Spark Plug Wet-Fouling Mitigation via Evaporative System Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for addressing spark plug wet-fouling, such as cranking the engine without additional airflow, are inefficient, leading to increased engine starting times and battery consumption, and do not effectively account for varying vehicle configurations and operating parameters.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the shutdown of fuel delivery to the combustion chamber, followed by the directed use of compressed air from an electrically driven compressor or an evaporative emissions system to dry wet-fouled spark plugs, with airflow selection based on the load of the fuel vapor storage canister and the state of charge of the system battery, to reduce engine starting times and emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the engine is cranked without additional airflow to dry wet-fouled spark plugs, then the system complexity is reduced, but the engine starting time increases and battery charge is consumed excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the evaporative emissions system pump to serve dual purposes: its original function for evaporative emissions management and a secondary function for providing airflow to dry wet-fouled spark plugs. The controller selectively activates the pump for spark plug drying when flooding conditions are detected, allowing one component to address multiple problems without adding dedicated drying equipment.
2Loss of time
If compressed air from an electrically driven compressor is directed through the combustion chamber to dry wet-fouled spark plugs, then the engine starting time is reduced, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by utilizing the evaporative emissions system pump, which is already part of the vehicle's operational systems, to provide the airflow needed for spark plug drying. Instead of adding a dedicated drying system that would consume additional energy, the invention repurposes an existing pump to serve the drying function, thereby reducing overall energy requirements while still achieving faster engine starts.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller dynamically changes the operational parameters of the evaporative emissions system pump by selectively activating it based on detected flooding conditions. The pump is activated only when wet-fouling is detected during engine cranking, allowing the system to adjust its energy consumption according to actual needs rather than operating continuously.
3Device complexity
If the evaporative emissions system pump is used to provide airflow for drying spark plugs, then the device complexity is reduced, but the load of the fuel vapor storage canister must be considered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by having the controller continuously monitor the load of the fuel vapor storage canister and adjust the operation of the evaporative emissions system pump accordingly. The controller determines whether to activate the pump for spark plug drying based on real-time feedback about canister load conditions, ensuring that the system adapts to current vehicle state and emissions requirements.
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 effectively reduces engine starting times and decreases vehicle emissions by providing on-demand airflow to dry wet-fouled spark plugs, thereby decreasing operator frustration and battery consumption.
Implementation Method 1
directing compressed air from an electrically driven compressor through the combustion chamber... to dry wet-fouled spark plugs
Implementation Method 2
directing compressed air from an electrically driven compressor through the combustion chamber... thereby reducing engine starting times
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for mitigating spark plug wet-fouling in an engine system. In one example, a method may include, after spark plug wet-fouling has been detected prior to an engine start, selecting between drying one or more of the wet-fouled spark plugs by routing a heated gas through one or more engine cylinders and by routing a compressed gas through the one or more engine cylinders. In this way, on-demand airflow may be provided to expedite spark plug drying.