Spark Plug Discharge Gap Measurement Using Standard Slit Reference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the discharge gap distance in spark plugs lack accuracy, making it difficult to ensure the gap is within the permissible range, which is crucial for improving engine performance and fuel efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the production of standard image data and gap image data using an image capturing device, where the distance of the discharge gap is determined by analyzing these images and compared to a standard slit segment width to assess if it falls within a predetermined allowable range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the allowable range of the discharge gap distance is reduced to improve engine performance, then the required measurement precision increases, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring the gap distance accurately increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a standard device with a known slit width as an intermediary reference object. This standard device is photographed together with the spark plug, and its known dimension serves as a reference scale to calculate the actual discharge gap distance from the image, thereby enabling accurate measurement without direct physical contact or complex measurement equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses image capture to create a visual copy of the spark plug and discharge gap. By photographing the spark plug with a standard device and analyzing the image data, the actual discharge gap distance is determined through image processing and comparison with the known standard slit width, replacing direct physical measurement methods
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 significantly improves the accuracy of determining whether the discharge gap is within the allowable range, thereby enhancing the production process and maintaining smaller tolerances, which can lead to better engine performance and fuel efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
producing standard image data representing a standard image by capturing an image of a standard device with an image capturing device
Implementation Method 2
producing gap image data representing a gap image which is an image including an image of the discharge gap, by capturing an image of the spark plug with the image capturing device
Data Source
AI summary
Standard image data representing standard image including image of slit of a standard device is produced by photographing the standard device including the slit which includes a standard slit segment having a predetermined width. A width of the standard slit segment in the standard image is determined by analyzing the standard image data. Gap image data representing a gap image which is an image including an image of a discharge gap of a spark plug is produced by photographing the spark plug. A distance of the discharge gap in the gap image is determined by analyzing the gap image data. By using the distance of the discharge gap in the gap image and the width of the standard slit segment in the standard image, it is determined whether an actual distance of the discharge gap is within a predetermined allowable range or not.