Test apparatus for opto-electronic time based generator of an ignition system
US5184080A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 2, 1990 |
| Grant date | Feb 2, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 2, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T10/40
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A test and maintenance method and apparatus for an ignition system of an internal combustion engine, such as an outboard marine engine, which includes an advanced timing schedule, a nonadvanced timing schedule, and a circuit for switching between the two schedules or disabling both schedules based upon engine operating conditions. The ignition system includes an opto-electronic time base generator which produces two sets of timing pulses relative to crankshaft position which are nonadvanced timing pulses and advanced timing pulses. The time base generator comprises two LED phototransistor pairs and an encoder disk attached to the crankshaft with slots to interrupt the radiation path between each LED-phototransistor pair. The encoder disk is provided with a synchronizing slot, multiple timing slots associated with the cylinders of the engine, and a direction slot. The test function of the apparatus verifies the timing and sequence of timing pulses. The maintenance function of the apparatus provides a visual indication of reference locations such that the engine may be timed statically.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.