Multipoint Ignition Electrode Heat Value Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

In multipoint ignition devices, all electrode pairs are set with identical heat values, leading to some pairs falling below the self-cleaning temperature, causing pollution, while others exceed the pre-ignition temperature, resulting in inconsistent performance.

Innovation Solution

Individual heat values are set for each electrode pair based on their position in the combustion chamber, considering heat transfer from the wall and gas, and heat loss to fresh air, to maintain temperatures within the appropriate range of 450°C to 1000°C.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If all electrode pairs are set with identical heat values, then manufacturing is simplified, but temperature uniformity across electrode pairs deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat value settingVSAvoidtemperature uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by setting different heat values for electrode pairs based on their specific positions in the combustion chamber. Each electrode pair's heat value is individually determined considering its unique thermal environment, including heat transfer from wall surfaces and combustion gases, as well as heat loss to fresh air. This ensures each electrode pair maintains optimal operating temperature for reliable ignition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If electrode pair temperature is increased above 1000°C, then self-cleaning effect is enhanced, but pre-ignition occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveself-cleaning effectVSAvoidpre-ignition
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the heat value parameters of each electrode pair to maintain operating temperatures within the optimal range of 450°C to 1000°C. By adjusting heat values based on position-specific thermal conditions, the system achieves sufficient self-cleaning effect to prevent carbon buildup while avoiding temperatures that would cause pre-ignition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If electrode pair temperature is decreased below 450°C, then pre-ignition is prevented, but carbon accumulation causes pollution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepre-ignition preventionVSAvoidcarbon pollution
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by setting appropriate heat value parameters for each electrode pair to ensure operating temperatures remain at or above 450°C. This minimum temperature threshold provides sufficient thermal energy to burn off carbon deposits through self-cleaning, preventing pollution while avoiding the harmful effects of pre-ignition that occur at higher temperatures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach ensures that all electrode pairs operate within the optimal temperature range, preventing pollution and pre-ignition, thereby improving engine performance and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of electrode pairs constituting ignition gaps are disposed around a cylinder opening portion such that an air-fuel mixture in a combustion chamber is ignited from the plurality of ignition gaps

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical discharge: Electric Spark

Implementation Method 2

the amount of heat received by the electrode pairs from the wall surface of the combustion chamber and the combustion gas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

the amount of heat lost to fresh air differ according to the position of the electrode pair

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat loss: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP2020715B1Multipoint ignition device
Publication Date: 2012.08.15 MIYAMA
  • EP2020715B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2020715B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2020715B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Respective heat values of a plurality of electrode pairs P1 to P8 are set individually such that the temperatures of all of the plurality of electrode pairs (P1 to P8) are kept within an appropriate temperature range in which a temperature no lower than a self-cleaning temperature is set as a lower limit temperature and a lower temperature than a pre-ignition temperature is set as an upper limit temperature.