Ignition Apparatus Variable Energy Control for Fuel Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ignition apparatuses for internal combustion engines lack the ability to variably adjust energy input to spark plugs, leading to excessive energy consumption and increased fuel consumption due to direct dependence on ignition coil specifications.
Innovation Solution
An ignition apparatus with a control system that calculates and adjusts the energy input to the spark plug based on in-cylinder flow velocity, cylinder pressure, and air-fuel ratio, using a first and second circuit to manage the primary and secondary coils, thereby controlling the spark discharge and preventing spark blowout.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the energy input to the spark plug is increased to ensure reliable ignition, then the ignition reliability is improved, but the fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the energy input amount variable rather than fixed. The control portion dynamically adjusts the energy input to the spark plug based on real-time engine operating conditions (cylinder pressure, air-fuel ratio, engine speed), allowing the system to optimize between ignition reliability and fuel consumption for each specific operating state
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of energy input amount from a constant value determined by ignition coil specifications to a variable parameter controlled by the control portion. By calculating and adjusting the energy input based on cylinder pressure, air-fuel ratio, and engine speed, the system adapts the ignition energy to match actual combustion requirements, reducing excessive energy consumption while maintaining reliable ignition
2Use of energy by moving object
If the energy input to the spark plug is reduced to improve fuel consumption, then the fuel efficiency is improved, but the ignition reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control portion dynamically adjusts the energy input parameter based on real-time sensor data (cylinder pressure, air-fuel ratio, engine speed). This allows the system to reduce energy input when conditions permit (improving fuel efficiency) while maintaining sufficient energy when combustion conditions require it (preserving ignition reliability)
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from sensors monitoring cylinder pressure, air-fuel ratio, and engine speed to continuously adjust the energy input to the spark plug. This closed-loop control ensures that the energy input is optimized for each operating condition, preventing both excessive energy consumption and insufficient ignition energy
3Reliability
If the secondary current is increased to prevent spark blowout, then the spark stability is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the secondary current dynamic by controlling its duration and magnitude based on real-time engine conditions. The control portion adjusts the secondary current parameters according to cylinder pressure and air-fuel ratio, providing sufficient current to prevent spark blowout during high-flow conditions while reducing current during normal operation to minimize energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The ignition system operates in periodic cycles with controlled energization and deenergization of the primary coil. The control portion manages the timing and duration of each cycle, including the secondary current phase, to provide spark stability when needed while minimizing overall energy consumption through optimized periodic operation
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 allows for variable energy input to the spark plug, improving fuel efficiency by reducing unnecessary energy consumption and extending the service life of the spark plug.
Implementation Method 1
an ignition coil including a primary coil and a secondary coil and a spark plug connected to the secondary coil and works to input energy to the spark plug using electromagnetic induction resulting from energization and deenergization of the primary coil, thereby producing a discharge of a spark
Data Source
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AI summary
An ignition apparatus for an internal combustion engine is provided. The ignition apparatus includes an ECU. The ECU calculates a target value E* of an energy input amount of energy inputted into a spark plug based on an in-cylinder flow velocity v, a cylinder pressure P, and an air-fuel ratio AFR. The ECU also calculates a command value I* of a secondary current based on the in-cylinder flow velocity and control an operation of a second circuit according to the target value E* and the command value I*. The calculation of the target value E* using the in-cylinder flow velocity v, the cylinder pressure P, and the air fuel ratio AFR enables the energy input amount to be controlled according to the operating state of the internal combustion engine. The calculation of the command value I* based on the in-cylinder flow velocity v enables the secondary current to be controlled so as to eliminate a risk of the blowout of sparks. The ignition apparatus is, thus, capable of variably changing the amount of energy inputted to the spark plug to improve the fuel consumption.