Spark Plug Gap Measurement Using Optical Reference Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring the gap between the electrodes of a spark plug are inefficient, being either unreliable, inaccurate, and inconvenient, which hinders effective predictive maintenance.
Innovation Solution
An arrangement comprising a reference object with predetermined dimensions, an imaging device, and control circuitry that captures images of the spark plug electrodes and calculates the gap size by correlating pixel representations with the reference object's dimensions, enabling accurate and automated wear state assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual measurement techniques are used to measure the spark plug gap, then the measurement can be performed with simple equipment, but the reliability and accuracy of the measurement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with an automated optical imaging system. The imaging device captures images of the spark plug electrodes, and control circuitry automatically processes these images to determine the gap distance, eliminating the need for manual measurement while significantly improving accuracy and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy (image) of the spark plug electrodes using an imaging device. This optical copy is then processed by control circuitry to extract measurement data, allowing accurate gap determination without direct physical contact or manual intervention, thus resolving the contradiction between equipment simplicity and measurement precision.
2Device complexity
If manual measurement techniques are used to measure the spark plug gap, then the equipment required is simple, but the convenience and time efficiency of the measurement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual measurement operations with an automated imaging and image processing system. The control circuitry automatically captures images, processes them to identify electrode positions, and calculates the gap distance, eliminating time-consuming manual operations while improving convenience and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system performs self-service by automatically capturing images, processing the image data, and determining the gap measurement without requiring manual intervention. The control circuitry autonomously completes the entire measurement process, significantly improving operational convenience and reducing measurement time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adapted apparatuses are used to measure the spark plug gap, then some measurement capability is provided, but the reliability and accuracy of the measurement still deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces adapted mechanical measurement apparatuses with an optical imaging-based measurement system. This substitution enables more reliable and accurate gap measurements by using non-contact optical methods combined with automated image processing, overcoming the limitations of previous adapted apparatuses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional mechanical gap measurement to two-dimensional optical imaging measurement. By capturing the electrode geometry in an image and processing it computationally, the system achieves higher measurement precision and reliability while maintaining adaptability to different spark plug types.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an arrangement for measuring a gap between a first electrode and a second electrode of a spark plug, a method for measuring a gap between a first electrode and a second electrode of a spark plug and a computer storage medium for performing such method. The arrangement comprises a reference object having at least one pre-determined dimension, an imaging device configured to capture at least one image of the reference object and at least a portion of the first electrode and the second electrode and a control circuitry. The control circuitry is configured to receive information on the at least one pre-determined dimension of the reference object and the at least one captured image, detect a first pixel representation and a second pixel representation in the at least one captured image, wherein the first pixel representation is associated to the at least one pre-determined dimension of the reference object and the second pixel representation is associated to the gap between the first electrode and the second electrode. The control circuitry is further configured to determine a pixel dimension of a pixel element in the at least one image based on the first pixel representation and the at least one pre-determined dimension, and determine the gap based on the second pixel representation and the pixel dimension.