Spark plug heater control system for internal combustion engine
US5230309A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 10, 1992 |
| Grant date | Jul 27, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 10, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF02B1/04
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system for controlling heater mounted on a spark plug which ignites the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber of an internal combustion chamber. The heater-on time is determined such that it decreases with increasing engine temperature and increasing alcohol concentration. Current supplied to the heater is also determined such that it increases with increasing alcohol concentration and decreases with increasing engine temperature. Therefore, droplets at the spark plug caused by high alcohol concentration fuel can be removed while eliminating carbon fouling. The engine startablity can thus been improved without shorting the service life of the spark plug. Moreover, fuel injection amount is reduced so as not another fuel be deposited on a droplet fuel which is still being present. The heater is furthermore kept off when a starter motor is turning to supply sufficient power to the motor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.