Ignition Transmission Element With Conductive Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ignition systems for internal combustion engines, particularly gasoline engines, face limitations in optimizing the combustion process due to inefficiencies in transmitting high ignition voltages and high-frequency signals to spark plugs, which can lead to suboptimal combustion efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a transmission element with an electrically conductive coating having lower impedance than the contact element, allowing for optimized transmission of both high ignition voltage and high-frequency signals, where the coating is made from materials with higher electrical conductivity and lower magnetic permeability than traditional materials, such as steel, and is applied in multiple layers to enhance signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a traditional contact element (e.g., steel high-voltage conductor) is used to transmit ignition voltage, then the structural strength and durability are maintained, but the impedance is too high which reduces transmission efficiency of high-frequency signals
Solution Approach 1:
The contact element is constructed as a composite structure with an inner core (steel or stainless steel) providing mechanical strength and an outer electrically conductive coating (copper, silver, or aluminum) providing low impedance. This composite design combines the advantages of both materials to achieve both structural integrity and optimal electrical performance for high-frequency signal transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the contact element have different properties: the inner core provides mechanical strength throughout, while the outer coating provides electrical conductivity where needed for signal transmission. This local differentiation of material properties optimizes both structural and electrical functions without unnecessary complexity.
2Reliability
If the contact element is made from highly conductive material, then the electrical conductivity is improved, but the magnetic permeability is too high which increases impedance for high-frequency signals
Solution Approach 1:
The contact element uses a composite structure where the inner core (steel or stainless steel) provides mechanical strength and the outer coating (copper, silver, or aluminum) provides both high electrical conductivity and low magnetic permeability. This combination ensures reliable signal transmission while minimizing impedance effects on high-frequency signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the magnetic permeability parameter by selecting materials with low magnetic permeability (μr < 100, preferably μr < 10) for the outer coating. This parameter change reduces the impedance effect on high-frequency signals while maintaining high electrical conductivity, thereby improving signal transmission reliability.
3Productivity
If a coating with lower impedance is applied to the contact element, then the transmission of high-frequency signals is optimized, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The contact element is manufactured as a composite with an inner core and outer coating. Common manufacturing methods include electroplating, thermal spraying, or metallurgical bonding, which are established industrial processes. This approach balances improved productivity in combustion efficiency with reasonable manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention specifies parameter ranges for the coating (electrical conductivity ≥ 1.4×10^6 S/m, magnetic permeability μr < 100, thickness 1-30 μm) that can be achieved through standard manufacturing processes. These parameter specifications enable optimization of combustion process efficiency while maintaining ease of manufacture through conventional coating technologies.
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 solution enables improved combustion efficiency by ensuring effective transmission of high ignition voltages and high-frequency signals to the spark plug, leading to enhanced plasma processes and optimized combustion in internal combustion engines.
Implementation Method 1
the transmission element has a contact element that is provided, at least along a section of its longitudinal axis, with an electrically conductive coating, and the impedance of the coating is lower than the impedance of the contact element
Implementation Method 2
The fact that a high-frequency signal is superimposed on the high ignition voltage results in advantageous combustion in the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine by means of an ignition spark and a subsequent plasma process
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus for igniting a fuel mixture. Set apparatus comprises an ignition system for generating a high-voltage ignition voltage as well as a circuit device comprising a circuit for superimposing a high-frequency signal on to the high-voltage ignition voltage. The apparatus further comprises a spark plug in an engine block as well as a transmission element for transmitting the ignition voltage, onto which the high-frequency signal has been superimposed, to the spark plug. The transmission element includes a contact element which is provided with an electrically conductive coating along at least one portion of the longitudinal axis of the contact element, the impedance of the coding being lower than the impedance of the contact element.