Ignition Control Device Re-strike Suppression Without Extra Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ignition control devices for internal combustion engines face increased product costs and unnecessary energy consumption due to the need for additional components to prevent re-strike, which causes wear on ignition plug electrodes.
Innovation Solution
An ignition control device that calculates and compares the end timing of re-energization with a timing where re-strike frequency decreases, determining whether to perform re-energization, thereby minimizing energy consumption and avoiding unnecessary component additions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional components (secondary current measurement device and circuit switching component) are added to prevent re-strike, then re-strike suppression is improved, but device complexity and product cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ignition control device uses the existing ignition control unit to perform dual functions: normal ignition control and re-strike suppression. The control unit utilizes available signals (ignition signal timing, turbine pressure sensor data) to determine re-strike risk and control primary coil energization accordingly, without requiring external measurement devices or switching components.
Solution Approach 2:
The ignition control unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls both the primary ignition discharge and the re-strike prevention by managing primary coil energization based on calculated timing and pressure conditions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated re-strike suppression components.
2Reliability
If primary coil is re-energized without determining re-strike occurrence, then re-strike suppression may be achieved, but unnecessary energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ignition control unit uses feedback from the turbine pressure sensor to monitor in-cylinder pressure conditions and combines this with ignition signal timing information to determine the likelihood of re-strike. Based on this feedback, the control unit intelligently decides whether to re-energize the primary coil, avoiding unnecessary energization when re-strike is not expected.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit calculates the expected end timing of secondary current in advance and compares it with the actual ignition signal timing before deciding on re-energization. This preliminary assessment allows the system to prepare for potential re-strike suppression only when necessary, rather than continuously energizing the primary coil.
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 suppresses re-strike occurrence with minimal energy consumption, reducing wear on ignition plug electrodes without adding components to the ignition circuit, thus maintaining efficiency and prolonging plug lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
a secondary voltage and a secondary current induced in the secondary coil by the interruption of the primary current are applied to an ignition plug
Implementation Method 2
an air-fuel mixture is ignited in a combustion chamber in a cylinder by spark discharge generated when a secondary voltage and a secondary current induced in the secondary coil
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an ignition control device capable of suppressing wear of an ignition plug due to occurrence of a re-strike without adding a component. An ECU 123 used as an ignition control device includes: an ignition signal calculation unit 203 that calculates a start timing and an end timing of re-energization with a primary current in one ignition process, compares the end timing of the re-energization with the timing at which the frequency of occurrence of a re-strike decreases, and determines whether to perform the re-energization; and an ignition signal generation unit 204 that generates an ignition signal for generating at least one or more spark discharges in the ignition process, outputs the ignition signal to the ignition coil, then generates the ignition signal when the ignition signal calculation unit determines to perform the re-energization, outputs the ignition signal to the ignition coil at the start timing of the re-energization, and does not generate the ignition signal when the ignition signal calculation unit determines not to perform the re-energization.