Ignition Device Plasma Impedance Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ignition devices for internal combustion engines face challenges in efficiently utilizing electromagnetic wave energy due to impedance mismatching, particularly when using multiple switches for impedance adjustment, which leads to power loss and difficulty in matching impedance with the varying plasma formation space.
Innovation Solution
The ignition device employs a power supply capable of generating high-frequency electromagnetic waves at multiple frequencies, adjusting the frequency output based on the impedance state of the plasma formation space to achieve impedance matching, using a combination of oscillators, a combiner, and a power supply control unit to optimize energy utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switches are used for impedance matching, then impedance adjustment capability is improved, but power loss increases and switching speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the switching function from the impedance matching mechanism and replaces it with a continuous variable impedance adjustment mechanism. The variable impedance element (such as a variable capacitor or inductor) directly adjusts impedance without requiring multiple discrete switches, thereby eliminating switching losses while maintaining impedance adaptation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical switching system with an electronic field-based impedance adjustment system. Instead of physically switching between multiple discrete impedance elements, the system uses a continuously controllable variable impedance element that adjusts impedance through electronic control, eliminating mechanical wear and switching power losses.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switches are used for impedance matching, then impedance adjustment capability is improved, but switching time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the discrete switching mechanism and replaces it with a continuous adjustment mechanism using a variable impedance element. This allows impedance to be adjusted continuously without the time delays associated with sequential switch operations, achieving both adaptability and speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static, discrete impedance levels provided by multiple switches into a dynamic, continuously adjustable impedance. The variable impedance element can change impedance values continuously and rapidly in response to plasma formation space conditions, achieving both adaptability and fast response time.
3Device complexity
If single frequency electromagnetic wave is used, then power supply simplicity is improved, but impedance matching capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the single-frequency power supply universal by combining it with a variable impedance element that can adapt to different plasma states. The power supply itself remains simple and single-frequency, but the overall system gains impedance matching capability through the variable impedance component, allowing one frequency to serve multiple impedance matching purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a variable impedance element as an intermediary between the simple single-frequency power supply and the plasma formation space. This intermediary component performs the impedance matching function, allowing the power supply to remain simple while the system as a whole achieves adaptability to varying plasma conditions.
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 allows for efficient energy use of electromagnetic waves by dynamically matching impedance with the changing plasma formation space, reducing reflected power and enhancing ignition efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic wave power supply that generates the electromagnetic wave and delivers an electromagnetic wave power to the spark plug
Implementation Method 2
the spark plug configured to emit an electromagnetic wave to a plasma formation space between the inner conductor and the outer conductor to generate a plasma
Data Source
AI summary
An ignition device ignites a mixture of air and fuel gas by plasma to generate an initial flame. The ignition device includes a spark plug having an inner conductor, a cylindrical outer conductor that holds the inner conductor inside, and a dielectric provided between the inner conductor and the outer conductor, and the spark plug configured to emit an electromagnetic wave to a plasma formation space between the inner conductor and the outer conductor to generate a plasma. The ignition device includes an electromagnetic wave power supply that generates the electromagnetic wave by inputting the electromagnetic wave power Ps to the spark plug and a power supply control unit that controls the electromagnetic wave power supply. The electromagnetic wave power supply is configured to generate high frequency power at a number of different frequencies. The power supply control unit outputs at least one of the plurality of high frequency powers generated by the electromagnetic wave power supply as the electromagnetic wave power.