Pre-Chamber Spark Plug Layout for Diverging Ignition Jets

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing prechamber spark plugs have a complex structure with high manufacturing complexity and do not achieve optimal ignition of the fuel-air mixture due to the arrangement of transfer passages and resulting ignition flare paths.

Innovation Solution

The prechamber spark plug design features transfer passages with diverging central axes towards the main combustion chamber, creating a flow profile and swirl level for improved gas exchange and combustion, and is produced using a forming process with a nickel alloy cap for enhanced heat and corrosion resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If transfer passages are arranged with parallel or converging central axes, then the structure is simpler, but ignition of the fuel-air mixture is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveignition qualityVSAvoidtransfer passage arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by arranging transfer passages with diverging central axes instead of parallel or converging axes. This asymmetric configuration creates a specific flow profile and swirl level that improves gas exchange and combustion, thereby enhancing ignition quality while maintaining a relatively simple structural concept.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Ease of manufacture

If multiple individual parts are used to create the prechamber spark plug, then manufacturing flexibility is increased, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction simplicityVSAvoidnumber of individual parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functional components into a single integrated prechamber assembly. The cap, transfer passages, and electrode structures are combined into one piece that can be manufactured as a single component, eliminating the need to manufacture and assemble multiple separate parts. This reduces manufacturing complexity and production costs while maintaining the necessary functional flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3378136B1Pre-chamber spark plug and method for producing a pre-chamber spark plug
Publication Date: 2024.02.07 DKT VERW
  • EP3378136B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3378136B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3378136B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a pre-chamber spark plug, comprising a housing (3), a ground electrode, a cap (9), which closes the pre-chamber (5), and a central electrode (6, 7), which is arranged within the pre-chamber (5), transfer passages (10) being formed in the cap (9), whih pre-chamber spark plug is characterized in that the center axes (11) of the transfer passages (10) diverge as viewed in the direction of the main combustion chamber. The invention further relates to a method for producing such a pre-chamber spark plug.