Spark Plug Testing Kit with Sealed Observation Chamber

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional spark plug testing methods for small petrol engines are unsafe, unreliable, and inconvenient, as they can lead to inadvertent ignition, electrocution, and debris entering the combustion chamber, and fail to test the electrical distribution system simultaneously with the spark plug.

Innovation Solution

A portable spark plug testing kit with a sealed, transparent observation device and a spark plug opening engaging device that prevents debris entry, provides a secure electrical connection, and allows chamber decompression, ensuring safety and reliability by isolating the spark from flammable vapors and using an insulated earth lead connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the spark plug is removed and placed on the engine block for testing, then the spark can be observed, but fuel may be inadvertently ignited and the operator electrocuted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespark plug testing convenienceVSAvoidinadvertent ignition and electrocution risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary testing device that includes a transparent observation chamber and insulated grounding components. This mediator allows the spark plug to be tested safely by providing a controlled environment where the spark can be observed through the transparent chamber while the insulated components prevent direct contact with high voltage and proper grounding prevents electrocution. The intermediary device acts as a buffer between the operator and the dangerous electrical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the dangerous elements (high voltage spark generation and fuel ignition risk) from the direct testing process by using a separate, isolated observation chamber. The spark plug is tested within this extracted environment rather than directly on the engine block, allowing observation of the spark while removing the immediate hazards of fuel ignition and operator electrocution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If the spark plug is removed for testing, then the spark can be inspected, but debris may fall into the combustion chamber

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespark inspection capabilityVSAvoiddebris entering combustion chamber

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by providing a protective cap or cover that can be placed over the spark plug opening in the engine block before the spark plug is removed for testing. This preliminary protective measure prevents debris from falling into the combustion chamber during the testing process. The protective cap remains in place as a preventive measure throughout the testing operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If conventional testing methods are used, then the spark plug can be tested, but the electrical distribution system cannot be tested simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting efficiencyVSAvoidtesting scope

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional testing device that can test both the spark plug and the electrical distribution system simultaneously. The device includes components that allow connection to both the spark plug terminal and the electrical distribution system, enabling comprehensive testing in a single operation. This universal approach increases testing efficiency while expanding the scope of what can be tested.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The kit enables safe, convenient, and reliable testing of spark plugs by preventing ignition and electrocution, ensuring a secure electrical connection and preventing debris from entering the combustion chamber, while allowing for the inspection of the spark gap and testing of the electrical distribution system.

Implementation Method 1

the spark observation device comprises a transparent observation chamber so as to allow for the viewing of the spark gap of a spark plug installed therein

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Implementation Method 2

the observation chamber may be substantially airtight so as to substantially prevent or reduce the possibility of the inadvertent ignition of fuel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS10113527B2Spark plug testing kit

Publication Date: 2018.10.30 LEESON JOHN

AI summary

There is provided a spark plug testing kit for safe and convenient testing of petrol engines. The testing kit has a spark observation device within which a spark gap of a spark plug installed therein may be observed in use. The kit has a positive lead for connection to the engine distributor and an earth lead configured for connection to a spark plug opening engaging device. The spark plug engaging opening device comprises threading for turning into a spark plug socket of an engine block and defines an elongate male electrical connection nut standing proud therefrom over which a corresponding electrical connection of the earth lead may be easily and safely electrically connected. The spark plug engaging opening device further comprises exhaust ports through a side of the device for engine decompression during cranking.