Ignition Control Apparatus Preventing Blow Off via Energy Accumulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ignition control systems for internal combustion engines face issues with energy efficiency and complexity, particularly in preventing 'blow off' during spark-ignition, where ignition energy is lost due to zero discharge current between spark events, and previous solutions involving multiple coils consume excessive energy and increase system size and complexity.
Innovation Solution
An ignition control apparatus with a semiconductor switching element configuration that includes an ignition coil, a DC power supply, and an energy accumulation coil, where primary and secondary currents are managed through switching elements to maintain discharge current and prevent blow off, using energy accumulation and efficient energy input from a low voltage side to sustain ignition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple ignition coils are connected in parallel to maintain discharge current, then blow off is prevented, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by accumulating energy in a capacitor before the ignition discharge event. The capacitor is charged during a pre-charge phase and then discharges to maintain the ignition current during the spark period, ensuring continuous discharge without requiring multiple coils. This preliminary energy storage resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliability through single-coil configuration.
2Reliability
If multiple electric discharges are generated in one combustion stroke, then ignition reliability improves, but energy loss increases due to repeated current zero-crossings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by using a capacitor to maintain continuous current flow through the ignition coil during the entire spark period. The capacitor is charged beforehand and then discharges continuously, preventing the current from dropping to zero between discharge cycles. This eliminates energy loss while maintaining reliable ignition discharge throughout the combustion stroke.
3Reliability
If energy is supplied from high voltage side to maintain discharge current, then ignition reliability improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by charging the capacitor from the low-voltage power supply before the ignition event. This pre-charged capacitor then supplies the high-voltage energy needed for sustained discharge without requiring continuous high-voltage power input. The low-voltage side energy input is more efficient, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining reliable ignition.
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 solution effectively prevents blow off and associated energy loss while simplifying the system configuration, ensuring efficient energy input and maintaining discharge current, thus enhancing energy efficiency and reducing system complexity.
Implementation Method 1
an energy accumulation coil configured of an inductor, the inductor being interposed in a power line connecting the non-ground side output terminal of the DC power supply and the third power side terminal of the third switching element, the energy accumulation coil accumulating energy therein in response to turning on of the third switching element
Implementation Method 2
an ignition coil provided with a primary winding which allows a current to pass as a primary current therethrough and a second winding connected to the ignition coil, an increase and a decrease in the primary current generating a secondary current passing through the secondary winding
Data Source
AI summary
An ignition control apparatus of the present embodiment controls operation of an ignition plug provided so as to ignite an air-fuel mixed gas. The ignition control apparatus is characterized in that the ignition control apparatus includes: an ignition coil provided with a primary winding which allows a current to pass as a primary current therethrough and a second winding connected to the ignition coil, an increase and a decrease in the primary current generating a secondary current passing through the secondary winding; a DC power supply provided with a non-ground side output terminal, the non-ground side output terminal being connected to one end of the primary winding so that the primary current is made to pass through the primary winding; a first switching element configured of a semiconductor switching element provided with a first control terminal, a first power side terminal, and a first ground side terminal, the semiconductor switching element controlling on and off states of current supply between the first power side terminal and the first ground side terminal based on a first control signal inputted to the first control terminal, the first power side terminal being connected to the other end side of the primary winding, the first ground side terminal being connected to a ground side; a second switching element configured of a semiconductor switching element provided with a second control terminal, a second power side terminal, and a second ground side terminal, the semiconductor switching element controlling on and off states of current supply between the second power side terminal and the second ground side terminal based on a second control signal inputted to the second control terminal, the second ground side terminal being connected to the other end side of the primary winding; a third switching element configured of a semiconductor switching element provided with a third control terminal, a third power side terminal, and a third ground side terminal, the semiconductor switching element controlling on and off states of current supply between the third power side terminal and the third ground side terminal based on a third control signal inputted to the third control terminal, the third power side terminal being connected to the second power side terminal of the second switching element, the third ground side terminal being connected to the ground side; and an energy accumulation coil configured of an inductor, the inductor being interposed in a power line connecting the non-ground side output terminal of the DC power supply and the third power side terminal of the third switching element, the energy accumulation coil accumulating energy therein in response to turning on of the third switching element.