Control system for internal combustion engines
US5287836A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 17, 1992 |
| Grant date | Feb 22, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 17, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T10/40
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A control system for an internal combustion engine determines ignition timing of the engine and generates an ignition command signal to generate high voltage for discharging a spark plug provided for each cylinder of the engine. The control system detects sparking voltage generated across the spark plug when the high voltage is generated. The control system measures a duration over which the sparking voltage across the spark plug exceeds a predetermined reference value, after generation of the ignition command signal. According to a first aspect of the invention, the control system detects combustion roughness based on the duration measured. According to a second aspect of the invention, the control means detects an air-fuel ratio of an air-fuel mixture supplied to the engine, based on the duration measured.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.