Ignition System Residual Charge Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ignition spark discharges in internal combustion engines can occur at unsuitable times due to residual energy in the ignition system, leading to potential engine damage from uncontrolled combustion.
Innovation Solution
A method is implemented to generate a conductive path at the spark gap before an unsuitable time, reducing residual charge by creating a conductive path at a specific point in the combustion cycle when turbulence is low or during non-ignitable mixture conditions, ensuring controlled discharge and preventing uncontrolled ignition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If residual energy remains in the ignition system capacitances, then voltage remains across the spark gap which can lead to unwanted discharge and ignition spark, but generating an additional ignition spark to dissipate the charge consumes additional energy and requires precise timing control
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit initiates a controlled discharge spark at a predetermined time after the basic ignition spark, before the residual energy can cause unwanted ignition. This preliminary action dissipates the remaining charge in the capacitances at a safe moment in the combustion cycle, preventing subsequent harmful discharges.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful residual energy that could cause unwanted ignition is converted into a beneficial controlled discharge. By intentionally triggering an additional spark at a predetermined safe moment, the system uses the same ignition mechanism to safely dissipate the residual charge, transforming a potential hazard into a controlled protective action.
2Reliability
If a controlled discharge ignition is generated to dissipate residual charge, then unwanted ignition spark is suppressed, but the discharge must be precisely timed to avoid damaging uncontrolled ignition of the mixture
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is programmed with predetermined timing information that specifies exactly when to generate the controlled discharge spark relative to the basic ignition spark and combustion cycle events. This preliminary programming of timing parameters simplifies the control logic while ensuring the discharge occurs at a safe moment when no ignitable mixture is present.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit monitors the ignition system state and uses this information to determine the appropriate timing for the controlled discharge. By detecting conditions such as spark plug firing status and combustion chamber state, the system dynamically adjusts the discharge timing to ensure safety while maintaining simplicity in the control approach.
3Power
If the spark penetrates an ignitable mixture at the ignition time, then the mixture combusts and drives the engine, but residual energy can cause a later discharge when mixture pressure and turbulence are lower leading to uncontrolled combustion
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a preliminary controlled discharge of residual energy at a predetermined time when the combustion chamber conditions are safe (after the power stroke or during exhaust stroke). This preliminary action eliminates the residual charge before it can cause harmful ignition during subsequent intake or compression strokes when ignitable mixture would be present.
Solution Approach 2:
The controlled discharge spark acts as a preliminary anti-action to prevent the harmful effect of unwanted ignition. By actively dissipating the residual charge in capacitances at a predetermined safe moment, the system counteracts the potential harmful discharge before it can occur, protecting the engine from uncontrolled combustion damage.
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 effectively suppresses ignition spark discharges at inappropriate times, protecting the engine by ensuring that residual energy is safely discharged when the mixture is not ignitable, thereby reducing the risk of damage and energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
generating a conductive path by means of an ignition spark at the spark gap
Implementation Method 2
creating a conductive path in the combustion chamber at the spark gap
Implementation Method 3
a current flow through the primary side of an inductive system is interrupted, causing a spark on the secondary side to occur
Implementation Method 4
Residual energy can remain in the ignition system's capacitances, which can include, for example, parasitic capacitances of the secondary winding
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An ignition system and a method for inhibiting ignition spark discharge at a spark gap at an inappropriate point in time are proposed. The method is characterized by the detection of spark breakaway and/or failed ignition and, in response thereto, by the generation of a conductive path by an ignition spark at the spark gap at an appropriate point in time.