Patent · US Expired

Method and apparatus for controlling spark timing in internal combustion engines

US4584978A · kind A · utility

10Cited by
10References
5Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 15, 1984
Grant dateApr 29, 1986
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 15, 2004

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02T10/40
  • WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An apparatus for controlling the spark timing of an internal combustion engine comprises means for generating a reference position signal with reference to a predetermined engine crankshaft position; waveform shaping means for generating a reference pulse signal having a leading edge advanced with respect to the predetermined crankshaft position as a function of the engine speed, in accordance with the reference position signal; means for detecting the amount of engine load; means for detecting the rotational speed of engine; means for computing a period of time elapsed from the leading edge of the reference pulse in accordance with the detected engine load and engine speed in order to establish a spark timing; means for detecting the variation of period between the leading edge and trailing edge of the reference pulse in relation to each cylinder; and means for correcting the computed period of time in accordance with the detected variation and for generating an output signal causing ignition to occur after the elapse of corrected period of time. The computer estimate spark timing for each cylinder is corrected in accordance with the variation of a period between the leading edge …

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.