Single Ignition Coil for Three Spark Plugs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ignition systems for internal combustion engines face challenges in efficiently providing a spark-generating current to three spark plugs within a single combustion chamber, due to packaging constraints, controller requirements, and cost considerations, as conventional approaches involve using three distinct ignition coils.
Innovation Solution
A single ignition coil design featuring a magnetically-permeable core, primary and secondary windings, and a secondary winding configuration with multiple terminals to deliver spark-generating currents to three spark plugs, allowing for inductive coupling and controlled energy distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If three distinct ignition coils are provided for three spark plugs, then each spark plug receives reliable spark-generating current, but packaging size increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines three separate ignition coils into a single integrated ignition coil assembly that can simultaneously provide spark-generating current to three spark plugs. The secondary winding is divided into three sections with three respective terminals, allowing each spark plug to receive independent high-voltage output while sharing a common magnetic core and primary winding structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The single ignition coil assembly is designed to perform multiple functions by providing independent high-voltage output to three different spark plugs through the three secondary winding sections. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for three separate ignition coils while maintaining the ability to reliably ignite the air/fuel mixture at multiple locations in the combustion chamber.
2Reliability
If three distinct ignition coils are provided for three spark plugs, then each spark plug receives reliable spark-generating current, but controller requirements and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges three separate ignition coil assemblies into one unified structure with a single primary winding and three secondary winding sections. This reduction in the number of discrete components simplifies the controller architecture, as the controller now manages a single ignition coil assembly rather than coordinating three separate coils, thereby reducing controller complexity and associated costs.
3Volume of moving object
If a single ignition coil is used for two spark plugs, then packaging size is reduced, but providing current to three spark plugs becomes necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The ignition coil assembly is designed with universal adaptability to support three spark plugs through its three secondary winding sections and three respective terminals. This multi-functional configuration allows the single ignition coil to serve multiple spark plugs simultaneously, providing the necessary versatility for engines requiring three ignition points while maintaining compact packaging.
4Reliability
If three distinct ignition coils are used, then each spark plug has dedicated ignition control, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines three separate ignition coil assemblies into a single manufactured unit with shared magnetic core, primary winding, and housing. This consolidation reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating redundant components and simplifying the production process, while still maintaining dedicated ignition control for each of the three spark plugs through the three secondary winding sections.
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
Enables efficient and cost-effective provision of spark-generating currents to three spark plugs, allowing for optimized ignition characteristics and energy delivery, while reducing packaging size and controller complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a secondary winding disposed outward of the primary winding and inductively coupled to the primary winding
Implementation Method 2
a magnetically-permeable core, a primary winding disposed outward of the core
Data Source
AI summary
An ignition coil for an internal combustion engine includes a magnetically-permeable core a primary winding disposed outward of the core, and a secondary winding disposed outward of the primary winding and inductively coupled to the primary winding. The secondary winding has a left secondary winding section and right secondary winding section. A first end of the left secondary winding section is in electrical contact with a first terminal for delivering a first spark-generating current to a first spark plug. A first end of the right secondary winding section is in electrical contact with a second terminal for delivering a second spark-generating current to a second spark plug. A second end of the first secondary winding and a second end of a the second secondary winding is connected to a third terminal for delivering a third spark-generating current to a third spark plug.