Multi-Strike Ignition System for Engine Combustion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ignition systems for internal combustion engines are electronically complex and lack a single functional unit that can sustain an arc during repeated interruptions, fail to provide consistent charging, and do not allow for multiple strikes or delayed firing, which complicates fuel efficiency and combustion completeness.
Innovation Solution
An ignition system with a transformer having multiple windings and an electronic spark timing circuit that generates a square wave voltage, a multi-strike circuit for multiple strikes, a booster circuit for consistent energy storage, and a delay circuit for controlled spark duration, allowing for multiple strikes and delayed firing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single short-duration spark with low intensity is used, then the ignition system is simple, but combustion completeness and fuel efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using multiple sequential sparks instead of a single spark. The ignition system generates a series of sparks at predetermined intervals during the combustion cycle, creating periodic energy delivery to the combustion chamber. This multi-spark approach ensures more reliable and complete combustion while maintaining system simplicity through a single ignition coil design.
2Reliability
If multiple strikes are implemented, then combustion completeness improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple spark-generating functions into a single ignition coil assembly. The ignition coil incorporates a capacitor and control circuitry that enable it to produce multiple sequential sparks independently, eliminating the need for separate ignition units for each spark. This consolidation achieves multiple strikes without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ignition coil is designed as a multi-functional unit that can operate in different modes: single spark mode for simple applications and multi-spark mode for enhanced combustion requirements. The same physical component adapts its functionality based on control signals, providing universal operation across different combustion needs without requiring multiple specialized devices.
3Reliability
If strong turbulence or rotary flow is introduced, then fuel-air mixing improves, but arc sustainability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ignition system applies preliminary action by delivering multiple sequential sparks before the turbulent mixing fully develops. The first spark initiates combustion, and subsequent sparks are timed to reinforce the combustion process while the fuel-air mixture is still relatively stable. This preliminary multi-spark approach ensures ignition reliability before turbulence disrupts the arc.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuity of useful action through sequential sparks that maintain continuous energy delivery to the combustion chamber. Rather than relying on a single prolonged arc that turbulence would disrupt, the system delivers a series of shorter sparks in rapid succession, ensuring continuous combustion initiation energy throughout the critical ignition period despite turbulent conditions.
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
The system provides a simple, efficient means to control spark duration and multiple strikes, ensuring consistent charging and improved fuel efficiency, complete combustion, and reduced variability in combustion cycles.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer having a first primary winding and a second primary winding and a secondary winding... The first and second primary windings are connected to the power source such that the transformer produces an alternating voltage output from the secondary winding
Implementation Method 2
a capacitor connected in parallel with the second primary winding so as to sustain the arc across the spark plug during repeated interruptions of the square wave voltage
Implementation Method 3
The booster circuit also has an inductor cooperative with the capacitor so as to store energy from the power source and to pass power to the capacitor
Implementation Method 4
cause a high-voltage, short-duration electrical spark across the spark gap of the spark plug and ignite the fuel in the cylinder
Data Source
AI summary
An ignition system for an internal combustion engine has a power source, a transformer having a first primary winding and a second primary winding and a secondary winding, a connector extending from the secondary winding so as to connect with a terminal of a spark plug, and a multi-strike circuit cooperative with the electronic spark timing circuit so as to fire the transformer with multiple strikes between the falling edge and the rising edge. A booster circuit is cooperative at the electronic spark timing circuit so as to collect and store energy from the power source while the electronic spark timing circuit fires the transformer. A delay circuit fires the transformer at a time subsequent to the falling edge and before the rising edge.