition output wire outputting an engine on/off condition signal, a power supply providing power to the engine run sensing circuit, and an engine run sensing circuit configured to transform the spark plug signal into the engine on/off condition signal output via the data acquisition output wire.