Spark Plug Phase Management Gauge Torque Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for managing the phase position of a spark plug's ground electrode are insufficient as they rely on specified tightening torque, which causes gasket deformation, making it impossible to reuse and compromising sealing performance.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses a management torque value lower than the specified torque to evaluate and manage the phase position of a spark plug with a gasket, employing a screw ring-form gauge with indicators for the upper and lower limit positions of the phase position, allowing for phase management without gasket deformation and maintaining sealing performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the specified tightening torque is applied to manage the phase position of the ground electrode, then the phase position accuracy is improved, but the gasket undergoes plastic deformation and cannot be reused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing phase position measurement at an intermediate stage before final tightening. The management torque (5-15 N·m) is applied temporarily to measure the phase position of the ground electrode, then the torque is released and the gasket is restored before final assembly. This allows accurate phase management without permanent gasket deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by applying and releasing the management torque in cycles. The gasket is repeatedly subjected to controlled torque application for measurement purposes, then allowed to recover, maintaining its elastic properties throughout the measurement process while achieving accurate phase position data.
2Reliability
If the specified tightening torque is applied to ensure sealing performance, then the sealing function is improved, but the gasket deforms and reuse becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the measurement function from the final assembly function by performing phase position measurement as a preliminary action before final tightening. The management torque is applied temporarily for measurement, then released to restore the gasket, allowing the same gasket to be used in final assembly without prior deformation.
3Reliability
If the management torque lower than specified torque is used, then the gasket deformation is prevented and reuse is enabled, but the phase position measurement accuracy may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing a management torque parameter that is distinct from the final tightening torque. The management torque (5-15 N·m) is optimized to be sufficient for accurate phase position measurement while remaining below the threshold that causes permanent gasket deformation, thus balancing measurement precision with gasket reuseability.
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 accurate phase management of the spark plug's ground electrode orientation without applying the specified torque, preventing gasket deformation and ensuring consistent sealing performance.
Implementation Method 1
a screwed shaft component that demonstrates a sealing function by plastic deformation
Data Source
AI summary
A management torque value smaller than a specified torque value is defined beforehand, and a screw ring-form, plug management gauge (11), which is capable of being screwed with plug (3), is prepared. Gauge (11) is provided with marked lines (14a, 14b) showing upper and lower limit positions of tolerance of the orientation of ground electrode (33) when plug (3) and gauge (11) have been screwed with each other. When plug (3) and gauge (11) have been screwed with each other and tightened at the management torque value, suitability of the phase position in the rotational direction is evaluated and managed by whether or not ground electrode (33) of plug (3) is in a range of marked lines (14a, 14b) showing the upper and lower limit positions of the tolerance. With this, it becomes possible to conduct a phase management with consideration of the crushing deformation characteristics of the gasket even with a torque lower than the specified tightening torque.