Ignition Control Circuit Circulating-Current Power Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ignition systems experience high power dissipation and electrical stress in high-voltage applications, requiring precise dwell timing to prevent damage and hazardous conditions, which increases complexity and reduces reliability.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a circuit with a switch circuit, charge path control circuit, and circulating-current path control circuit that maintains a current threshold in the ignition coil's primary winding, allowing for controlled energy delivery to the secondary winding and reducing power dissipation through circulating-current control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If precise dwell timing control is implemented in conventional ignition systems, then the risk of under-dwell or over-dwell damage is reduced, but the system complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The ignition coil's primary winding automatically maintains a constant current through circulating-current control without requiring external timing control. The system self-regulates the current flow through the primary winding, eliminating the need for precise dwell timing control from the ECU and reducing system complexity while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the control parameter from time-based (dwell timing) to current-based (constant current threshold). By controlling the primary winding current to maintain a constant threshold value through circulating-current control, the system eliminates the complexity of precise timing control while ensuring reliable operation.
2Power
If high voltage batteries (24V, 48V) are used in ignition systems, then the power delivery capability is improved, but power dissipation and electrical stress increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful effect of high current flow into a beneficial circulating current that maintains constant power delivery. By creating a circulating-current path that continuously flows through the primary winding, the system maintains optimal current levels without excessive power dissipation, transforming the potential harm of high current into a useful self-regulating mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The circulating-current control implements periodic switching action to maintain constant current in the primary winding. The control circuit periodically switches the circulating current path to maintain the current threshold, creating a stable operating condition that reduces power dissipation while maintaining high power delivery capability.
3Device complexity
If conventional ignition control circuits are used, then the system structure is simple, but precise dwell timing is required to prevent damage and hazardous conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The ignition control circuit automatically maintains constant current through the primary winding using circulating-current control without requiring precise dwell timing input. The system self-regulates by continuously monitoring and adjusting the current flow, eliminating the need for precise timing control and simplifying the overall system operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the primary winding current and adjusting the circulating current path to maintain a constant threshold. This feedback mechanism automatically corrects any deviations from the desired current level, eliminating the need for precise open-loop dwell timing control.
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 reduces power dissipation and electrical stress, enhances system reliability, and eliminates the need for precise dwell timing, thereby preventing hazardous conditions and improving ignition system performance.
Implementation Method 1
the primary winding, the switch circuit and the charge path control circuit are electrically coupled in series... provide a current to charge the primary winding of the ignition coil
Data Source
AI summary
In an implementation, a method of operating an ignition circuit can include enabling a charge path control circuit and a switch circuit to charge a primary winding of an ignition coil of the ignition circuit until a threshold current is reached in the primary winding. After reaching the threshold current in the primary winding, the method can include maintaining a current in the primary winding of the ignition coil in correspondence with a current limit by alternatively activating and deactivating the charge path control circuit complementary to alternative activation and deactivation of a circulating-current path control circuit. During the maintaining the current in the primary winding, the method can include initiating a spark in a spark plug included in the ignition circuit, the initiating the spark including controlling an amount of energy delivered from the primary winding to a secondary winding of the ignition coil.