Ignition Coil Primary Control for Magnetic Induction Limits

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ignition devices for internal combustion engines face challenges in managing high magnetic induction levels on the primary side, which can lead to excessive currents and potential damage, while also requiring effective power transmission and precise control of ignition spark characteristics to prevent combustion misfires in high-turbulence combustion chambers.

Innovation Solution

A control device is implemented to limit the magnetic induction on the primary side of the ignition coil by interrupting or reducing the voltage if it exceeds a predetermined maximum value, using indirect methods such as evaluating switch-on and switch-off times or primary-side current measurements, and regulating the primary-side voltage supply to maintain an approximately linear relationship between magnetic induction and current, ensuring efficient power transmission and preventing component damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If high voltage is applied to the primary side of the ignition coil to ensure effective power transmission, then power transmission efficiency is improved, but excessive currents flow causing component damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transmission efficiencyVSAvoidcomponent durability
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control device continuously monitors the magnetic induction level on the primary side and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the voltage application. When magnetic induction reaches a predetermined maximum value, the control device interrupts or reduces voltage, preventing excessive currents while maintaining effective power transmission during normal operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static voltage application to dynamic control where the voltage is continuously adjusted based on real-time magnetic induction levels. This dynamic approach allows the system to operate at optimal power levels while automatically preventing conditions that would cause component damage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If magnetic induction is limited to prevent excessive currents, then component reliability is improved, but power transmission efficiency may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent protectionVSAvoidpower transmission effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The control device changes the operating parameters by monitoring magnetic induction levels and adjusting voltage application accordingly. By maintaining magnetic induction within optimal ranges (below saturation), the system ensures both component protection and effective power transmission, as relatively small changes in primary-side current cause relatively large changes in magnetic induction far below saturation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Duration of action of moving object

If high voltage is continuously applied to extend ignition spark duration, then burn time is improved, but magnetic induction exceeds maximum values causing component damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveignition spark durationVSAvoidprimary-side component integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control device applies voltage periodically rather than continuously, interrupting voltage when magnetic induction reaches maximum values and resuming when levels decrease. This periodic action pattern extends the overall ignition spark duration through multiple cycles while preventing component damage by avoiding sustained maximum magnetic induction levels

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 effectively prevents primary-side component damage, ensures efficient power transmission, and allows for precise control of ignition spark characteristics, including extended burn times and quick re-ignition, thereby enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the ignition process in high-turbulence combustion environments.

Implementation Method 1

The ignition coils of the generic ignition devices are transformers, on the secondary side of which the high voltage is applied to the spark plug. When operating these ignition coils, power is transferred from the primary side to the secondary side.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the control device is provided to interrupt or reduce the voltage applied to the primary side of the ignition coil if the magnitude of a magnetic induction B on the primary side of the ignition coil exceeds a predeterminable maximum value

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic induction: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP1854997B1Ignition device for a combustion engine
Publication Date: 2011.02.02 GE JENBACHER GMBH & CO OG
  • EP1854997B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1854997B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1854997B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The device has a controlling unit (12) and an ignition coil (3) that includes a primary side (15) fed by a voltage supply. The controlling unit interrupts or reduces the voltage applied to the primary side, when an amount of magnetic induction on the primary side exceeds a preset maximum value. The maximum value of the amount of magnetic induction lies below the saturated area of the ignition coil. The controlling unit determines the amount of magnetic induction on the primary side of the ignition coil.