Ignition method and apparatus for internal combustion engine
US4124003A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 15, 1976 |
| Grant date | Nov 7, 1978 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 15, 1996 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF02B2075/027
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An internal combustion engine ignition apparatus includes a secondary spark plug having a center electrode to which a high voltage is applied. A cylindrical peripheral electrode surrounds the center electrode and has peripheral openings. Upon the formation of a corona discharge due to the high voltage applied to the center electrode, a strong ionic wind and convection of an air-fuel mixture are produced. The ionic wind causes fuel constituents to be gathered in the vicinity of the peripheral electrode thus preventing production of hydrocarbons due to cooling or quenching of the fuel on the combustion chamber wall. Initial ignition of the air-fuel mixture is by means of a main spark plug. The resultant flames are propagated to the corona discharge portion of the secondary spark plug. The corona discharge is then changed to secondary continuous spark discharge, to thereby positively fire the stratified air-fuel mixture. In another embodiment of the invention the auxiliary combustion chamber has a generally spherical configuration. The spherical auxiliary combustion chamber wall directs the extremely lean air-fuel mixture along a relatively long arcuate path back to outer side areas o…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.