Spark Plug State Detection Using Ignition Coil Current Rise Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internal combustion engines face misfires due to ignition system malfunctions and inappropriate fuel-air mixtures, leading to unburnt fuel accumulation and potential engine damage, which existing monitoring systems fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A method for monitoring the ignition system of an internal combustion engine that determines the current spark plug state in real-time by analyzing the risetime duration of the primary current of the ignition coil, using a control unit to compare this value with reference values under different engine operation conditions, and performing sparkability and ignitability tests to identify abnormal behaviors and misfires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing monitoring systems are used to detect ignition malfunctions, then misfire detection capability is provided, but the systems fail to adequately identify spark plug wear and distinguish between ignition system failures and fuel-air mixture problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent monitors changes in electrical parameters (current, voltage, frequency) of the ignition system over time to detect spark plug wear. By tracking parameter drift rather than just threshold violations, the system can distinguish between gradual wear and sudden failures, improving both detection accuracy and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from multiple sensors (crank angle sensor, ignition coil signals) to continuously monitor combustion events and compare actual performance against expected values. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt to changing engine conditions and maintain reliable misfire detection while identifying specific failure modes.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive monitoring of all ignition parameters is implemented, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit leverages existing ignition system components (ignition coil, crank angle sensor) to serve multiple diagnostic functions. The same sensors used for basic ignition timing control are also utilized to detect misfires, monitor spark plug health, and identify failure modes, eliminating the need for dedicated diagnostic hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The ignition system components themselves provide diagnostic information about their own state. The ignition coil's electrical characteristics reveal spark plug condition, and the combustion events provide feedback on system performance, allowing the system to self-diagnose without external monitoring equipment.
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 method effectively identifies spark plug wear and misfires, allowing for timely maintenance and preventing engine damage by determining the spark plug state based on empirical maps and electrical parameters, thereby improving engine operation and reducing the risk of explosions.
Implementation Method 1
An ignition system (56) including a ignition coil (54) and the spark plug (30), wherein the control unit (50) is electronically connected to the ignition coil (54)
Implementation Method 2
the electrical parameter associated with an operation of the spark plug (30) being a current risetime duration of a primary current of the ignition coil (54)
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for monitoring an ignition system (56) including a spark plug (30) of an internal combustion engine (1) is disclosed. The method comprises determining (108) an operation value (CR) associated with an electrical parameter indicative of an operation of the ignition system (56) during actuation of the spark plug (30). The method further comprises determining (106) at least one parameter indicative of a current engine operation condition of the internal combustion engine (1), and determining (116) a current spark plug state of the spark plug (30) based on the at least one engine parameter and the operation value (CR) associated with the electrical parameter of the ignition system (56).