Ignition Control Device Discharge Duration Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internal combustion engines face challenges in maintaining optimal ignitability due to discharge-current interruptions, which are exacerbated by high airflow rates and advanced ignition timing, leading to inefficiencies and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A control device that dynamically adjusts discharge current and duration based on engine speed, load, air-fuel ratio, and exhaust gas recirculation ratio to improve ignitability, prioritizing prolongation of discharge duration over increased current when conditions favor reduced interruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the magnitude of discharge current is increased to improve ignitability, then ignitability is improved, but energy consumption increases and thermal rating requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temporal parameter of discharge duration instead of increasing the magnitude parameter of discharge current. By prolonging the discharge duration, the system improves ignitability while maintaining the same current magnitude, thus avoiding increased energy consumption and thermal rating requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the discharge duration based on operating conditions such as airflow rate and ignition timing. The discharge control circuit extends the discharge duration when discharge-current interruption is likely to occur, creating a dynamic adaptation that improves ignitability without permanently increasing energy consumption.
2Reliability
If discharge current control is executed to improve ignitability, then ignitability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback control where the discharge control circuit monitors discharge conditions and adjusts discharge duration accordingly. When discharge-current interruption is detected or predicted (based on airflow rate and ignition timing), the system automatically extends the discharge duration to maintain ignitability, creating a closed-loop control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge control circuit automatically adjusts discharge parameters based on operating conditions without requiring external intervention. The system self-regulates by detecting when discharge-current interruption is likely to occur and autonomously extending the discharge duration to compensate.
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
The control device effectively enhances ignitability by selectively adjusting discharge parameters, reducing energy consumption and maintaining thermal ratings, thereby improving engine efficiency and stability across varying operating conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an ignition coil connected to the spark plug
Implementation Method 2
a discharge control circuit configured to maintain a discharge current after the spark plug starts electric discharge
Data Source
AI summary
An ECU outputs an ignition signal and a discharge waveform control signal. An ignition device performs a closing operation of an ignition switching device while the ignition signal is input into the ignition device. The ignition device adjusts a current flowing through a primary coil to a discharge current command value determined based on the discharge waveform control signal, by performing an opening-closing operation of a control switching device in a period in which the discharge waveform control signal is input into the ignition device after an input of the ignition signal into the ignition device is stopped. The ECU sets the discharge current command value that is a command value for a discharge current of a spark plug to a higher value as a rotation speed is higher, and prolongs a duration, in which discharge controller controls the discharge current, as the rotation speed is lower.