Spark Plug Electrode Connection Structure for Stable Welding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional spark plug electrodes face issues with material loss and poor connectivity during welding due to the high thermal conductivity of the electrode core, leading to disruptions in the connection formation with spark plug components.

Innovation Solution

A spark plug electrode design featuring a connection area on the electrode base with materials differing from the electrode jacket, which completely covers the electrode core and jacket, enhancing thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance, and allowing for stable and homogeneous welding without material loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the electrode core is exposed at the electrode base for connection, then the thermal conductivity is improved, but material flows off during welding causing connection disruptions

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveconnectabilityVSAvoidmaterial flow
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode base is segmented into three distinct regions: an electrode core region (11) for thermal conductivity, an electrode sheath region (12) for corrosion protection, and a connecting region (13) for stable welding. This segmentation allows each region to perform its specific function without interfering with others, resolving the contradiction between exposing the core for connection and preventing material flow during welding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the electrode base are assigned different material properties: the electrode core (11) uses highly thermally conductive material, the electrode sheath (12) uses corrosion-resistant material, and the connecting region (13) uses weldable material. This local differentiation of material properties allows the electrode to simultaneously achieve high thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, and stable weldability without material flow during connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If a connecting region with different material is provided, then material flow is prevented improving connectability, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveconnectabilityVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting region (13) merges multiple functions into a single integrated structure: it serves as the connection interface for welding, acts as a protective barrier preventing material flow from the electrode core, and provides a stable thermal conduction path. This merging approach achieves improved connectability without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the connecting region is an inherent part of the electrode base rather than a separate component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution ensures stable and reliable connectivity to spark plug components, maintaining the electrode core's integrity and preventing material flow, while providing high corrosion and erosion resistance, and improved thermal conductivity for efficient heat dissipation.

Implementation Method 1

the electrode core is formed, in particular, from a highly thermally conductive material capable of quickly dissipating the high heat generated at the electrode tip

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

improves the connectability to another component of a spark plug, in particular by a thermal connection method, such as preferably welding

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Data Source

PatentEP3552283B1Spark plug electrode and method for producing a spark plug electrode
Publication Date: 2024.05.29 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3552283B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3552283B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3552283B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a spark plug electrode (2) with an electrode base (10) and an electrode tip (9) which comprises an electrode core (11), an electrode shell (12) surrounding the electrode core (11) and a connection area (13) for connecting the spark plug electrode (2) to another spark plug component, the connection area (13) being on the electrode base (10), and a material (17) of the connection area (13) and a material (14) of the electrode shell (12) are different.