Segmented Insulator for Multipoint Ignition Thermal Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing multipoint ignition devices with integrated spark generating conductor wires are difficult to manufacture due to their complex structure.

Innovation Solution

A multipoint ignition device with divided insulating members that can be formed separately and combined, featuring a higher thermal conductivity near the intake valve and lower thermal conductivity near the exhaust valve, allowing for easier assembly and maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If spark generating conductor wires are embedded in a ceramic plate-shaped insulating body to form multiple ignition gaps, then multiple spark generation points are achieved, but the manufacturing structure becomes complex and difficult to manufacture

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveignition reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating member is divided into multiple separate insulating pieces instead of using a single integrated ceramic plate. Each insulating piece can be manufactured independently and then assembled together, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining the multipoint ignition functionality. The conductor wires are also separated into multiple independent wires rather than being embedded in a single monolithic structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple separate insulating pieces are combined through adhesive layers to form the complete insulating member. This merging approach allows for simplified manufacturing of individual components while achieving the integrated functionality of multiple ignition gaps when assembled. The conductor wires are similarly combined with the insulating pieces through adhesive bonding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Stability of the object's composition

If a single integrated ceramic insulating body is used, then structural integrity is maintained, but manufacturing complexity increases and component replacement becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidcomponent replacement ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating member is segmented into multiple replaceable insulating pieces held together by adhesive layers. This segmentation allows individual pieces to be replaced independently if damaged, significantly improving ease of repair while maintaining overall structural integrity through the adhesive bonding between pieces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If uniform thermal conductivity is used throughout the insulating member, then manufacturing is simplified, but thermal management near intake and exhaust valves cannot be optimized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidthermal management
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

Different insulating pieces are assigned different thermal conductivity properties based on their location. Insulating pieces near the exhaust valve have lower thermal conductivity to withstand high temperatures, while pieces near the intake valve can have higher thermal conductivity. This local differentiation optimizes thermal management for each zone while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 design simplifies the manufacturing process and allows for easier replacement of individual components, reducing manufacturing complexity and improving thermal management within the engine.

Implementation Method 1

the divided insulating member close to an intake valve of the engine has a higher thermal conductivity than the divided insulating member close to an exhaust valve of the engine

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3366916B1Multipoint ignition device and multipoint ignition engine
Publication Date: 2019.08.14 MIYAMA
  • EP3366916B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3366916B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3366916B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A multipoint ignition device (100) for igniting an air-fuel mixture in a combustion chamber (4) of an engine (1) includes: an insulating member (12) formed in an annular shape such that an inner periphery thereof faces the combustion chamber (4); and a plurality of electrodes (14) held on the insulating member (12) so as to form a plurality of ignition gaps (17) in a circumferential direction inside the combustion chamber (4), wherein the insulating member (12) includes a plurality of divided insulating members (13) formed in divided form, and the divided insulating member (13b) close to an intake valve (8) of the engine (1) has a higher thermal conductivity than the divided insulating member (13a) close to an exhaust valve (9) of the engine (1).