Integrated Ion Sensing and Gas Sampling Probe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ion current sensors in combustion systems cannot accurately determine the correlation between chemical products formed during combustion and ion current signals, limiting the ability to control internal combustion engines effectively under various operating modes and fuels, especially for stringent emission standards.
Innovation Solution
An in-cylinder gas sampling probe is modified to simultaneously measure ion current and gas samples, allowing for the identification of species such as NOx, CO, CO2, and hydrocarbons' effects on ionization signals, enabling better understanding and control of combustion processes in internal combustion engines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate ion current sensors and gas sampling systems are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and correlation accuracy between chemical products and ion current signals deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines ion current sensing and gas sampling functions into a single integrated probe device. The probe includes both an ion current sensor and a gas sampling system with shared components (housing, positioning mechanism), allowing simultaneous measurement at the same location to establish accurate correlations between chemical products and ion current signals while reducing the number of separate devices needed
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated probe serves multiple functions: it performs both ion current sensing and gas sampling through a single device structure. The shared housing and positioning system support both measurement modalities, making the device universal for combustion analysis applications where both electrical and chemical data are needed
2Loss of information
If multiple separate measurement devices are used, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of information increases due to inability to correlate signals from different locations
Solution Approach 1:
By merging ion current sensing and gas sampling into one probe, the system eliminates the information loss that occurs when measurements are taken at different locations. Both sensors measure the same combustion environment simultaneously, preserving the correlation between ion current signals and gas composition data that would be lost with separate devices
3Measurement precision
If simple ion current sensors are used, then manufacturing precision requirements are reduced, but measurement precision of combustion characteristics deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is segmented into distinct functional modules: ion current sensing elements, gas sampling ports, heating elements, and signal processing components. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized and manufactured independently with appropriate precision levels, while the integrated assembly provides comprehensive combustion characterization capability
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 provides detailed insights into combustion and emission characteristics, enabling improved control strategies to meet stringent emission standards and optimizing engine performance across different fuel types and operating regimes.
Implementation Method 1
Ion current sensors have been used to characterize combustion in different systems. These sensors may be used to identify various stages in the combustion cycle and may also be used to provide information about the output of the combustion process.
Implementation Method 2
An in-cylinder gas sampling probe is modified to simultaneously measure ion current and gas samples, allowing for the identification of species such as NOx, CO, CO2, and hydrocarbons' effects on ionization signals
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method is provided for simultaneous ion current sensing and gas analysis. The system acquires an ion current signal and analyzes the composition of a corresponding gas sample.