Integrated Ignition and Electronic Auto-Choke Module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic control systems for internal combustion engines are less than optimal in adjusting the fuel-to-air ratio, often requiring separate modules and increasing complexity and cost, while considering variables like engine speed and temperature in a standalone manner.

Innovation Solution

An electronic system that includes a controller, temperature sensors, and an actuator to dynamically control the choke valve, determining starting positions and ramps based on engine and ambient temperatures, and using feedback sensors to adjust the air-fuel ratio in real-time, integrated within an ignition module for improved engine performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate electronic control modules are used to control the choke valve, then the fuel-to-air ratio can be adjusted, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel-to-air ratio controlVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the ignition module and electronic choke control into a single integrated unit. The housing contains both the ignition coil and the electronic choke control circuitry, allowing the same module to perform both ignition and choke valve control functions. This integration eliminates the need for separate control modules, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining the ability to adjust the fuel-to-air ratio.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated module serves multiple functions: it provides ignition through the ignition coil and simultaneously controls the choke valve position through the electronic choke control circuitry. By making the module universal and multi-functional, the patent reduces the overall number of components needed in the engine control system, addressing the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate electronic control modules are used to control the choke valve, then the fuel-to-air ratio can be adjusted, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel-to-air ratio controlVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the ignition module and electronic choke control into a single integrated unit. The housing contains both the ignition coil and the electronic choke control circuitry, allowing the same module to perform both ignition and choke valve control functions. This integration eliminates the need for separate control modules, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining the ability to adjust the fuel-to-air ratio.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate modules are used for engine control, then specific functions can be controlled, but the engine compartment space is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengine control functionalityVSAvoidengine compartment space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the ignition module and electronic choke control into a single integrated unit. The housing contains both the ignition coil and the electronic choke control circuitry, allowing the same module to perform both ignition and choke valve control functions. This integration eliminates the need for separate control modules, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining the ability to adjust the fuel-to-air ratio.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Device complexity

If traditional choke control methods are used, then the system is simpler, but the engine starting and performance characteristics are suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system simplicityVSAvoidengine starting performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic choke control circuitry receives signals from the microcontroller based on engine operating conditions (such as temperature and load) and automatically adjusts the choke valve position accordingly. This feedback-based electronic control replaces traditional mechanical or manual choke control, improving engine starting and performance characteristics while maintaining reasonable system simplicity through integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10794313B2Integrated ignition and electronic auto-choke module for an internal combustion engine
Publication Date: 2020.10.06 DISCOVERY ENERGY LLC
  • US10794313B2 patent drawing
  • US10794313B2 patent drawing
  • US10794313B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An integrated ignition and electronic auto-choke module for an internal combustion engine and an internal combustion engine including the same. In one aspect, the module includes a housing that is configured to be mounted to an engine block of an internal combustion engine. The housing may contain at least a portion of a first temperature sensor that measures a first temperature indicative of an engine temperature. The housing may also contain a controller and at least a portion of an ignition circuit. The controller may be coupled to the first temperature sensor and configured to determine a starting position of a choke valve based on the first temperature and operate an actuator to move the choke valve into the starting position accordingly.